A transmission expert is sounding the alarm on what he calls critical failures in the popular 10-speed automatic transmissions found in millions of Ford and General Motors (GM) trucks and SUVs.

In a recent video uploaded by The Car Guy Online, Nate from NextGen Drivetrain laid out the common problems he sees daily, including a dangerous safety issue he says is present in the Ford version.

Nate explains that while the Ford and GM 10-speed transmissions have some internal differences—like Ford using different valve body designs for column shifters versus push-button systems and GM using a complex magnetic manual valve—their core function is largely the same.

He says the biggest shared problem lies in the factory separator plates. “We invented [our own] separator plates because we got bit in the ass,” he said, “and we found out very quickly that separator plates from the factory are not good.”

He gives Ford’s plate design a slight edge because Ford made its internal filters removable, whereas he notes that GM’s design prevents removing the filters without damaging the plate.

In contrast, he feels Ford has fewer public complaints because they can often supply parts faster, partly due to having their own transmission plant in Livonia, Michigan. He argues Ford’s parts have the same quality issues, “but at least you can get one,” he added.

His strongest criticism, however, is reserved for a major safety flaw he has identified with the Ford units. He stated that “this transmission goes forward when you put it in reverse under certain conditions.”

He frames this as an extreme danger, describing a scenario where a driver could run over their own children in a driveway, calling it “another example of Ford being more worried about the shareholders than the consumers, in my opinion.”

The video’s main point is a direct challenge to brand loyalty. The best practice is to stop siding with the manufacturers when they put out things that don’t work.

Because, at the end of the day, both companies have serious issues to address. After hearing this expert’s direct takes on the ongoing Ford vs. GM transmission debate, what are your thoughts?