Cleveland Ford’s “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty” is a scam.

[Torn]

I bought a 2019 Ford F-150 from Cleveland Ford in Cleveland, TN because their dealership offered a “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty”. In July 2025 I began having shifting problems and deceleration issues especially in 4th gear with the 10-speed 10R80 transmission. I found out Ford had issued 6 TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) about the same problems I was having for the F-150, Ranger, Expedition and Explorer who used the same 10R80 transmission.

I called Cleveland Ford and told them of the problems and they said I could take it to any Ford dealer for repair. So I took it to a dealer near me and they said there were a lot of trucks from 2017-2022 having the same problems with the 10R80 and Ford refused to issue a recall even though they had sent out 6 TSBs about the known problems. They said the transmission would need replacing with a 10R80 that had the improved CDF drum and valve bodies. I told them about Cleveland Ford’s Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the service tech chuckled and said he would contact Cleveland Ford but he seriously doubted they would cover it.

Come to find out Cleveland Ford’s “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty” is not through Ford or their dealership but is instead through Total Warranty Services in Boca Raton, FL. They denied my warranty claim because even though I had performed all of the recommended services including the transmission, I had performed my own lubrication, oil and filter changes, recorded them on Car Fax and that violated the entire warranty because it wasn’t performed by an “ASE mechanic”. I told them the people performing the oil changes at the quick lube oil change stores are not ASE certified (which they would accept) but they refused to listen. So it cost me $8700.00 out-of-pocket to repair a known defective transmission that Ford refuses to recall and Cleveland Ford’s “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty” is just another car dealership scam.

Cleveland Ford refused to return my phone calls and emails so I will NEVER buy another Ford product especially from Cleveland Ford in TN.

 

[NewLeaf]

That 10 speed is almost as bad as Nissan’s centrifugal tranny. My youngest girl bought a near new Ranger several years ago on here, a 2019 I believe. Ford dealership said hard and sluggish shifts were normal lol. She’ll only buy manuals now. And I get to play with the WRX when she rides her bike. A beefed up Ford AOD is the way , but they’ll never go back . I got 2 now with low miles . As hard as it seems to build a good reliable production transmission ; I can’t understand changing? Probably lasted too long for Service Dept. ?

 

[letusbuyyourcar]

Every time I hear ads about Lifetime Warranty I automatically assume it's a scam cooked up by the lot owner and head service writer. Believe me if you think the salesman up front will stick it to you bad then you obviously ain't met many service writers. They will break it off in you every time. They make commission checks too.
From what little I know about the warranty deal it's a guarantee that YOU have to bring the vehicle back to THEM for ALL your service needs even little ****. That way service is making a ton off of you. And when you miss a scheduled maintenance appointment or go somewhere else all that warranty is null and void. I COULD be wrong but that's how I've seen it play out before.

 

[jonsmith6391]

Every time I hear ads about Lifetime Warranty I automatically assume it's a scam cooked up by the lot owner and head service writer. Believe me if you think the salesman up front will stick it to you bad then you obviously ain't met many service writers. They will break it off in you every time. They make commission checks too.
From what little I know about the warranty deal it's a guarantee that YOU have to bring the vehicle back to THEM for ALL your service needs even little ****. That way service is making a ton off of you. And when you miss a scheduled maintenance appointment or go somewhere else all that warranty is null and void. I COULD be wrong but that's how I've seen it play out before.

Car dealerships certainly don't sell or advertise lifetime warranties because they actually plan to take care of you when push comes to shove lol. It's really sad what happened to OP; that's not right and is an absolute joke.

 

[NewLeaf]

A pre ‘95 F150 (under 100k miles) 5.0/AOD with ethanol friendly fuel pump , lines , and injectors will out last me. Hate it that they got you.

 

[Gunanddoglover]

When I was a Mazda service advisor I hated any kind of extended warranty. Most people have no idea what's covered, get mad when the claim is denied or there are out of pocket expenses. Sales weasels will lie about the coverage to make the sale. The service department, tech, and advisor take it up the ass almost every time.

 

[4ssss]

Not to get off track but I was just reading that Publishers Clearing House just declared bankruptcy and all the 5K winners for life are s out of luck

 

[Bushwick100]

I bought a 2019 Ford F-150 from Cleveland Ford in Cleveland, TN because their dealership offered a “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty”. In July 2025 I began having shifting problems and deceleration issues especially in 4th gear with the 10-speed 10R80 transmission. I found out Ford had issued 6 TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) about the same problems I was having for the F-150, Ranger, Expedition and Explorer who used the same 10R80 transmission.

I called Cleveland Ford and told them of the problems and they said I could take it to any Ford dealer for repair. So I took it to a near me dealer and they said there were a lot of trucks from 2017-2022 having the same problems with the 10R80 and Ford refused to issue a recall even though they had sent out 6 TSBs about the known problems. They said the transmission would need replacing with a 10R80 that had the improved CDF drum and valve bodies. I told them about Cleveland Ford’s Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the service tech chuckled and said he would contact Cleveland Ford but he seriously doubted they would cover it.

Come to find out Cleveland Ford’s “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty” is not through Ford or their dealership but is instead through Total Warranty Services in Boca Raton, FL. They denied my warranty claim because even though I had performed all of the recommended services including the transmission, I had performed my own lubrication, oil and filter changes, recorded them on Car Fax and that violated the entire warranty because it wasn’t performed by an “ASE mechanic”. I told them the people performing the oil changes at the quick lube oil change stores are not ASE certified (which they would accept) but they refused to listen. So it cost me $8700.00 out-of-pocket to repair a known defective transmission that Ford refuses to recall and Cleveland Ford’s “Lifetime Powertrain Warranty” is just another car dealership scam.

Cleveland Ford refused to return my phone calls and emails so I will NEVER buy another Ford product especially from Cleveland Ford in TN.

I just saw a video on YouTube on warranties, we are looking for a new vehicle but my wife can't make up her mind. The video said that most warranties are useless and when you have vehicle problems that come up with ways to day the warranties does not cover your item or the item was faulty do to wear n tare

 

[EugenFJR]

Not to get off track but I was just reading that Publishers Clearing House just declared bankruptcy and all the 5K winners for life are s out of luck

I watched a YouTube video, where Mike Rowe from dirty jobs interviews one of the former CEO's of Publishers Clearinghouse. And he said that they NEVER entered anyone in the contest unless there was a magazine subscription along with the entry.

 

[basstracker89]

Not to get off track but I was just reading that Publishers Clearing House just declared bankruptcy and all the 5K winners for life are s out of luck

That's why you take the cash pay out if available. It's the best for sure thing you'll get