2018 Ford F-150 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Ford F-150, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)96637.7%
- Engine57422.4%
- Body & structure1917.5%
- Electrical1686.6%
- Driver assistance1094.3%
- Brakes893.5%
- Visibility843.3%
- Steering833.2%
- Interior & seats712.8%
- Fuel system622.4%
- Other / unspecified461.8%
- Airbags371.4%
- Suspension220.9%
- Exterior lighting220.9%
- Transmission170.7%
- Seat belts160.6%
- Tires & wheels30.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Cdf drum went bad had to have transmission replaced because of how hard it was shifting
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tried to open door to put my 2 year old in her car seat and it wouldn't open, assume this was due to the extreme cold. So I took our other vehicle, few days later when it warmed up I again went to leave with my daughter and this time the door opened but will no longer latch shut. Tried toggling child lock messing with lock mechanism on top of the door Tried both interior and exterior handles but it will not latch no matter what I do. Now all my lights are staying on and door ajar light and icon are on and won't go off. I currently have the door ratchet strapped inside the vehicle to hold it close and I cannot drive it due to the safety concerns if the strap let's loose and the door flings open... There is a recall for frozen door mechanism my vehicle falls in this range and I was notified previously I qualified for the recall. Now that it actually happened it shows my vehicle isn't listed and the dealership wants to charge me for a safety recall that should be covered.
Tailgate opened
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
This safety concern is related to the rear backup camera which sometimes goes dark, blank, has funny colors and fails to operate which could lead to backing i to something or someone.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While engaging my brakes at a traffic light, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Once I was able to safely park the vehicle (because there was no brake function), I inspected around the tires, brake fluid, and brake calipers. I noticed a puddling of brake fluid around the front passenger tire. Upon removing the tire, and inspecting this brake hose, I noticed the brake hose was visibly ruptured. I went to a local Ford dealership to purchase the replacement part, and fix this issue.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I think that ford needs to a recall on these 10r80 transmissions, I was driving a week ago and suddenly I went to limp mode. Went to gear one now transmission is hesitating
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the AC was being used at 70% power when suddenly, the AC no longer gave cool air and the airflow was weak. The contact stated this happens when he drives the vehicle longer than a 4 hour period. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it could not be diagnosed due to no being able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on a highway going around 75 mph on a curve, when all of a sudden I lost power steering and wheel jerked the opposite way to where I was steering. I had my wife and two boys with me and if I hadn't held the wheel so tight I probably would have went off road . There were no signs prior to that. No dashboard lights at all and no check engine light. Problem is persistent and can be replicated every drive. Truck is at 147000 miles. Seems like a big problem, and hopefully there are no injuries related to this Ford Steering gear issue. Ford dealership has was quoted me $3500 to fix it. Will have to keep driving truck as it's the only car I have
Started vehicle could not move the wheel to turn towed it to a repair shop said it was not reading any codes it eventually let the wheel move again called ford service centers and they told me not to bring it in and if it doesn’t read codes and the vechicle steering does not lock up for them nothing they can do. I see this vehicle has had recalls on the steering issues but not my vin number was told don’t drive it or take your chances . The truck has low mileage and steering should have never locked up so hard that I am strong could not turn the wheel kept trying for hours till it would move shakes when driving jumps all over the road sloppy steering and I’m told no code can diagnose what the issue is with steering ?
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V983000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door failed to properly latch and, on several occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the door erroneously opened. The contact stated that the failure only occurred during extremely cold weather days, and a heat gun was used to defrost the latching mechanism. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
while driving at highway speeds the transmission has shited gears causing the truck to hesitate, and stuble hunting for gears. This truck has the same 6r80 transmission that is being recalled in 2015-2017 modles. Please have this modle year include.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E012000 (EQUIPMENT), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 146,117.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The contact stated the front end of his vehicle impacted the front driver-side wheel of the other vehicle. The contact stated that not a single air bag deployed during the impact, and no brake collision warning was activated. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the crash. The contact stated he received a pre-collision notification on his phone approximately 30 seconds after the accident occurred, but he was unable to avoid the collision. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle. The contact sustained neck pain, a herniated disc, and a bulging disk in the lower back. The contact was taking no pills and undergoing physical therapy. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Taillight leaks water causing the blindspot sensor to burn up. Once the sensor is burned up the airbags, power door locks, power windows, heat/defrost, and the radio don't work. This is a known problem and Ford has no fix for it. It is several weeks wait to get it into Ford and costs several thousand dollars for a known problem that they are not addressing. Having no heat or defrosters in the winter make this a safety issue for everyone on the road not just the operator. Door locks and windows not working is a safety issue for the vehicle passengers.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
At 66,000 miles I had to rebearing the Transfercase,and rear differential. at 88,000 miles I had to put a metal oil pan on it, because Ford used a two peice Plastic one.. they leak. Now I have a bad yoke off the transfer case,AND, the rear springer hangers are cracked on the welds. This is structural failure,..Ford is aware of the proplem ,because they offer a repair kit. I bought this truck new and it has never been wrecked.. Ford doesnot want to fix it..My complaint numberis 11698591. Thank you. [XXX] .. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear suspension spring was cracked. While looking underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed a hairline crack on the weld. There was a vibration in the vehicle while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The OEM LED headlights will not adjust, causing excessive glare to on coming drivers. This issue is 300 times worse than the miniscule amount of light that the daytime running lights emit, but somehow the running lights get a recall, but the headlight adjusters do not! I'm completely flabbergasted at such an absurd and unjust oversite to such and important issue, please record this protest in the appropriate file, thanks. I constantly get offended drivers flashing their lights at me.
All lights in the rear of the truck failed working at once, turn ,brake and back up lights, bulbs are good, fuses are all good, checked all the connects and they are also good, this is the second time this has happened,. The first time it happened after going through the fuses and bulbs and finding nothing they started working again, that was in the beginning of June and now again in July.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission (10r80) shifted rough, leading to no 1-4th gear and no 10th gear or reverse. Had to do a rebuild of the transmission @80k miles and it still shifts ruff/clunking into gears
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift properly. Additionally, the contact stated that while the transmission was shifting gear, there was a clunking sound coming from the gear shifter. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact used a handheld scanner and retrieved DTC: P07F6-00 (Gear 9 Incorrect Ratio Detected by PCM). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where DTC: P07F6-00; was retrieved again, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The wire that holds the passenger side front seatbelt to the floor snapped in half. The truck has never been in any kind of accident. There has been a motor put in under warranty. After that a few months later the ac compressor died. Also the passenger side turbo oil return line started leaking. There is also a hard start when engine is cool. Nothing but problems. But the seatbelt is very important.
On February 16, 2024, The vehicle (F150 XLT Super Crew) that was being driven was going approximately 40 miles ph when an other vehicle came out of a side street who had a traffic stop sign. There were two school buses blocking their view and my view of anyone coming out of the development. My vehicle hit head-on the other vehicle and I blacked out. No Airbag Driver side deployed, but the seat-belt tension-er fully pulled on me. I awoke with alarms going off and smoke in the cab and in the engine. Fire Department cut all wiring. I was taken out of the vehicle by Paramedics and taken to the hospital with fractured sternum and bruises. Police were on the seen and did a report with the other driver at fault. Insurance company proceeded to have the vehicle towed and inspected and totaled the vehicle. Did not have vehicle inspected by independent company that I know of. Police report stated no air bag deployment. Hospital report showed no air bag deployment. Issues a year earlier with engine replacement by dealership under manufacturer warranty due to engine failure. No other known issues appeared for the failure.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
275/55R20 Goodyear Wrangler literally exploded while driving on I-40 East Bound in New Mexico on 2/21/23 at approximately 9 AM. Roadway was dry and clear of any debris. Shredded tire caused extensive damage to underside of truck bed, wheel and side of bed. Original Equipment tire with 45,824 miles and 8/32 remaining tread,- dealer had in demo service prior to my purchase. I am the original retail owner Tire was inflated to 40 PSI at time of failure. Tires have been rotated on regular basis by local Ford dealer and show no unusual signs of wear. Tire and wheel are still in my possession and available for inspection. Goodyear was notified of this failure 3/8/23 via email and photos provided - no response to date. I was able to steer the vehicle to the shoulder and install the spare tire.
2018 f150 4x4 lariat the issue is 4x4 is engaging while your driving I’m on the highway speed 65 to 70 mph 4x4 trying to engage. Doing research Ford sent united state wide message to mechanic if customers bring vehicle in under this issue which is TSB technical service bulletin 22-2219 , think this is a safety issue if 4x4 engage is going to veer your vehicle in a different direction, the fix is to bypass the check valve so now your vehicle front axle is always engaged,didn’t purchase this vehicle to be all wheel drive
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .