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.
[8] Compared to the 8-speed architecture, the transmission offers smaller steps between the lower gears, which benefits acceleration at low speeds.
Source[14] At least five class action lawsuits have been filed regarding vehicles equipped with Ford's 10R 80 transmission.
[19] The lawsuits allege safety issues due to harsh and erratic shifting, which causes jerking, lunging, clunking and hesitation between gears.
[17] It is also alleged that Ford is aware of these issues and has not sufficiently fixed them, and has told consumers the behavior of the transmission is normal.