The Ford/GM-codeveloped 10R80 (Ford) and 10L80/10L90 (GM) 10-speed automatic transmissions launched in 2017 and quickly developed a reputation for harsh shifts, torque converter shudder, and 1-2 / 2-3 flares. Ford addressed it with TSB 21-2174 (software flash and valve body update), but many owners still report problems. This page lists every affected vehicle and the current remedy status.
If your dealer hasn't applied TSB 21-2174 (and the related valve body update), insist on it before any paid repair. Many 10R80 complaints are fully resolved by the software + valve body fix.
Three main complaints surface: (1) torque converter shudder between 30-50 mph, often felt as low-frequency vibration; (2) harsh 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts; (3) downshift clunks when slowing. Causes are a mix of valve body wear (specifically the lead frame and main control valve), torque converter clutch material degradation, and outdated TCM calibration.
| Brand | Model | Years | Engine | Remedy | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | F-150 | 2017-2020 | 2.7L / 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L | TSB 21-2174 software + valve body | High |
| Ford | Expedition | 2018-2020 | 3.5L EcoBoost | TSB 21-2174 | High |
| Ford | Mustang | 2018-2023 | 2.3L EcoBoost, 5.0L Coyote | TSB 21-2174 + flash | Medium |
| Ford | Ranger | 2019-2023 | 2.3L EcoBoost | TSB 21-2174 | Medium |
| Ford | Explorer | 2020-2024 | 2.3L / 3.0L EcoBoost, 3.3L V6 | TSB 21-2174 | High |
| Lincoln | Aviator / Navigator | 2020-2024 | 3.0L EcoBoost / 3.5L EcoBoost | TSB 21-2174 | Medium |
| GM (10L80) | Camaro / Silverado / Tahoe / Yukon | 2017-2022 | 6.2L L86/L87, 5.3L L84 | GM bulletin 19-NA-206 + flash | Medium |
| GM (10L90) | Silverado HD, Sierra HD, Escalade | 2018-2023 | 6.2L, 6.6L | GM service program; valve body in some cases | Medium |
Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls). Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.
Recalls are tied to specific VINs, not just model years. Run yours through these free tools before you buy, sell, or schedule a repair:
Use our free VIN decoder to pull build info, or run a free AI diagnosis if you already have symptoms.
Active and prior 10R80 / 10L80 litigation:
Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause and repair estimate in under 30 seconds.
Run a Free Diagnosis100% free · No signup · Powered by NHTSA + AI
No, it is a Technical Service Bulletin with associated Customer Satisfaction Program. The flash and valve body update are typically free for vehicles still under powertrain warranty.
In many cases yes. If the torque converter clutch is already worn, the TSB will not fully resolve the shudder and a torque converter replacement may be required.
Only if your truck is within 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty (or 100K powertrain for some build dates). Out-of-warranty replacements run $2,500-4,500.
Pull the OASIS report from your dealer or request a calibration history report. The flash level (e.g., DJDA-14C204) should match the latest TSB calibration.
They share architecture but use different valve bodies, calibrations, and torque converters. Symptoms are similar but remedies are not interchangeable.
Once updated, most units run reliably to 150K+ miles. Pre-update units have a higher failure rate.