2018 Ford F-150 Engine Problems

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

Spray on liners of cylinder walls absorbing oil and allowing it to pass through

NHTSA ID

11762409

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

No oil in between changes check engine light came one

NHTSA ID

11761768

Incident

May 1, 2025

Direct failure of Cam phasers and confirmation. This led to erratic engine runtime leading to transmission shifting learned behaviors based on the bogus engine information. This causes erratic hardshifting into drive and most importantly dropping gears on the highway resulting in unsafe driving conditions at random. This includes both random downshifts at highway speed and a similar situation when accelerating the wrong gear is engaged both causing unsafe conditions for the driver and those surrounding. Upon phaser replacement the engine then ran correctly and transmission was reset both KAM tables and learned behavior to rectify the transmission safety challenges. This should at least be a TSB not just a mystery to owners and dealers alike.

NHTSA ID

11761411

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

I own a 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost with approximately 93,000 miles. I am experiencing a repeated cold start cam phaser rattle. This is a known issue addressed by Ford in several TSBs, including 19-2365, yet no recall has been issued. It has been "repaired" once at approximately 40,000 miles only to have the same issue reoccur at which time I was told that rattling at startup is "normal" and "since it doesn't persist it is not an issue". No IC gasoline engine should rattle on startup, and I believe this defect poses long-term reliability concerns and will lead to engine damage and failure during operation. Ford should be held responsible for a widespread design flaw affecting thousands of vehicles. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this recurring issue and hold Ford accountable for consumer safety and financial impact.

NHTSA ID

11761037

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Engine has cut off while driving on several occasions. An accident nearly occurred as a result on at least 2 occasions.

NHTSA ID

11759370

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power, and the brakes became inoperable. The drivetrain and wrench symbol were displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated and DTC: U100 (Failure of Communication for Engine and Transmission) was displayed. The codes were cleared after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a communication error with the engine and transmission computer. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The transmission upshifted from first gear to seventh. After a while, the vehicle resumed normal operations, but then the vehicle drove abnormally. The RPM increased to high, and the temperature gauge was at HOT. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with complete transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,513.

NHTSA ID

11758290

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Mileage

62,513 mi

I believe there’s an ongoing lawsuit against Ford regarding these truck models, specifically their gearboxes, which are failing and slipping gears. After the initial recall for the new software gearbox mapping, my gearbox has started slipping, causing issues during downshifting, acceleration, and upshifting. There are frequent loud bangs

NHTSA ID

11758239

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Truck starting missing gears when pulling onto highway. Rpms jumped high and truck wouldnt shift. Thankfully we made it across before the oncoming traffic or we would have been hit. Finally got it to go but it was missing gears causing it to drive sluggish. No prior engine lights warning me. When the incident happed I got a notification of a power train malfunction/ reduced power.

NHTSA ID

11757273

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

10r80 transmission CDF Failure. Had repair completed though still has issues with 4/5th gear. Truck will lose power while accelerating until it finds the gear it wants to go. Multiple re-learning processes completed with no solution. V6 ecoboost - cam phasers repaired twice. 1st time by initial owner but that was not relayed to me. 2nd time by me after multiple trips to the dealership where they couldn't reproduce the issue. Took videos and finally brought the truck in with the check engine light flashing. Required entire engine rebuild.

NHTSA ID

11756002

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

This vehicle has been into the Ford dealer multiple times for transmission slipping type issues. From before the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty ended and after. The dealer said the only thing needed was an update and reset. Today a different Ford dealer has informed me that during the transmission flush, there are tiny specks and slivers of metal. The engine issue in regard to cam phaser repair recall/customer service bulletin has been leaking due to issues with proper sealant. The rear camera goes out and screen turns white at times.

NHTSA ID

11752609

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

The engine dies out then on then out during any speed. Will not accelerate, Will not start. Dies out on the interstate and in town. Each repair by the dealer has not fixed my truck. I see Ford has recalled this model of F150’s but not mine. It needs to be.

NHTSA ID

11752427

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

multi-component engine failure while being operated under normal driving conditions. ​Despite rigorous, routine, and fully documented preventive maintenance performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications, the vehicle suffered an instantaneous breakdown of its core mechanical systems. A diagnostic assessment confirmed that a sweeping array of vital engine components—including the cam phasers, turbocharger, lifters, timing chain, and associated valvetrain assemblies—all failed simultaneously. ​Rather than a progressive wear-and-tear issue or a failure caused by neglect, this unprecedented, all-at-once collapse points to a massive, systemic mechanical breakdown. This has rendered the engine entirely non-functional and requires a complete overhaul or engine replacement.

NHTSA ID

11751948

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

Intermittent P0420 and P0430 catalytic converter efficiency code. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will turn on for a while and then turn off for a while.

NHTSA ID

11750958

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

COMPONENT; likely the transmission SAFETY revs went to almost zero on highway. Transmission seemed to stop the truck. Then intermittent on and off transmission. Seriously struggled to get the truck off the highway momentarily no ability to control speed: then on and off with the acceleration. Very scary! sudden drop in speed on the highway could have caused an accident with no brake lights on Problem been reproduced: Not to my knowledge. its at a dealer now. Not safe to drive BEEN INSPECTED: At dealer now Prior warning - lamps etc: NONE WHATSOEVER Oil lamp came on, then the check engine light came on well after the initial scare.

NHTSA ID

11749654

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

I purchased my 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor in October 2017. On December 27, 2019, at 27,775 miles, the cam phasers were replaced under warranty using Ford part numbers beginning with HL3Z. In June 2026, at 74,665 miles — fewer than 47,000 miles after that repair — I began experiencing the same cam phaser symptoms (rattle/knock at cold start and idle) that led to the original repair. At no point was I notified by Ford or my dealer that the HL3Z parts used in my 2019 repair were known to have the same defect as the original phasers, despite Ford having since transitioned to an updated part (ML3Z) referenced in its own Customer Satisfaction Program documentation (CSP 21N03 and Supplements #1–4). I contacted Ford Customer Service in July 2026 requesting assistance with the recurrence and was told no help would be provided. I am concerned this failure can progress to loss of engine power or a more serious failure while driving, based on the known failure pattern of this component. The repair is labor- and parts-intensive, creating a significant cost burden for a defect Ford appears to have known was unresolved by the original repair parts. Reference documentation: SSM 48272, TSB 20-2191, TSB 20-2315, CSP 21B10, CSP 21N03 (and Supplements #1–4), TSB 23-2143.

NHTSA ID

11749440

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Phasers on my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost have failed, resulting in violent, un-commanded camshaft movement within the engine. The vehicle is currently in my possession, and the failed components are available for inspection upon request. This failure puts my safety and the safety of surrounding motorists at extreme risk. The internal locking pins inside the cam phasers have degraded, which introduces excessive slack and erratic force against the engine's timing chain. If the timing chain jumps a gear or breaks due to this violent movement,a known consequence of ignored phaser rattle.The engine will suffer catastrophic internal damage. This will result in an immediate, sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle completely stalled and un-drivable in moving traffic without warning. The problem is actively reproducible on every cold engine start, characterized by a harsh, metallic rattling noise lasting several seconds until oil pressure builds. Approximately two weeks ago, I contacted Ford Corporate Customer Relations to escalate this issue. During that call, Ford informed me that these exact cam phasers were already replaced in 2021 at Liberty Ford of Fayetteville, NC. The fact that a critical engine timing component has failed twice on the same vehicle indicates a deeply flawed, inherently dangerous design. Ford's prior attempts to remedy this through Customer Satisfaction Programs 21B10 and 21N03 clearly did not provide a permanent or safe resolution. Aside from Ford Corporate reviewing the VIN service history, the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or an independent investigator. The primary and immediate symptom warning of this mechanical failure is the severe metallic clicking and rattling noise upon engine ignition. I am urging the NHTSA to investigate this recurring defect, as it poses a severe and unpredictable sudden-stall hazard for thousands of drivers.

NHTSA ID

11747587

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

This vehicle received a PCM update performed in strict accordance with Ford service procedures, per TSB/SSMO No. 24E12, on 1/02/26. At the time of the update, no stored or pending diagnostic trouble codes related to catalyst efficiency were present, and the vehicle was operating as designed. Pre- and post-update scan data has been retained and is available upon request. Approximately 100 miles after the recalibration, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was returned for service within 500 miles, at which point a DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) was confirmed as a mature two-trip fault. This condition was not present — and had not been detected — during the vehicle's prior 134088 miles of operation, which includes no history of catalyst-related codes. The immediate onset of this fault following the PCM recalibration strongly indicates that the updated calibration altered system monitoring thresholds in a manner that directly triggered this code. This presentation is inconsistent with an ordinary mechanical failure. The most reasonable conclusion is that the fault is either calibration-induced or that the prior calibration's monitoring parameters were insufficient to detect a borderline condition that the updated calibration now flags. In either case, the root cause is directly traceable to a Ford-mandated software update — not to customer neglect, abuse, or normal wear.

NHTSA ID

11745592

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

The 2018 F150 I purchased started out a good vehicle like most vehicle do. The problems then began to come one after the other. Routine oil changes on the vehicle at the dealership with no hiccups turned into “Your motor is low on oil”. The tech tried to find a leak. The motor wasn’t leaking ANYTHING, so naturally the tech told me the motor was burning the missing oil. The tech told me “they all burn alittle oil” and topped it back off. I had another “incident” where I was driving on the highway a few weeks later and my engine light came on, and I lost oil pressure. The red “low oil pressure” message came on the dash and I promptly limped my truck to the dealership once again. The tech diagnosed the truck and found a plugged PCV valve. It was changed for a brand new one from the dealer, followed by another oil change well under the recommended interval naturally, due to the motor burning almost all of the oil. The truck still burns oil, and the issue seems to be impossible to remedy. The issue that followed the engine burning oil is the 10R80 Transmission installed from the ford manufacturer. Once again everything seemed fine when I purchased the truck. After driving it for 20-30k miles, the transmission has developed a flare shift between the 3rd-4th gears. The transmission is getting more and more hesitant to upshift and maintain and gain speed. This is considerably noticeable when attempting to get on the highway. This is unacceptable. It puts me in a very vulnerable spot because it doesn’t happen all the time. So I have to be EXTREMELY aware and prepared for the truck to become inoperable while merging into the flow of traffic. On two occasions now, while merging onto the highway with traffic, I have had to pull over to the shoulder of the road and put my hazards on to allow traffic to go around me due to my 2018 F150 with the 5.0/10R80 combination NOT increasing speed, and reving close to 5k RPMs. THESE ISSUES MUST BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID

11741572

Incident

May 9, 2026

The contact owns a Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, there was an audible noise was heard and observed smoke coming from beneath the hood on the driver's side near the alternator. The contact pulled over and discovered flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained and no additional property damages were reported. The vehicle was not destroyed and was later towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was ot diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted but did not diagnosed or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 151,798

NHTSA ID

11740895

Incident

May 26, 2026

Mileage

151,798 mi

There was a consumer satisfaction program # 21N03 listed for 2018 f150 2018 3.5L EcoBoost engines and for some reason my VIN wasnt included. I am currently having this issue. My truck has 40k miles on it. Please make them issue a new consumer satisfaction program to include all 2018 F-150 models.

NHTSA ID

11731386

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

The cam phasers failed somewhere between 60,000 - 70,000 miles. It is a defective part that was subject to a customer satisfaction program in 2020 or 2021 but we purchased the vehicle after this. Now, Ford is saying that we need to pay to replace the cam phasers and the timing belt. It was quoted at $5777.62, which is a significant repair cost. Also, this shouldn't happen with this part and I am seeing everywhere that other consumers are having the same problem, including some at the current dealer we are working with. Any help is appreciated.

NHTSA ID

11731210

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I’m experiencing the cam phaser rattle on startup on my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L

NHTSA ID

11726939

Incident

Jan 1, 2025