POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
2018 Ford F-150
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 2,265 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford F-150, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and body & structure categories. 19 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 417 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | 11 | 603 |
| Oct 2021 | 7 | 610 |
| Nov 2021 | 9 | 619 |
| Dec 2021 | 11 | 630 |
| Jan 2022 | 18 | 648 |
| Feb 2022 | 12 | 660 |
| Mar 2022 | 15 | 675 |
| Apr 2022 | 9 | 684 |
| May 2022 | 7 | 691 |
| Jun 2022 | 19 | 710 |
| Jul 2022 | 15 | 725 |
| Aug 2022 | 13 | 738 |
| Sep 2022 | 21 | 759 |
| Oct 2022 | 16 | 775 |
| Nov 2022 | 16 | 791 |
| Dec 2022 | 26 | 817 |
| Jan 2023 | 32 | 849 |
| Feb 2023 | 19 | 868 |
| Mar 2023 | 22 | 890 |
| Apr 2023 | 14 | 904 |
| May 2023 | 28 | 932 |
| Jun 2023 | 20 | 952 |
| Jul 2023 | 25 | 977 |
| Aug 2023 | 23 | 1,000 |
| Sep 2023 | 21 | 1,021 |
| Oct 2023 | 21 | 1,042 |
| Nov 2023 | 21 | 1,063 |
| Dec 2023 | 28 | 1,091 |
| Jan 2024 | 38 | 1,129 |
| Feb 2024 | 23 | 1,152 |
| Mar 2024 | 22 | 1,174 |
| Apr 2024 | 30 | 1,204 |
| May 2024 | 24 | 1,228 |
| Jun 2024 | 48 | 1,276 |
| Jul 2024 | 35 | 1,311 |
| Aug 2024 | 44 | 1,355 |
| Sep 2024 | 36 | 1,391 |
| Oct 2024 | 24 | 1,415 |
| Nov 2024 | 27 | 1,442 |
| Dec 2024 | 36 | 1,478 |
| Jan 2025 | 34 | 1,512 |
| Feb 2025 | 36 | 1,548 |
| Mar 2025 | 83 | 1,631 |
| Apr 2025 | 57 | 1,688 |
| May 2025 | 59 | 1,747 |
| Jun 2025 | 47 | 1,794 |
| Jul 2025 | 60 | 1,854 |
| Aug 2025 | 36 | 1,890 |
| Sep 2025 | 30 | 1,920 |
| Oct 2025 | 25 | 1,945 |
| Nov 2025 | 27 | 1,972 |
| Dec 2025 | 31 | 2,003 |
| Jan 2026 | 28 | 2,031 |
| Feb 2026 | 39 | 2,070 |
| Mar 2026 | 31 | 2,101 |
| Apr 2026 | 40 | 2,141 |
| May 2026 | 34 | 2,175 |
| Jun 2026 | 35 | 2,210 |
| Jul 2026 | 33 | 2,243 |
| Aug 2026 | 22 | 2,265 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)96637.7%
- Engine57422.4%
- Body & structure1917.5%
- Electrical1686.6%
- Driver assistance1094.3%
- Brakes893.5%
- Visibility843.3%
- Steering833.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
19 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Low-pressure fuel pump failure
On July 29, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. Some consumers reported that the failure occurred without warning while driving, resulting in a complete loss of motive power with no ability to restart the engine. Ford determined that several other vehicle models contain low-pressure fuel pumps substantially similar to the 2021 Ford Bronco, including the 2022-2023 Ford Bronco, 2018-2023 Ford F-150, 2022-2023 Ford Expedition, 2019-2023 Lincoln Navigator, 2020-2023 Ford F-250-F-550, 2024 Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab, 2024-2025 Ford Ranger, 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, and 2021-2025 Ford Mustang. ODI's investigation found that the affected vehicles may lose fuel pressure and flow from the fuel delivery module (consisting of a low-pressure fuel pump, jet pump, reservoir, and other parts) due to a low-pressure pump failure. This can cause the engine to stall while driving. The root cause is reduced internal clearance in the fuel pump, increasing friction and sensitivity to vapor lock. Fuel blockage from contamination inside the jet pump also contributed to the failure. Ford stated that the contamination source was unknown. On July 7, 2025, Ford filed recall 25V-455 for certain 2021-2023 Ford F-550 SD/F-450 SD/F-350 SD/F-250 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2022 Ford Mustang, 2021-2022 Ford F-150, 2021-2023 Ford Explorer, 2022 Ford Expedition, and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco vehicles produced between July 1, 2021, and July 30, 2022. The recall also included certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Aviator produced between July 1, 2021, and December 21, 2022. Ford explained in its recall filingthat the production dates used for the recall were based on changes in the manufacturing process. Specifically, Ford determined that in June 2021, the supplier modified the jet pump manufacturing process, producing fuel pump chambers with a lower-than-specified internal clearance. In July 2022, the supplier implemented corrective actions to the manufacturing process by adding two additional vacuum pumps to reduce contamination during the production of the jet pump. ODI has identified approximately 1,000 reports involving vehicles covered in this investigation but excluded from recall 25V-455. However, even with such reports, these vehicles experienced comparatively lower failure rates than the vehicles that are subject to Recall 25V-455. Ford has explained that these vehicles were excluded from the recall population because they did not experience the manufacturing changes that prompted the recall. Specifically, according to Ford, vehicles built before July 1, 2021 (the recall production start date), were not affected by the supplier’s change to the jet pump manufacturing process. Even after closing this investigation, ODI will continue to monitor complaints for vehicles excluded from recall 25V-455 to consider whether they exhibit the same risks as the vehicles encompassed by the recall. The recall remedy is currently under development. In view of Ford’s recall action, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation, but will continue to monitor the issue as a remedy is developed and implemented. ODI will take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire
On June 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the B pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on MY 2014-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, and Super Crew Cab Vehicles. On August 24, 2018, Ford Motor Company recalled (FSA 18S27 - NHTSA #18V568) the affected population. Ford's investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners may generate sparks during deployment in excess of Ford's specification. Sparks in the pretensioner exhaust gases inside the lower portion of the B-pillar may subsequently ignite combustible components contained in the B-pillar, such as insulation or carpet, and may cause a subsequent vehicle fire. ODI also requested relevant information from other manufacturers to assess the potential scope of post-crash pretensioner fires. Ford will notify owners and require dealers to remove B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall notification began September 28, 2018.Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.The VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation are: 11143035, 11130056, 11129828, 11128761, 11127993, 11127880, 11124717, 11123419, 11119651, 11119626, 11114065, 11113160, 11111822, 11097937, 11078447, 11014688
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
When shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, the trucks RPM jumps and then downshifts into first gear. This happens around 40 mph and has almost caused two accidents for me.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756603
- Incident
- May 13, 2026
Cdf drum went bad had to have transmission replaced because of how hard it was shifting
- NHTSA ID
- 11756525
- Incident
- May 20, 2026
The internal mechanical failure of the Ford 10r80 transmission due to design fault causes unsafe driving conditions as the transmission stalls (fails to power at request) or lunges (powers forward without driver input) causing unsafe conditions for vehicle occupants and nearby vehicular & pedestrian traffic. My vehicle exhibits two well known and documented conditions; stalling and lunging forward. The most common failure is that the transmission fails to shift from 1st to 3rd gear in a low speed condition (e.g. navigating parking lots amongst pedestrians). Upon the failure to shift, the vehicles computer system senses this, overrides by raising the vehicle RPMs significantly without driver input to do so, the vehicle then hard shifts and jerks forward several feet in an uncontrollable manner. Anticipating the jerk and overriding with the brakes fails to stop the vehicle from lunging forward. The second most common failure is the transmission totally failing to provide drive. A common scenario would be sitting at a traffic light waiting to make a left turn. Upon the opportunity to make a safe left turn, the vehicle at times will roll slightly forward (in its first gear), it will then attempt a shift while the vehicle may potentially still be in cross-traffic, and the vehicle at times will fail to drive, without any inputs (brake, gas, manual shift) getting the vehicle out of the no-drive condition, and leaving the vehicle subject to a dangerous potential for collision or safety hazard. The issues with the 10r80 transmission failures are well documented, well understood by Ford Motor Company, and specific to my vehicle have been identified by a reputable dealer as requiring repair. My vehicle's transmission is exhibiting failure at 47,000 miles. No warning indications exist prior, during or after this repeatable incident. Ford has since fixed the design flaw, but refuses to address the safety issue with vehicles manufactured before the re-design.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756492
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2026
I have 40,000 miles on this truck and the torque converter shutters when towing, the transmission is slow to shift fome 3-4. No one has looked at it. Since its out of warranty I am just going to run it until it fails.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756484
- Incident
- Jun 14, 2026
Vehicle was traveling at highway speeds when the transmission decided to shift from 10th gear into 1st gear at 70mph. Had vehicle at dealership and the transmission had to be replaced. Could have destroyed the motor or caused massive accident on highway shifting into 1st gear at 70mph.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756430
- Incident
- Aug 14, 2025
Around 108018 miles started to experience rough, harsh, slamming shifts and skipping gears from 1 to 4 or 3 to 6 and then from 8 slamming to 1st gear at times very unsafe and erratic and through my research this transmission has been a big problem on Fords. I took to a local transmission repair shop they drove and confirmed the shifting issues and said yes the valve body/shift solenoids need replaced and also the CDF drum/cylinder is going bad they also dropped the oil pan and confirmed metal/aluminum shavings in the bottom of the pan. I was quoted $8,800 to repair and this is a huge expense that Ford knows of the problem and needs to be held accountable. there needs to be a recall to replace these bad transmissions with new updated units.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756402
- Incident
- Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the message "Brake Fluid Level Low" was displayed. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work properly. The contact drove to Walmart and purchased brake fluid to add to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact added more brake fluid, but the failure recurred, and the engine made a knocking sound with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 114,089.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756317
- Incident
- Aug 9, 2026
- Mileage
- 114,089 mi
Truck downshifted to a gear too low for the travel speed, caused the rear tires to briefly lock up, very lucky to have kept control. Unsure why the truck did it, it’s happened twice now at 89,000 miles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756245
- Incident
- Jul 16, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles With 3.3L Engines and 2016-2019 Model Year Explorer, Taurus, and Flex Vehicles With 3.5L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
POWER TRAIN
For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article.
POWER TRAIN
Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped With 3.3L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 100 | 12 | 0 | 62.6 |
| 2024 | 183 | 10 | 0 | 68.1 |
| 2023 | 396 | 12 | 0 | 60.7 |
| 2022 | 574 | 23 | 2 | 68.2 |
| 2021 | 974 | 29 | 1 | 63.2 |
| 2020 | 709 | 11 | 1 | 64.2 |
| 2019 | 1,302 | 9 | 1 | 64.0 |
| 2018Viewing | 2,265 | 19 | 2 | 66.3 |
| 2017 | 1,401 | 18 | 3 | 70.1 |
| 2016 | 2,010 | 14 | 4 | 67.5 |
| 2015 | 1,671 | 14 | 5 | 68.3 |
| 2014 | 1,515 | 8 | 2 | 62.6 |
| 2013 | 2,970 | 3 | 3 | 61.0 |
| 2012 | 1,776 | 4 | 4 | 58.8 |
| 2011 | 2,184 | 6 | 4 | 58.8 |
| 2010 | 842 | 1 | 0 | 42.6 |
| 2009 | 324 | 2 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2008 | 368 | 1 | 1 | 51.0 |
| 2007 | 488 | 7 | 1 | 59.4 |
| 2006 | 585 | 14 | 2 | 63.9 |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 14 | 3 | 62.1 |
| 2004 | 2,028 | 16 | 4 | 60.6 |
| 2003 | 422 | 11 | 3 | 66.8 |
| 2002 | 821 | 10 | 3 | 66.2 |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 19 | 6 | 70.9 |
| 2000 | 1,074 | 17 | 4 | 74.6 |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 18 | 5 | 65.6 |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 18 | 11 | 65.5 |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 26 | 18 | 66.9 |
| 1996 | 324 | 7 | 2 | 67.6 |
| 1995 | 626 | 7 | 1 | 64.4 |
| 1994 | 676 | 13 | 2 | 66.4 |
| 1993 | 586 | 13 | 2 | 60.0 |
| 1992 | 470 | 9 | 8 | 67.2 |
| 1991 | 304 | 6 | 12 | 68.8 |
| 1990 | 275 | 5 | 11 | 68.3 |
| 1989 | 224 | 4 | 5 | 67.8 |
| 1988 | 139 | 2 | 6 | 70.4 |
| 1987 | 91 | 3 | 2 | 71.1 |
| 1986 | 61 | 1 | 4 | 61.0 |
| 1985 | 28 | 1 | 2 | 60.8 |
| 1984 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 55.9 |
| 1983 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 59.8 |
| 1982 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 3 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 4 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 3 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1966 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1955 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.