2018 Ford F-150 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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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)99538.1%
- Engine58522.4%
- Body & structure1937.4%
- Electrical1706.5%
- Driver assistance1114.2%
- Brakes923.5%
- Visibility843.2%
- Steering833.2%
- Interior & seats712.7%
- Fuel system632.4%
- Other / unspecified471.8%
- Airbags381.5%
- Suspension230.9%
- Exterior lighting230.9%
- 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
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
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am getting heavy water intrusion from the rear sliding glass window after any rain. It creates a very musty unpleasant odor in the cab. I am concerned that my young children, my wife, and myself are breathing mold spores and or other dangerous airborne particles from this problem.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the lock mechanism to drop the spare tire was rusted and failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the failure failed to allow for the spare tire from being lowered. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. However, the dealer confirmed that the lock was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2018 Ford F-150 experienced significant heat damage involving the fog lamp assembly. The fog lamp did not simply stop working. The assembly became hot enough that portions of the lamp/assembly melted and burned. I discovered the damage before it resulted in a larger vehicle fire, but I am concerned about the potential fire risk associated with this failure. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership, where the damaged fog lamp assembly was identified and replacement was recommended. I am reporting this because the amount of heat generated and the visible melting/burning appear to represent a potential vehicle safety and fire hazard. I have requested that the Ford dealership document the damage, photograph the affected components, and report the issue to Ford for review.
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to trade in the vehicle, there was a mileage discrepancy discovered. The vehicle was a private sale. The mileage at the time of the purchase was approximately 93,000 miles, which was displayed on the odometer; however, the trade-in dealer informed the contact that the vehicle history report listed the mileage at over 190,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V373000 (Exterior Lighting) and Customer Satisfaction Program: 25N17 (Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation); however, the failure occurred after the repairs were performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Parking Brake Engaged" message displayed, and the blind spot sensor became inoperable. An unknown warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the TPMS was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
I was required to complete the recall 24E12 on my 2018 ford F 150 2.7L eco boost XLT. Upon completion the check engine light comes on. I looked into this and this is an ongoing problem with the emissions recall . I scanned for a code and P0430 is coming up. (Catalyst System). I contacted the dealership and ford corporate and they will not help assist in resolving this issue. I explained my vehicle was working fine until the mandatory emissions recall was completed and that under the good will assistance I should be covered for Some compensation fixing this vehicle. I was denied any additional help. I as a loyal customer for many years don’t believe that it is my responsibility to pay a full bill for a new converter when it was their recall that caused the issue on an already perfectly fine vehicle.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
My 2018 Ford F-150 is experiencing a dangerous loss of braking power, a soft/spongy brake pedal, and brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. These are the exact symptoms and component failures described in Ford Recall Campaign 25S37 (NHTSA Campaign 25V236). However, when checking my VIN, I am told my truck is excluded from the recall population. Because my vehicle is exhibiting the identical safety defect, the current recall window is too narrow and needs to be expanded to cover my vehicle before a serious collision occurs.
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 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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2018 Ford F-150 4WD with approximately 24,600 miles. While traveling approximately 70 MPH on the highway in 2H with cruise control operating, I suddenly heard an extremely loud metal-on-metal grinding/ratcheting noise from the driver's-side front wheel area. The noise caused immediate concern about a possible front wheel or drivetrain failure. I disengaged cruise control and the grinding stopped. Within approximately 50 miles on the same trip, the grinding occurred a second time while again traveling approximately 70 MPH in 2H without cruise engaged. Because of the severity of the noise, I pulled over on the side of the highway and inspected the vehicle. I found nothing visibly wrong and resumed driving. The condition has since occurred two additional times while accelerating from a stop in 2H. These incidents were less severe but involved the same metal-on-metal grinding/ratcheting from the driver's-side front wheel area. I have also noticed a brief air/vacuum-type "whoosh" immediately before the grinding occurs. My Ford service manager directed me to Ford TSB 24-2188, which addresses grinding/clicking/ratcheting from the front wheel area associated with partial engagement of the Integrated Wheel End (IWE). The truck is scheduled for diagnosis but has not yet been formally diagnosed. I contacted Ford Customer Satisfaction, case CXH-090-0329-26-V5R9-P-5. Ford declined assistance due to vehicle age despite the low mileage. I am reporting this because the condition has occurred four times, including twice unexpectedly at 70 MPH. I am concerned about the safety implications of a front wheel-end component potentially partially engaging at highway speed and believe this warrants NHTSA review.
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.
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 the steering wheel cover covering the driver’s side air bag was cracked. The dealer was contacted and stated that a special engineer was needed for the repair because the crack was located on air bag housing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver side front coil spring cracked/collapsed NOTE: THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2017-2018 FORD F-150
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)
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V373000 (Exterior Lighting) and Customer Satisfaction Program: 25N17 (Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation); however, the failure occurred after the repairs were performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Parking Brake Engaged" message displayed, and the blind spot sensor became inoperable. An unknown warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the TPMS was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
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.
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 .