Ford Releases Findings on NHTSA Mustang Transmission Investigation

Back in August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation regarding the Getrag MT82 6-speed manual transmissions found in 2011+ Ford Mustangs.

At the time, Ford was already carefully monitoring customer feedback as well as online forums as well to better understand the issues concerning the transmission.

While only 3 percent of all transmissions were effected, Ford has found that most of the issues were related to cold shifting, a clutch plate bolt defect, clutch stay out, and 5th gear synchronization. Ford assures that none of the issues found will cause a safety risk.

Of the issues reported, 44 percent were related to higher than expected shift efforts in cold ambient temperatures when the car first starts. Initially, the MT-82 transmission was given a thicker, higher viscosity transmission fluid to address gear noise. However, customers are allowed to request a lower viscosity fluid to minimize shift efforts.

Next a clutch plate bolt issue reportedly caused gear selection to become more challenging over time. Complaints indicated notchiness and grinding noises as a primary concern. Ford found that this attributed to clutch fasteners that got loose over the duration of the vehicle’s operation. A revised fastener was designed and put to production in October 19, 2010 to fix the issue and a special service message number was issued to aid technicians in identifying this concern.

Clutch stayout attributed to 24 percent of all transmission complaints. Clutch stayout is used to describe a situation where rotating inertia of the clutch components are higher than the spring force provided by the clutch pedal. Most often present when engine speeds are greater than 4,000 rpm, the clutch will reengage once the rpm returns to a lower speed. Replacement clutch pedal parts are available and Ford’s revised spring design has been implemented.

Finally a new grinding and notchy sensation is experienced when the vehicle engages fifth gear. This problem is not in relation to any of the previous concerns. Ford has investigated and identified component quality issues regarding synchronizers and corrective action has been taken.

According to Ford, diligent monitoring of many customer feedback sources allowed the automaker to quickly respond and address issues concerning their vehicles. Ford is committed to continually follow up on these complaints and provide the highest level of customer satisfaction possible.

[Source: Mustangs Daily]