2018 Ford F-150 Complaint Log

While driving, vehicle shift down to 1st then back up to 4th, then back down to 1st then up to 10th. While doing this, it also causes transmission to over heats.

Transmission shifts extremely hard, rough and jerky in both upshifting and downshifting and will lunge forward at times when vehicle is started. I purchased vehicle used with appx 85K miles on it and took it to the dealer to have it checked and they reprogrammed it for rough shifting and it didn't help.

When driving my 2018 f150 home from work I was on the interstate and was on the accelerator pedal and I had let off and when I went to get back on the pedal I noticed the truck was not going I looked down as the dash and the gear ratio was going from 10th gear down to 1st gear and kept bouncing back and fort from 10th to 1st gear until it finally went back into gear I felt as my safety and others around me were at Risk because I was scared that the transmission was going to catch in 1st gear while going highway speeds so I quickly got off at the next exit and the transmission just felt terrible like it didn’t want to shift and when it did they were extremely laggy and hard shifts and the truck was going right into 10th gear at 20mph shortly after this incident a wrench popped up and multiple other warning lights such as traction control, hill assist etc… I have not had the vehicle inspection by a dealership because when I called I was told they were backed up waiting for multiple transmissions for vehicles so they ran a scan on my truck by my vin number and it had the same few codes such as P07F7(gear ratio 10 incorrect) U0253(lost communication with accessory protocol interface, module) and U0140(lost communication with body control module) I was told by the ford dealership that the transmission was going to need to be pulled and possibly a new transmission but nothing was covered under warranty because the truck was just out of warranty so it would have to be out of pocket but I have not even owned the truck a year I feel the the transmission should not be going out on a vehicle with 59k miles .

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted and jerked forward. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a crackling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into drive(D) very rough. The contact stated that the "WRENCH” symbol was displayed, and the power train warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator or brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission was shifting rough. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Transmission has hard shifts especially at low rpms and at times when at a complete stop, truck shifts to neutral during acceleration. Also when slowing down for a top light and not coming to a complete stop, transmission makes clunking noises while downshifting.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal and the vehicle shifted to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter informed him the vehicle had also shifted to the right while depressing the brake pedal to slow down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the rear brakes were worn. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after the brake repair. The contact related the failure to the ABS system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and then went off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with solenoid valve failure. The contact was informed that the solenoid valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the oil needed to be changed at 3,000 miles instead of 5,000 miles. The contact stated that in 2024, the camshaft, seals, gaskets, and four VCT solenoids were replaced. In addition, an oil consumption test was performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,700.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while merging into oncoming traffic at approximately 35-40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted from 7th gear to 1st gear and repeated the failure immediately. The contact immediately released the accelerator pedal to decelerate the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle jerked before accelerating to 65 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle without failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact learned of a possible Ford recall regarding the failure however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained parked after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

I just started towing with my 2018 2.7L F-150 Eco Boost. I went on a long trip with my family towing our camper. When coming off the highway we slowed down to yield for our turn. The vehicle shut off in the middle of the highway, presenting a serious safety concern for me and my family. Throughout the rest of the trip this continued to happen when coming to a stop. Ford has known about this safety issue since 2018. TSB 182249A was issued on August 16, 2018.

I have been having nothing but problems with this truck since I purchased it and I'm looking to see if anyone can help me out with this truck. I have had it now almost two years and the truck was in the shop for 3 months of it getting worked. I have had nothing but problems with the braking system as well. The dealer wouldn't sell me the original pads for it, they sent someone to car quest to get a set of pads. Whenever i gave them the vin i would always end up with the wrong parts somehow. So i dont know if there is vin fraud or what but something wasn't adding up. The dealer i purchased it from is not much of help. The water pump has gone out, the cam phasers were replaced(and are rattling again.) The starter was replaced due to clunking when started.( still clunks) Oil pan gasket was replaced. The transmission had to be replaced. I am just trying to see what my options are with this truck. It's clearly a lemon and just wondering if there's anything anyone can do to help because the reliability of this 35,000 dollar truck is out the window.

Transmission issue. I was driving in Eco-mode and the transmission just shifted into 3rd gear. It suddenly without warning jumped into 1st gear causing the vehicle to suddenly slide and nearly stop. After that issue a check Advance Tracing system light and the ABS lights came on and stayed on.

Faulty transmission, Took several times to the dealership, while the truck was still under warranty, to be looked at and every time they turned us away, saying the transmission is "new" and it was normal to not work properly, the transmission would shift down on its own while driving on the interstate, it would "knock" really hard when shifting from Parking to Reverse. Now, at 100,875 miles, the transmission have faulted and the truck is not drivable, needs a new transmissions. Ford knows the transmissions are garbage and would not do anything to fix the issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle lost braking capability. The vehicle was placed in Manual Mode. The low power steering fluid message was displayed. The contact was able to pull into a gas station to purchase power steering fluid. The contact added power steering fluid; however, while the vehicle was parked, the power steering fluid leaked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was due to a failed seal and that the master pump had leaked from the rear seal. The contact called the local dealer, who referred him to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 132,401.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting and the engine made abnormal rattling sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact became aware of a loud fluttering sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at an unknown location, the contact was informed that the cam phasers and timing chain were defective. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine made an abnormal sound upon starting the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Lug nuts on all wheels have become misshaped making them a risk for fall off and/or unable to remove wheels without the aide of an impact wrench at a shop. This would prevent the owner from changing a tire on the road if needed. Also a safety concern with driving should the lug fall off.

Started slipping last year

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03 (Cam Phasers). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

there was a ford program recall to fix the ecoboost cam phasers but it has now ended. and now my 2018 F150 is experiencing cam phaser issues (as per Ford dealer service) at 60k miles; however, Ford has not issued another recall.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to change gear properly and the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to drive to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a CDF drum POP Assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 67,916.

Transmission drops out of gear and then engages causing a clunk and a lunge or lurch. Extra concern when merging into Interstate traffic. This transmission has never been perfect but it is getting more noticeable when it misses shifts or drops out of gear completely.

The contact called on behalf of her father who owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon startup, there was a loud knocking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

10R80 transmission CDF drum broke free and has caused hard shifting, dropping gears entirely ant highway speeds and altogether has lead to my vehicle being parked for months while i save up to replace the transmission. Is a known issues according to 3 different dealerships/transmission shops.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speed speeds or while at a complete stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the transmission pan. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Truck would suddenly downshift into 1st gear unexpectedly at full speed. Transmission was suddenly loosing power during merging onto freeways making regular driving hazardous. unexpected shifting. The transmission only had 77K miles and needs to be replaced according to the dealership.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned as the contact lost control of the vehicle. As the contact struggled to regain control of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle crashed into the left of the highway retainer wall. As a result, the vehicle spun out across three lanes as the front end of the vehicle hit the right retainer wall. The air bags deployed upon impact; however, both the front driver and front passenger seat belts independently unclipped during the accident. The contact stated that once the vehicle came to a stop after hitting the second wall, both seat belts were unbuckled. Both vehicle occupants were taken to the hospital via an ambulance. The contact was treated for a concussion, pain in the left shoulder, and a torn LCL on the left knee. The passenger suffered a broken right hand, concussion, pain in the neck, and bruising on the torso. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure; the manufacturer gave the contact a case number. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Tailgate keeps falling down while traveling down the road. This has happened several times. This time after it hit the trailer after backing it up at the end of the trip.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started in the morning and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then jolted into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was also slipping out of gear. While driving 45 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st and the vehicle slowed down unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the engine was making an abnormal clattering sound. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and stated that the cam phasers were possibly causing the engine to make an abnormal sound. The transmission was replaced; however, the engine failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E070000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the transmission failure and advised the contact that no support would be provided for the repair prior to receiving the recall letter. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

When the auto stop/start feature is engaged at a stop and I am the first vehicle at the light or stop sign, the steering is unresponsive when making a turn into or through the intersection after the auto start re-engages and has posed a safety issue steering/turning because of the delay that occurs in powering the power steering pump. On repeated instances, I have entered an intersection making a turn expecting the steering to be powered, only to find I have to struggle with the steering manually until the pump engages. The first time I asked the dealer to check the issue, I was told that my battery was dead and I had to buy a new one. I was told that would take care of the problem. The problem returned, however, and I took the truck back to the dealer. During the second dealer visit, I was told that the power steering pump is electric and has to run off the battery for a period of time (they confirmed the battery was fine during this second visit) after the auto stop/start re-engages and that is what causes the delay in power steering after the auto stop/start turns the engine back on. I was told that it gets worse if the battery doesn't have a full charge, but there was nothing that could be done to resolve the issue. On multiple occasions, I have feared that I would end up in a wreck with oncoming traffic after I struggled to steer until the pump engaged. Why would the manufacturer design a system that creates such a safety issue? The date below is the approximate date and mileage for the second dealer visit.

THIS VEHICLE WOULD STOP. I LOST CONTROL HIT THE VECHICLE IN FRONT ME THAT STOP WITH NO LIGHTS ON.

Everytime I accelerate from a stop the first 3 gears the truck hesitates and jerks forward. It appears as if its going to stall. The problems after getting to 35 miles an hour or faster.

The Air Conditioning fails and windows fog impairing visibility. Ford dealer diagnosed the problem as the A/C evaporator sensor failure and estimated the cost at $2800 to remove the entire dashboard and all components. No warning lights or other indicators appear. The A/C evaporator apparently freezes over and block air flow through the vents. This is a problem many of these vehicles are having. I have included the ford service bulletin. It is available for inspection. Thank You

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the drive train inoperative warning light illuminated. In addition, the transmission independently downshifted from 10th gear to 7th gear. The contact stated that the engine abruptly seized, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with alternator failure due to engine oil leaking onto the alternator. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission shifted independently and unusually hard while shifting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while having a routine oil change performed, the independent mechanic stated that the head gasket was leaking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the head gasket was leaking due to two detached head gaskets. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall or had warranty coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 113,000.

The engine system on this vehicle experienced multiple failures, including severe knocking, power loss, and potential oil-related malfunctions. Despite repeated service visits to the authorized Ford dealership, the problem persisted. The dealership performed multiple repairs, but the issue was never fully resolved. The vehicle has been undrivable for over a year, during which I have had to rely on rental cars, borrowed vehicles, and eventually purchased cash vehicles to commute — all while continuing to pay for the truck. This is a severe financial and safety burden for a vehicle sold as reliable. To this day, no clear resolution has been offered, and Ford’s internal support has repeatedly deflected responsibility or referred me to scripted call center processes. The vehicle remains parked, unable to be driven due to fear of catastrophic failure or causing harm to myself or others on the road. The engine should be fully inspected, and the failure reported as part of a broader pattern I believe exists across other vehicles with this powertrain. There were early warning lights, knocking, and oil issues documented during dealer visits. The dealer acknowledged repeated service cases but failed to offer a true fix or replacement. This is more than mechanical failure — it’s a consumer safety and engineering accountability issue. I urge NHTSA to investigate the root cause and assess whether a broader recall or investigation is warranted.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, he noticed a loud clanking noise coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NSHTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Cam phasers failed as they have with other 2018 f-150s with the twin turbo v6. Had dealer repair but was told truck vin wasn’t included in recall. Paid for myself. Contacted ford and was told they would not refund me due to my vin not being in the recall

When my truck shifts, your be going down the road and then it downshifts and RPM going up, then it goes in between gears..

I was driving on a congested thoroughfare during rush hour on a Friday night. My truck became unresponsive and the steering wheel locked up. The truck made a screeching stop. With over 100 cars behind me honking. I was unable to drive car off the road shoulder in a safe location. The cars electrical system when dead. With very limited battery life on my phone, I worked to to solve this problem. Luckily I had a few tools in the truck and was able to dismantle the all of the underdash plastic and metal components in about 1 hr with cachophany of honking and yelling with ever car. No stopped to help. I had to push the vehicle approx a quarter of a mile on a moderate incline and jump in the cab without power steering and coast down a side street. I had to learn how to put the car in neutral this way to move. This is Friday night and unable to get a towing service provider to my location, I had to wait in a lesser than desirable neighborhood until 2:30 am to get the car to my place residence. This was one of the scariest and deadliest incidents I have ever had in a motor vehicle. I am deathly afraid this will reoccur on a highway with fatal consequences.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with cylinder #4, resulting in damages to the engine and requiring that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to drive from a complete stop, there was no pressure on the brake pedal, and the brakes became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder was leaking brake fluid into the brake booster. The dealer determined that the brake master cylinder and the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Three times in the last year while driving north on interstate 91 coming down a long steep hill entering the town of Springfield, Vermont while my f-150 was in cruise control traveling at 70 mph the transmission has down shifted all by itself to fifth gear without me touching anything. I have not taken it to my local dealer as they want to charge me 135.00 dollars per hour just to look at it. Also my doors freeze anytime it gets below 32 degrees! Can not latch doors shut once they freeze.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently shifted gear and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The service vehicle soon light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The transmission was jerking forward and taking a long time to shift. Including not shifting out of 3rd gear and almost locking tires when coming to a stop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Pulling out onto a highway with little then getting stuck in 3rd gear. Cars had to make quick reactions because my car would not go. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - yes, I have had it looked at by Certified Ford technicians. They say the transmission should be replaced, and that this is a widespread problem with Ford F150s and other models that use their 10-speed transmission. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Ford Dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No warning lights, no check engine, nothing.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently accelerated. Additionally, the vehicle would not shift into the intended gear while the gear lever was being operated. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.