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 2,308 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 41 | 2,284 |
| Sep 2026 | 24 | 2,308 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)99538.1%
- Engine58522.4%
- Body & structure1937.4%
- Electrical1706.5%
- Driver assistance1114.2%
- Brakes923.5%
- Visibility843.2%
- 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
Driving highway I70 over Vail Pass, vehicle downshifted on it's own nearly causing someone to rear-end my vehicle. Took it to three local automotive business's for a diagnostic service; they all reported the same issue PP07F7-00 CDF drum and the 10th-gear not engaging. This should not be occurring when I've maintained service of my vehicle. I've paid for one diagnostic and shouldn't have to pay for one at my Ford dealer where it was purchased by I will have to again. I know of several owners with the exact same issue and no one is supporting them for this. I've owned four Ford trucks and this is unacceptable. Ford Case# CXH-09395547-R9D3S2
- NHTSA ID
- 11766743
- Incident
- Sep 14, 2026
The vehicle is stalling/jerking and long idling. I was told that the transmission needs to be replaced. Less than 80,000 miles. 2018 Ford 150
- NHTSA ID
- 11766717
- Incident
- Jan 3, 2025
2018 Ford F-150 Limited with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. At approximately 60,000 miles the engine began making a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start, lasting several seconds. Over the last three months the noise has become progressively worse and now occurs at every cold start and lasts longer. The check engine light is currently illuminated. The vehicle has not stalled or lost power. A Ford dealer (Wynne Ford, Hampton, VA) diagnosed the condition on September 24, 2026 at 104,661 miles as cam phaser failure, requiring replacement of the variable camshaft timing (VCT) units and associated timing components. This matches Ford's Technical Service Bulletin 23-2143, which covers 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine built on or before November 30, 2019. Ford previously issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 and warranty extension 21N03 for this same defect on March 2, 2021, but 21N03 expressly excluded the F-150 Limited trim, and both programs have since expired. The dealer additionally reported that it has submitted multiple other cam phaser repairs on 2017-2020 3.5L EcoBoost vehicles for manufacturer assistance in the past two months, including vehicles newer and with lower mileage than mine, and that all were denied. The quoted repair is $5,414.11 at my expense. I am filing this report because cam phaser failure in these engines can progress to timing chain damage and engine failure, and because Ford has documented this defect since at least 2021 without issuing a recall. I contacted Ford (case CXH-09424982) and was denied any financial assistance.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766591
- Incident
- Sep 24, 2026
The 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) shifts harshly and erratically, hangs in gear, and lost 2nd gear entirely, causing unpredictable acceleration and gear engagement in traffic. First reported to a Ford dealer on 6/8/2021 at 25,883 miles (dealer called it normal). Repairs: internal teardown at 32,920 miles (damaged clutch, input shaft, torque converter hub); valve body repair under TSB 24-2101 at 63,483 miles; CDF hub and friction plate failure diagnosed at 77,584 miles (TSB 25-2126 failure mode); loss of 2nd gear at 88,449 miles. Pre-repair scan 9/2026 shows P0732, P076F, P07F6 (incorrect gear ratio, gears 2, 7, 9). Transmission being rebuilt again 9/2026. The engine also suffered timing chain and crankshaft failures requiring a full engine replacement at 66,108 miles and another timing repair at 77,584 miles. Three catalytic converter failures. Nearly 200 days in Ford dealer service departments.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766549
- Incident
- Aug 10, 2026
2018 Ford F-150 XLT Power Train / Transmission (10R80 10-Speed Automatic) ~100,000 miles (99,737) While accelerating, typically at neighborhood speeds, we sometimes get a hesitation/delay in shifting, which causes a pause and then a hard shift jerking forward, which makes it unreliable at times. Not getting any dashboard warning lights, and has had the transmission flushed at 80k miles by a Ford dealership. A Ford dealership diagnostic inspection confirmed an internal mechanical defect: a failure/migration of the internal Teflon-sealed sleeve on the CDF clutch drum. The dealership technician also noted harsh upshifting between gears 3 and 4, and harsh downshifting between gears 6 and 5. The sudden, unpredictable loss of power during low-speed acceleration creates an immediate safety hazard. It leaves the vehicle vulnerable to rear-end collisions when merging into moving traffic, navigating busy intersections, or pulling out onto roadways, as the truck fails to accelerate when commanded. Furthermore, the violent gear slamming can cause momentary loss of traction or driver distraction under low-grip road conditions. Researching, what we're experiencing is very common with the 10R80 transmission that we have, and documented in TSB 23-2152, and TSB 25-2126. From what I'm reading, Ford redesigned the CDF drum in 2023 to try and correct the manufacturing issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766337
- Incident
- Sep 22, 2026
While driving my brakes went from normal, to squishy, to total loss of brakes. Brake indicator light came on while in the squishy phase. After avoid collision by nothing other than sure luck I was able to slow the vehicle and use the emergency brake to stop. Once stopped I popped the hood and found the master cylinder to be all but empty. I obtained brake fluid, filled the cylinder and the brakes appeared to be normal. After a very short drive I lost brake function again and the MC was empty. No leaks could be found from lines or around the wheels Truck was towed to an independent shop where the diagnostic determined the master cylinder seal had failed and leaked brake fluid into the brake booster. I believe the Hitachi master cylinder failure is a known Ford defect. It has been recalled on the 3.5L model F150's but not the 2.7L and 5.0L models. My loss of brakes could have led to serious or fatal traffic incidence. The master cylinder is defective on all models of the years involving the recall of the 3.5L models. The recall should be extended before someone loses their life. Please look to extend the recall to include the other models of F150s.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766196
- Incident
- Sep 11, 2026
Driver side front coil spring cracked/collapsed NOTE: THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2017-2018 FORD F-150
- NHTSA ID
- 11766076
- Incident
- Sep 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. While approaching a light and entering a loop while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted from 7th gear to 1st gear. The vehicle stalled, was shifted into park, and restarted. There was vibration in the floor at the time of the purchase. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the torque converter was repaired under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed and the failure was associated with the valve body. There were no codes present. The vehicle stalled on Interstate I-20 while driving 60 MPH, causing an unsafe situation. The wrench symbol was displayed after the failure. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center for a scheduled repair. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V164000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted on two occasions, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765754
- Incident
- Aug 20, 2026
- Mileage
- 108,000 mi
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 9 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 104 | 13 | 0 | 62.8 |
| 2024 | 188 | 11 | 0 | 67.6 |
| 2023 | 408 | 13 | 0 | 60.8 |
| 2022 | 594 | 23 | 2 | 68.3 |
| 2021 | 1,012 | 29 | 1 | 62.7 |
| 2020 | 727 | 11 | 1 | 64.3 |
| 2019 | 1,327 | 9 | 1 | 63.5 |
| 2018Viewing | 2,308 | 19 | 2 | 65.9 |
| 2017 | 1,437 | 18 | 3 | 69.9 |
| 2016 | 2,053 | 14 | 4 | 67.6 |
| 2015 | 1,710 | 14 | 5 | 68.6 |
| 2014 | 1,533 | 8 | 2 | 62.4 |
| 2013 | 2,981 | 3 | 3 | 60.7 |
| 2012 | 1,781 | 4 | 4 | 58.4 |
| 2011 | 2,189 | 6 | 4 | 58.7 |
| 2010 | 843 | 1 | 0 | 42.6 |
| 2009 | 324 | 2 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2008 | 369 | 1 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 2007 | 488 | 7 | 1 | 59.1 |
| 2006 | 585 | 14 | 2 | 63.9 |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 14 | 3 | 61.8 |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 16 | 4 | 60.7 |
| 2003 | 423 | 11 | 3 | 66.9 |
| 2002 | 821 | 10 | 3 | 66.2 |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 19 | 6 | 70.9 |
| 2000 | 1,074 | 17 | 4 | 74.2 |
| 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.