2018 Ford F-450 Owner Complaints

incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Component Failure & Part Numbers: The fire necessitated an $18,000 repair (RO #443426). Based on the repair invoice, the following safety-critical components were heat-destroyed and replaced: Secondary Fuel Filter (PC3Z9N184C) Main Engine Wiring Harness (HC3Z12B637A) Inlet Manifold (GC4Z9424A) High-Pressure Fuel Pipes (HC3Z9J280J and BC3Z9E964A) Cowl Grilles (HC3Z25022A68AB/69AC) 2. Safety Risk & Pre-Existing Symptoms: Prior to the fire, the engine exhibited a "surging" idle and erratic RPM behavior, which was reported to the dealer. After the replacement of the aforementioned fuel and electrical components, the surging issue was immediately resolved, confirming the original symptom was a precursor to the fuel system failure. While no injuries occurred, the fire presented an immediate risk of occupant injury and total vehicle loss. 3. Disposal of Evidence (Spoliation): Despite an active liability dispute and an ongoing manufacturer investigation, the dealership (AutoNation Ford Valencia) admitted in writing that they disposed of the failed secondary fuel filter and the main wiring harness. These primary pieces of evidence are currently unavailable for federal or forensic inspection due to the dealer's actions. 4. Confirmation: The fire damage was confirmed by the dealership, and I have paid the repair invoice UNDER PROTEST to retrieve the property. I am seeking a review of this incident under the scope of PE24014.

NHTSA ID

11713028

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

My truck is outfitted with the CP4 fuel pump. These pumps are failing on a regular basis and destroying entire fuel systems costing the vehicle owner as much as $20,000 to replace. If this pump goes out while driving, it could be a major safety issue. I tow a 44 foot trailer with my truck and this can cause a deadly accident. I called Ford and there is no recall as of now. There are attorneys out there using the Lemon Law act to go after the ones that have failed so far. These pumps are not designed to be used with American Diesel. They are made in Europe and designed for their fuel. I am just trying to prevent an accident. I’d like Ford to just recall this pump and replace it.

NHTSA ID

11653451

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced, he was made aware that there were metal shavings found inside the oil pan, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ID

11591622

Incident

May 15, 2024

Mileage

91,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the turbo charger. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure immediately reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11521728

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Mileage

51,000 mi

The rear camera is addressed in NHTSA Recall Number22V644, but the same issue is occurring with the front camera too. Ford dealer said to call Ford customer service to address my concern. Ford customer service advised I file a claim with NHTSA. Since Ford already acknowledged the issue with these cameras, I’d like the front to be addressed at the same time as the rear.

NHTSA ID

11508182

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was significantly blurry. The contact wiped the rearview camera lens; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and the VIN was not included in a recall associated to the failure; therefore, he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring for a year. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11456955

Incident

Mar 16, 2021

Mileage

18,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE

NHTSA ID

11299205

Incident

Dec 29, 2019

Mileage

22,876 mi

ALL 2018,F-450,OKALOOSA COUNTY FLEET TRUCKS. STARTING/CRANKING MODUL CAUSES ENGINE NOT TO START OR RANDOMLY START AFTER 5,10,20 MINUTES.

NHTSA ID

11228468

Incident

Jun 28, 2019

Mileage

1,400 mi

THE POWER TAILGATE OPENS RANDOMLY ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO MY TAILGATE AND THE ATTACHED TRAILER. I HAVE SECURITY VIDEO FOOTAGE OF IT OPENING RIGHT BEFORE AS I STARTED TO DRIVE. FORD IS REFUSING TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRUCK HAS 3800 MILES ON IT AND HAS NOT EVEN HAD ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE.

NHTSA ID

11165240

Incident

Nov 27, 2018

Mileage

3,800 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEBANON FORD (770 COLUMBUS AVE, LEBANON, OH 45036, (513) 932-1010), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11098871

Incident

May 16, 2018

Mileage

800 mi