The FordâÂÂGM 10-speed automatic transmission is part of a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and General Motors to design and engineer two transmissions: a longitudinal 10-speed transmission and a transverse 9-speed trans-axle. Each company manufactures its own unique version of the transmissions in its own factories. The 10-speed transmission was designed by Ford, while the 9-speed transmission was designed by GM.
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The 10R 80 was first produced at the Ford Livonia Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan, and the Hydra-Matic 10L 80 is made at the General Motors Romulus Powertrain Plant, in Romulus, Michigan. GM's Silao, Mexico, transmission plant started 10L 80 production in 2018, while Ford's Sharonville Transmission plant started 10R 80 production in 2018.
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The transmission is based on the well-known 8-speed automatic transmission 8HP from ZF. A unique triple-clutch assembly on a dedicated intermediate shaft, placed in the middle of the architecture, replaces two ordinary clutches and is the key for packaging the 10-speed unit into the same space as the previous transmission.
These weaknesses largely offset the advantage of the additional gears.
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Source
At least five class action lawsuits have been filed regarding vehicles equipped with Ford's 10R 80 transmission. Several have since been consolidated to a single case being heard in Illinois. The lawsuits allege safety issues due to harsh and erratic shifting, which causes jerking, lunging, clunking and hesitation between gears. At least one case also cites sudden loss of power due to transmission issues. It is also alleged that Ford is aware of these issues and re-designed the CDF hub inner sleeve along with publishing several TSBs related to the concern.
McCabe v. Ford Motor Company cites 38 different NHTSA complaints regarding the 10R 80 transmission. The complaints encompass the 2019âÂÂ2022 Ford Ranger, 2018âÂÂ2021 Ford Expedition, 2018âÂÂ2022 Ford Mustang, 2018âÂÂ2021 Lincoln Navigator, and 2021 Ford F-150.
Some of the lawsuits have been dismissed or partially dismissed. As of October 2023, at least one of these lawsuits is still ongoing.