The Ford F-150 has long been seen as America’s full-size truck. Next to the Ram 1500, it is consistently one of the hottest vehicles on the market. But, although the F-150 is popular, it is not without its problems. Depending on the model year, one vital component seems to fail. The transmission of the Ford F-150. 

Which Ford F-150 models have unreliable transmissions?

Back in 2019, Ford was forced to issue a recall of 1.3 million F-150s made from 2011-2013. Apparently, when the trucks were in motion, the six-speed automatic transmission would unexpectedly shift into first gear. Because of this, the chance of an accident was increased, as the driver would lose control of the pickup. 

The problem was caused by a speed sensor that would temporarily stop communicating with the truck’s powertrain. If a downshift did happen, the rear wheels could lock up. Which is not something that you want to have happen while driving at highway speeds. To fix the recall, dealerships would provide a no-cost software update.

Does the new F-150 have transmission problems?

Old Ford F-150 models are not the only full-size truck with transmission issues, apparently, new models with the 10-speed automatic transmission can be problematic. Owners report random shifting, gears slipping, and hesitation problems. 

According to Vehicle History, these problems tend to occur with models between 2017 and 2020. There is even a class-action lawsuit against Ford because of the transmission. So clearly, it has impacted a variety of owners. 

Should you buy a Ford F-150?

If you are interested in a full-size truck, the F-150 is a good option. The 2023 F-150 is available in a range of configurations, meaning you can likely find a pickup that fits your specific needs. Whether it be the power of a V8 or a hybrid engine. 

Trims vary from a basic work truck to a true luxury family hauler. And that shows just how versatile today’s trucks are. They have gone from simple tools to something that many opt to drive on a daily basis. Even if they do not do truck stuff. 

At the same time, full-size trucks are certainly not cheap. For a 2023 F-150 XL, you will pay $33,695 before options. If you want a top-trim F-150, expect a price tag of nearly $90,000. And that is definitely luxury car territory. But the F-150 Limited does bring a lot to the table. 

Which 2023 F-150 is best?

In terms of value proposition, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat seems like the best buy. It is more expensive than the more basic trims, but it does come with plenty of features and more comfort. If the Lariat is not in the cards, the XLT is probably the next best thing. 

Even with potential transmission issues, you should not shy away from Ford’s full-size trucks. From the hybrid engine to the variety of trims, there is likely an F-150 that will work for most buyers’ needs. There is a reason that Ford invests some much time and resources into this vehicle.