2018 Ford F-150 Engine Problems

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

When the F-150 would be turned off after driving for a while, the truck would not Start for a few hours until it cooled down. I had it checked out at Gator Ford and they saif they could not determine the proble. I drove it to [XXX] and had it check out at Two Rivers Ford in [XXX] and they said the truck clearly had a problem and that they "Believed it eas the 10 gear trsnission getting hot and the truck cutting off. They said I should trade it or risk the proble being the Oil Pump and eng. I took their advice and traded it for an F-150 platunm Vin: [XXX] . This is a problem and needs to be look at as now my 2023 F-150 eng has locked up that I reported with a Vin [XXX] . The cutting off with wait time was a daily occurance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11726691

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission hesitated while shifting, and the message “Service Engine Soon” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The independent mechanic determined that the vehicle needed to be taken to a transmission specialty shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred approximately four months later. A handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve DTC: P0022. The contact purchased four cam phaser solenoids to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed; however, the four cam phaser solenoids were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11725630

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

Mileage

66,000 mi

Loss of engine oil pressure. Just had engine replaced with used 6 months ago for the same issue. This new to me motor had 40k miles on it. So two motors under 121k miles oil pressure failure. Causing total engine replacement

NHTSA ID

11724506

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

I am reporting a persistent safety issue involving exhaust fumes entering the passenger cabin of my 2018 Ford F-150. The vehicle was purchased January 20, 2025 and has since experienced repeated mechanical failures and extended repair attempts. Despite extensive work completed under warranty - including a transmission rebuild, full engine replacement, alternator/battery/starter replacement, rear main seal repair, transfer case repair, and transmission pan repair - the exhaust odor inside the cabin has never been resolved. The odor is strong enough that passengers have experienced headaches and nausea while the HVAC system is operating. The vehicle has spent well over 150 days in repair facilities since purchase while technicians attempt to diagnose and repair the issue. The dealership currently still has the vehicle and has not been able to identify or fix the cause of the exhaust fumes. This condition raises serious safety concerns regarding possible exhaust or carbon monoxide entering the cabin. I am requesting that this issue be documented and reviewed as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11724168

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while towing a camper at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle occasionally hesitated to upshift in gear while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds with cruise control, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle, which was later taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The parts to repair the vehicle were ordered, and the vehicle was left at the local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11723882

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

Mileage

140,000 mi

Failed cam phaser. Brought truck to dealership regarding loud rattling noise on cold starts. Prior to inspection, service technician mentioned it could be the cam phaser because they have had reported problems. Ford did not issue a formal recall but issued a Customer satisfaction program 21B10 to extend warranty coverage due to the known issue but only extended through 2022. I did not have a rattling noise at that time and did not qualify. The noise started recently and there were no warning lights or messages. Only a rattling noise. After the dealership inspected the truck they deamed it unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11721066

Incident

Feb 27, 2026

I own a 2018 Ford F-150, with the Cougar V-8 and a turbocharger. A few years ago, while on the expressway, I had to accelerate to clear a dangerous situation. A message came up on the instrument cluster saying that I was seriously low on oil. I pulled off on the shoulder and shut the engine off. I checked the oil level and it was almost empty. The truck only had about 10,000 miles on it at the time. I had checked the level prior to leaving and it was full. Luckily, I carry extra oil on long trips, a habit I got into back when I used to drive beaters. I had enough oil to fill the engine back up with oil and proceed on my way. I have not had any oil loss since then, although I rarely drive the truck, except to pick up lumber or other large loads, and it currently has about 23,000 miles on it. A few years ago, I read about an F-150 whose driver tried to pass a slow moving vehicle on a mountain road and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. Everyone in the truck was killed. When I read that article, I thought back to what happened to me. Luckily, I had room to pull over. I believe that when I did that hard acceleration (as the driver on the mountain road must have done), a large amount of engine oil must have been sucked out through the turbocharger, emptying the crankcase. If this happened to the driver in the article, he would have been left with no engine power and no way to complete the passing maneuver. This is all speculation on my part, but an emergency hard acceleration should not empty any engine of oil, leaving the vehicle's driver and their passengers defenseless.

NHTSA ID

11717810

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted before slamming into gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was rebuilt; however, the failure persisted. Most recently, while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission downshifted unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11715829

Incident

Oct 5, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started in the morning and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then jolted into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was also slipping out of gear. While driving 45 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st and the vehicle slowed down unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the engine was making an abnormal clattering sound. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and stated that the cam phasers were possibly causing the engine to make an abnormal sound. The transmission was replaced; however, the engine failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E070000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the transmission failure and advised the contact that no support would be provided for the repair prior to receiving the recall letter. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11714153

Incident

May 29, 2024

Mileage

70,000 mi

The cam phasers have gotten so loud that it sounds like a diesel. Ford did some software "fix" that did nothing. I am concerned about trashing the motor if the timing jumps. These defective phasers are well know problems and extremely costly to repair. Ford has advised me to do the repair but they are quoting $5-6k for a fix of something they know was a defective design. My truck has 111k miles now but the rattle has been there almost from the start.

NHTSA ID

11713887

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

2018 3.5 Ecoboost with plastic oil pan. Ford acknowledges poor engineering and changed production to a single aluminum oil pan half way through 2018 production, but refused to fix the trucks already built. The RTV sealant leaks on the plastic oil pan causing reliabilities and protentional safety issues with the engine components if not caught in due time. Ford issued a TSB 20-2015 report out for fixing the issue. I have been to three ASA certified mechanic shops and all shops refuse to work on the truck. My only option is to go to a FORD dealership and they won't complete the permanent fix of putting in the full aluminum pan. The independent mechanics say they won't work on the truck due to liability issues. They said the truck always comes back to get fixed again. I have done two diagnostics testing with the ASA certified mechanics. They confirmed the oil pan leak as the issue and state reliability/engine safety issues of the truck. There are no warning lights or gauges showing abnormality prior or currently showing. Just a consistent large puddle of oil on the pavement under the truck.

NHTSA ID

11710646

Incident

Jul 23, 2025