Ford 8F35 Transmission Guide: Specs, Applications & Service Tips

Feb 13 2025

Overview: What Is the 8F35?

The Ford 8F35 is a transverse-mounted 8 speed automatic transmission introduced in 2019, and engineered for front-wheel or all-wheel drive applications. It was co-developed with General Motors and is derived from GM’s 9T50 design but with one fewer gear, tailored to Ford’s torque limits.

Designed for engines producing up to approximately 350Nm (260lbft) of torque, the 8F35 shares components with earlier transaxles like GM’s 6T40 and Ford’s 6F35, employing complex hydraulics, electronic controls, and compact planetary gear sets.

Key Specifications & Design Features

Contains four planetary gear sets, five friction elements, and uses only two driving clutches and four brake clutches to accomplish eight forward ratios.
Features a Selectable One-Way Clutch (SOWC) and eight solenoids controlled via a unique CIDAS-style pulse-width strategy managed by the PCM.
Torque converter is a four-element unit with internal clutch capability, optimized for smooth operation and auto start/stop behavior.
Uses Ford Mercon® ULV fluid, while GM’s related systems use Dexron®6.
Incorporates an advanced thermal management system: includes a fluid warmer, cooler bypass valve, and air to fluid heat exchanger to maintain optimal fluid temperature.

Vehicle Applications

Deployed in various Ford and Lincoln models equipped with 2.0 EcoBoost turbo or 1.5 EcoBlue diesel engines:

Ford Escape, Edge, Focus, Bronco Sport, Maverick, Transit Connect
Lincoln Corsair, Nautilus
Among others, all in production roughly from 2018–2025.

Common Issues & Technical Considerations

Valve Body Contamination & MIL Codes

Some early units showed P0766 and delayed or no reverse engagement due to debris in the valve body separator plate. Fixes involve disassembly, cleaning, and recommissioning.

Harsh Shifting & PCM Calibration

Harsh up/downshifts (especially Park Reverse/Drive transitions), or 4th to 5th flare, have been linked to PCM software. Reflashing or module reprogramming is a common remedy.

Fluid Leaks & Seal Design

Some units leaked from axle shaft seals due to excess sealant installed at the factory. Thorough cleaning or seal replacement is required to stop leaks.

Adaptive Learning & Gear Spacing

The close spacing between 2nd and 3rd gear can cause noticeable behavior in shifting, adaptive learning software updates have aimed to smooth transitions and improve throttle response.

Input Shaft and Torque Converter Sealing

Unlike many transmissions, the 8F35 lacks sealing rings on the input shaft, making bushing and stator support seal condition critical. Excess play can result in TCC leaks and drive surges. Engineers recommend using thin cellophane tape for wear inspection.

Summary: Strengths and Limitations

Pros:

Compact, modern design with wider gear range
Efficient thermal control and smooth torque converter operation
Shared development with GM yields robust architecture

Cons:

Sensitive to manufacturing sealant issues and valve body debris
Close gear ratios (2→3 shift) may feel rough without PCM tuning
Wear on seals or bushings can lead to fluid loss or drive issues

Key Takeaways

The Ford 8F35 represents a next-generation 8-speed FWD/AWD transmission with sophisticated hydraulic, electronic, and thermal systems. While it offers excellent efficiency and responsiveness, some early models experienced shifting and seal issues, most of which can be corrected through targeted servicing, diagnostic cleaning, and updated PCM programming.

Fitment

2018 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2019 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2020 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2021 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2022 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2023 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2024 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2025 Ford Edge 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.0 Duratorq (diesel)

2020 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

2021 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

2022 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

2023 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

2024 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

2025 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost

2018 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2019 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2020 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2021 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2022 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2023 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2024 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2025 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost, 1.5 EcoBlue (diesel)

2021 Ford Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost (incl. AWD)

2022 Ford Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost (incl. AWD)

2023 Ford Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost (incl. AWD)

2024 Ford Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost (incl. AWD)

2025 Ford Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost (incl. AWD)

2018 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2019 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2020 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2021 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2022 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2023 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2024 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2025 Ford S-MAX 1.5 EcoBoost, 2.0 EcoBoost/Duratorq

2019 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2020 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2021 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2022 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2023 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2024 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2025 Ford Taurus 2.0 EcoBoost

2019 Lincon Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2020 Lincoln Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2021 Lincoln Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2022 Lincoln Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2023 Lincoln Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2024 Lincoln Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2025 Lincoln Corsair 2.0 EcoBoost

2018 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2019 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2020 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2021 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2022 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2023 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2024 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2025 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0 EcoBoost

2020 Ford Bronco Sport 2.0 EcoBoost

2021 Ford Bronco Sport 2.0 EcoBoost

2022 Ford Bronco Sport 2.0 EcoBoost

2023 Ford Bronco Sport 2.0 EcoBoost

2024 Ford Bronco Sport 2.0 EcoBoost

2025 Ford Bronco Sport 2.0 EcoBoost

2018 Ford Transit Connect 2.0 EcoBoost

2019 Ford Transit Connect 2.0 EcoBoost

2020 Ford Transit Connect 2.0 EcoBoost

2021 Ford Transit Connect 2.0 EcoBoost

2022 Ford Transit Connect 2.0 EcoBoost