Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Gearbox Under ScrutinyFord has been dealing with several reliability issues, but perhaps one of its most notable problem areas involves transmissions – particularly the 10-speed 10R80 automatic, whose underlying architecture was jointly developed with General Motors. It has been used in a wide range of vehicles since debuting in the 2017 F-150, marking the first application of a 10-speed auto in a production pickup. To see how bad the gearbox can get, this particular 2018 Expedition has fewer than 100,000 miles yet may require a third transmission.Car Wizard on YouTube highlighted the story of this Expedition, an XLT powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. The full-size SUV did not appear to have significant problems with components such as the intercooler, brakes, or suspension, leaving the transmission as its main concern. The situation has become so frustrating that the owner is willing to risk complicating the remaining warranty coverage by having an independent shop install a temporary cooling measure while deciding what to do next.Far Too SoonThere is no universally accepted mileage at which a transmission should fail, but requiring multiple replacements this early is clearly premature. The Expedition's factory transmission reportedly failed at around 64,000 miles, after which a dealership installed a replacement unit.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat second 10R80 has covered only about 20,000 miles, bringing the Expedition's total mileage to approximately 84,000. Upon inspection, its fluid was already much darker than expected, potentially indicating heat-related degradation, clutch-material contamination, or other internal wear.The mechanic did not perform a comprehensive internal diagnosis of the transmission, so the exact cause of its repeated failures remains unclear. However, frequent towing, heavy loads, or hard driving could generate additional heat and stress within the transmission – particularly in this extended-wheelbase Expedition Max.Car Wizard/YouTubeMore Than Just a Bad ShiftNevertheless, needing a third transmission at around 84,000 miles still is alarming. It can cost the owner not only money for repairs but also considerable time traveling to and from repair shops or dealerships. For used-car buyers, it is a reminder that a vehicle looking good on the outside does not necessarily mean it is mechanically healthy underneath.Ford continues to face scrutiny over the 10R80, which has been the subject of multiple technical service bulletins addressing harsh or delayed shifting. The Blue Oval brand has also hired hundreds of veteran engineers and safety experts as part of its effort to identify problems earlier and reduce the recall count that has led the U.S. industry in recent years.Car Wizard/YouTubeView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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