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3,500 mile 2026 ST Gets A New Transmission

ManInTheBox

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My gearbox felt a little harsh at time I took delivery of my ST back in late November. I finally decided to take it to the dealership and get it diagnosed. After a few days, I was informed that it needed a new transmission. I got the beast back today, and the gearbox is noticeably smoother. I am very happy to have it home. Here are the notes from the Tech that did the work. Pretty eye opening.
 

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EDWYER

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Glad you are back on the road.
 

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Berky

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Same thing my 2022 was doing. New transmission at 60k. We’ll see how long this one lasts. My shifting is noticeably smoother now.
 

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Psyko_323

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Just dropped mine off at my local dealer. 2020 with 40K miles. Been shifting rough for the last 2 weeks and check engine light came on as well. Still 2 months left of warranty.
 

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MRV568

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My 2021 had 124,228 in December 2025 when it got replaced for erratic shifting. My Ford ESP ran out at 125,000 so I barely made it!
 

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Drweldin

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OP: Nice write up by the tech! Can you elaborate on "harsh" operation? I've never loved how my 2020 feels if I am just driving at light throttle. It's always felt sluggish and a little erratic. I just don't know how to describe it. If on it hard (or shifting manually), it feels better. Is that normal?
 

EDWYER

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Drweldin said:
I just don't know how to describe it. If on it hard (or shifting manually), it feels better. Is that normal?
Click to expand...
Have you changed your differential fluids?
 

2020FordRaptor

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Drweldin said:
OP: Nice write up by the tech! Can you elaborate on "harsh" operation? I've never loved how my 2020 feels if I am just driving at light throttle. It's always felt sluggish and a little erratic. I just don't know how to describe it. If on it hard (or shifting manually), it feels better. Is that normal?
Click to expand...
Check your transmission fluid level, they’re notoriously underfilled from the factory.
 

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Drweldin

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EDWYER said:
Have you changed your differential fluids?
Click to expand...
I have. Did all driveline fluids 2 years ago at 44K. Now has 58K. Also just had transmission output seal replaced under warranty and they topped off fluid afterwards. Maybe I just expect too much and it's totally normal, lol.
 

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Berky

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Drweldin said:
OP: Nice write up by the tech! Can you elaborate on "harsh" operation? I've never loved how my 2020 feels if I am just driving at light throttle. It's always felt sluggish and a little erratic. I just don't know how to describe it. If on it hard (or shifting manually), it feels better. Is that normal?
Click to expand...
My new transmission also shifts better with more throttle. Babying it around town and it still hunts through gears way too much. This is the worst shifting vehicle I’ve ever owned and I’ve had plenty. I’ve read that tunes can help the shift pattern, but would put my extended warranty in jeopardy. Maybe the ford tune wouldn’t. I’d consider it only for the improved shifts not for the minimal performance gain. I Love the looks and the motor, but ford failed on the drivetrain.
 

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Drweldin

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Berky said:
My new transmission also shifts better with more throttle. Babying it around town and it still hunts through gears way too much. This is the worst shifting vehicle I’ve ever owned and I’ve had plenty. I’ve read that tunes can help the shift pattern, but would put my extended warranty in jeopardy. Maybe the ford tune wouldn’t. I’d consider it only for the improved shifts not for the minimal performance gain. I Love the looks and the motor, but ford failed on the drivetrain.
Click to expand...
"hunts through gears" is a good way to describe it. I think that's what I was trying to say. I agree on a tune just to improve that aspect, I've considered the same.
 

2020FordRaptor

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Drweldin said:
"hunts through gears" is a good way to describe it. I think that's what I was trying to say. I agree on a tune just to improve that aspect, I've considered the same.
Click to expand...
“Hunts through gears” is the Ford 10-speed motto haha.
 

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