CarModelProblems.com

2018 Ford F-150 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/13/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 4.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
2,226Complaints
19Recalls
64Crashes
33Fires
52Injured
3Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (41.9% of complaints) — is covered by 4 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Power Train complaints here are 4.9× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train933 · 41.9%RecalledRecall 18V213000 · Recall 18V214000 · Recall 17V669000 · Recall 26V375000
Engine491 · 22.1%RecalledRecall 18V894000 · Recall 19V278000 · Recall 17V672000
Structure:body173 · 7.8%RecalledRecall 17V598000
Electrical System157 · 7.1%No official action
Steering83 · 3.7%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control71 · 3.2%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN933 · 41.9%
ENGINE491 · 22.1%
Unspecified / other229 · 10.3%
STRUCTURE:BODY173 · 7.8%
STEERING83 · 3.7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL71 · 3.2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING71 · 3.2%
SERVICE BRAKES68 · 3.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM54 · 2.4%

Percentages are the share of the 2,226 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 19 campaigns

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 20V097000 · 2020 · reported 02/21/2020

DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

NHTSA campaign 21V983000 · 2021 · reported 12/16/2021

Unexpected tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires

NHTSA campaign 21V155000 · 2021 · reported 03/10/2021

Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

NHTSA campaign 21E027000 · 2021 · reported 04/12/2021

An incorrectly installed ball joint may cause the ball joint stud to break, which can compromise front wheel control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 18V894000 · 2018 · reported 12/18/2018

When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 18V392000 · 2018 · reported 06/12/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 19V633000 · 2019 · reported 08/28/2019

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 19V278000 · 2019 · reported 04/08/2019

A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 18V568000 · 2018 · reported 08/31/2018

A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 18V213000 · 2018 · reported 04/04/2018

Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 18V214000 · 2018 · reported 04/04/2018

If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 17V672000 · 2017 · reported 10/23/2017

Without a proper supply of lubrication, the engine will fail, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

NHTSA campaign 17V669000 · 2017 · reported 10/23/2017

Unidentified or unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in a way that was not intended by the driver, increasing the risk of crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 17V598000 · 2017 · reported 09/25/2017

If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury . Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

NHTSA campaign 22V150000 · 2022 · reported 03/11/2022

A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 2024 · reported 11/08/2024

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

NHTSA campaign 25V236000 · 2025 · reported 04/11/2025

A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 26V373000 · 2026 · reported 06/09/2026

Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 26V375000 · 2026 · reported 06/09/2026

Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“VEHICLE WILL SOME TIMES HESITATE DURING ACCELERATION AND TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP - ENGINE RPMS WILL RISE TO ABOUT 2000 AND THEN TRANSMISSION WILL ENGAGE WITH…”NHTSA complaint 11166063 — filed 01/09/2019 · POWER TRAIN
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-150. WHILE TOWING A TRAILER AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND SHOOK. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE…”NHTSA complaint 11164768 — filed 01/03/2019 · POWER TRAIN
“4WD IWE SYSTEM IS FAILING, CAUSING HUBS AND 4WD SYSTEM TO PARTIALLY ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. A LOUD RATTLING AND GRINDING NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHILE…”NHTSA complaint 11163055 — filed 12/21/2018 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

12017141201828620192122020166202124120223352023488202463920252692026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford F-150?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 933 of 2,226 NHTSA complaints (41.9%), followed by engine (491), unspecified/other issues (229), structure:body (173). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2018 Ford F-150 have?

2,226 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/13/2026. Of those, 64 involved a crash, 33 involved a fire, and 52 reported injuries. 3 deaths were reported.

Does the 2018 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes — 19 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V097000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Ford F-150's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/13/2026.