2018 Ford F-450 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-450, 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
- Engine428.6%
- Electrical214.3%
- Fuel system214.3%
- Other / unspecified214.3%
- Steering214.3%
- Driver assistance17.1%
- Suspension17.1%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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-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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE
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 .