NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford F-150. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
This morning, while making a left hand turn, the engine stopped running. I looked down at the dashboard. There was a message that read "auto start/stuff off" "Place vehicle in 'P' and re-start engine." I re-started the engine and continued my drive to work. I have looked on line to see why this would happen. I have a half full tank of gas. I was actually in the middle of my left turn when the engine just died and I had to read a message on the dashboard. This is extremely unsafe.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed cam phasers and that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the interior lights illuminated, and the rear driver's door message was displayed. The battery was drained due to the failure. The contact located a similar article on YouTube regarding the rear driver's door and that the wiring harness was frayed. The contact spoke to her neighbor, who experienced the same failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 38,391.
Driving down the highway my truck jumped out of gear. The 10-speed transmission indicator light was jumping all over. From 10th to 5th to 3rd. and I had no throttle power. If I pull over turn it off then start it back up it will be fine. This has happened 4 times in the last 2 months. One time on a 6-lane interstate. Very scary situation trying to get across the traffic lanes to get to a shoulder. The last time it happened I had a code reader plugged into my truck just in case. I got the code P0068. I have read on the internet of a lot of people having this problem. This needs to be taken care of. This was my dream truck but has turned into a nightmare. I called my local Ford dealership. He has 3 trucks in his shop with the same problem. He's had one of them for 2 months and can't get it fixed. I can't do without my truck that long.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V983000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributions disconnect.
This was the letter I initiattly include dthe NTHTSA.Webmaster@dot.gov to ford. Dear Ford Motor Company, I'm writing to you as a concerned parent of a 6-year-old child and consumer of your product regarding critical safety issues reported in the 2017-2020 F150 model, and I'd like to ask Ford to please take action. I compiled some research from numerous affected vehicle owners across various states, highlighting alarming and potentially hazardous health concerns and issues that pose significant risks on highways. Just so you know- I noted the same issues I am having with my vehicle and now have to take my car back to the dealer once again. •Grinding noises and pronounced thumping sensations resembling towing a trailer. •Issues reported from critical sections such as the engine solenoid, transmission, flyer axle/Cam Shaft, deceleration noise, oil consumption, leaks, power loss during turns, and truck bogging down. The research highlighted in the attached document indicates widespread reports across different states and model years (2017-2020), emphasizing the urgent need for immediate attention and resolution. I urgently request: •Initiate a thorough investigation, partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address these reported concerns promptly. •Encourage proactive involvement from Ford's leadership, including the CEO, advisors, board members, and affiliates, to prioritize consumer safety and resolve these critical issues. •Collaborate transparently with affected consumers and stakeholders to ensure a swift and satisfactory resolution. * Plus there were oil leaks and fumes coming into the cab which can effect me Given the ongoing class action lawsuits around these or similar issues, we stress the gravity and urgency of this situation and implore swift action to prioritize consumer safety and uphold Ford's commitment to excellence. I am awaiting to hear from you and the measures to address these pressing concerns.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the cruise control was engaged, the vehicle accelerated to 100 MPH. The vehicle skipped gear while accelerating from a stop. The vehicle stalled and restarted. The brake pedal independently depressed without driver input. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made a rattling sound. The check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where DTC Code: P0369 (Camshaft Position Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent Bank 1) was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the cam phaser had previously been replaced in 2021 under warranty; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After shifting into neutral and back into drive, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, advising the contact that the transmission 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 112,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced unintended hard transmission downshifts from 9th gear to 5th gear. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving 60 MPH, causing the wheels to lock up temporarily. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced hard shifts from 3rd gear to 5th gear. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing erratic transmission shifts while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who referred the contact to a transmission specialist. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the computer was reset; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a cold engine start-up, an abnormally loud ticking sound was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure was a common issue linked to the cam phasers. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the mechanic discovered a loss of compression in cylinder #6. The contact was also informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a defective engine long block. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Engine ticking diagnosed by mechanic found to be scoring on two roller rockers on different sides on the engine. ALL ROCKERS, LIFTERS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TIMING CHAINS WITH TENSIONERS ARE RECOMMENDED. The cost of this repair was $6,856.56
Cam phaser rattle
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, the contact was informed that the lug nuts on all four wheels were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
On a regular basis the truck will pause between gear changes (usually 2>3 or 3>4) resulting in a temporary loss of power. The truck will initially accelerate, then pause for a second or two before engaging the next gear, sometimes skipping a gear completely. This has happened several times while crossing traffic or pulling out into fast moving traffic and has almost resulted in an accident on several occasions. . Per other complaints this has been a repeated issue since the vehicle was purchased and has been brought up to dealer service regularly with the feedback this cannot be replicated, or that it is normal. (I really hope it is not normal). They did complete a software update (at my expense) but this did not resolve the issue. I have also heard this same complaint from multiple other truck owners of similar years.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be disassembled, and the cam phasers and other unknown related parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to Ford TSB Number: 23-2143. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
My truck engine has a very unusual ticking, rattle noise. I have been researching several Ford f-150 forums and the same year and motor everyone is having issues with and they are the same as mine. I can not afford to have it diagnosed but every forum said it needed an engine replacement. I also had another issue with the oil consumption, I was driving today and out of no where I lost oil pressure and oil light came on so I pulled over, I turned truck off and I checked the engine oil and it was fine. I started truck up and it was back to reading normal pressure. I don’t know if that was a fluke but definitely not normal. I am worried about the engine rattle and ticking noise it is definitely not normal and it is fairly loud. There are several tsb I seen online about this year and model of truck with same exact issues.
When I first start driving the transmission does not seem to know what gear it should be in. It will start in first, jump to four and even at a stop with remain in fourth. As I start to move it will drop back to first and then jump to eighth. It will bounce between gears like this for the first half a mile or so then seems to settle back down. When it is jumping around gears the shifting is extremely hard and causes the truck to lunge, shaking the passengers and driver. I have started to notice over the last couple weeks it is getting worse and lasting longer into the day.
New transmission installed due to surging, “thunking “ and transmission failure light on. Approximately 300 miles after installation of new transmission while driving at 70 MPH there was another “thunk” like the truck had been rear ended. The transmission gear indicator went from 10 to 1. There was no throttle response for 5 seconds. Truck decelerated rapidly causing a potential rear end accident. Wife following, along with other drivers, smoke coming from under the truck. Pulled off freeway when able. Was not able to determine issue. Drove another 100 miles to destination. Truck has been at dealer for 3 weeks as technician seeks a diagnosis. Ford needs to address the 10 speed transmission issues. A truck with 85,000 miles should not need a new transmission, then have a secondary dangerous failure 300 miles later. Truck has been at dealerships in Georgia and Florida for 2.5 months this summer/fall as new parts are installed and diagnostic work conducted.
On the morning of September 14, 2023 I was involved in a front end collision. I am concerned there was no airbag deployment. I was traveling 40mph 1 sec prior and slammed on brakes before impacting another vehicle. Vehicle total loss. Vehicle started flashing hazards and displayed a message on the dashscreen- I believe it had the word "safety" in the message. I was the sole occupant. I am 2nd owner of truck, which had clean vehicle history and no prior collisions. I have dashcam footage from my vehicle; person in vehicle behind me also provided dashcam footage. This is too large to upload but can be provided on request.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon startup, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a rattling sound, and the vehicle shook violently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser timing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,580.
Had a major Transmission Failure. Transmission 10R80. Under 60,000 miles power train warranty. I have 59000 miles on truck. Took it to a ford dealer on Sept.12th.It took them two weeks to even look at problem they were so backed up with Trans issues. They said my 5+ years ran out on Aug. 4th.Laughed at the response thought no way Ford will not honor this claim. Especially since on May 15th had the transmission serviced for the same problems as in the class action suits I>E> delayed shifting,lagging,loud clunking when it would engage. At this time there were no icons or warning lamps displayed.They said since it wasn" at Ford dealer so this did not fall under my warranty period. IT would not shift from second to third. Sometimes it would down shift from 7th down to third when I was highway driving . The wrench icon came up on display immediately took to Ford dealership on the 12th . This shifting issue put myself and my passenger's in danger. Dealer has said to me that it will be 7000 for a new transmission or 5050.00 for a rebuilt to remedy the issue. I have service tickets to back this up.
While this incident took place last week, this has been an ongoing issue with the truck since purchase new from Golf Mills ford in Illinois. Transmission has been jumpy since truck was purchased, changing gears randomly, lurching or suddenly downshifting. I have reported this multiple times and was repeatedly informed it could not be replicated or that this was "normal". Recently, when decelerating, the truck has lurched so suddenly with a load bang, that we thought we had been rear-ended. This has happened on 4 separate occasions, all when decelerating or coming to a stop. Also recently, the transmission stuck in 8th gear and would not shift up or down regardless of accelerating or decelerating. Eventually it shifted up to 9 and 10 with a clanking noise, but then the transmission overheated and forced me to stop the truck on the side of a busy highway. This has not repeated since but 8th seems to be a troublesome point of change.
Power train light came on a busy highway, Transmission disengage from engine ,vehicle stops In the middle of traffic. Towed truck to the dealership on the on the 08/21/23. Reset PCM and TCM module.On the 09/07/23 same problem vehicle stop in traffic.Truck would not move in drive or reverse when engine running ,towed to the dealership today .
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse, the vehicle immediately drove backwards however, while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact quickly shifted into park to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two separate occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 26,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that at the initial start-up, while the vehicle was idling there was a clicking sound coming from the driver’s side front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure started after receiving an oil change and tire rotation. The contact was informed that the failure was related to TSB: 23-2052 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 124,207.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and approaching a stop light, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed. The contact stated that the “Low Brake fluid” message was displayed. The contact shifted into neutral, and the vehicle slowed down. The contact became aware there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and examined under the hood and smelled an abnormal brake fluid odor but did not see a brake fluid leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 1,050.
Oil consumption, engine consumes 8 quarts of oil in 1600 miles causes engine to stall without warning. No oil light and dangerous
Been having this issue for months. Go to hit the gas to go from a stop truck shutters and hastates to move. No check engine light has come on. Thought it was the fuel we put in it but no matter what fuel it still does it. Almost have been hit a dozen times with my children in the truck with me due to truck will not Accelerate and shutters when you go to take off from a stop. Even when putting the vehicle into sports mode and hit the gas, the truck hesitates and shutters as well. Been to repair shops and they stated they can't find anything wrong with it due to no check engine light being on.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The transmission was lagging while downshifting or upshifting. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward and lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who refreshed the computer. The contact stated that the driving data was lost during the software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while in seventh gear, the vehicle downshifted to first gear. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to move forward. The transmission also shifted hard from first gear to third gear. While accelerating, the vehicle unintendedly shifted into neutral. The power train malfunction and reduce power messages were displayed. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that the failure might be due to the valve body or the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
The transmission slips and jumps into different gears while driving. When applying the accelerator from a stop the truck will not move due to it being in 7th gear, when it finally decides to move it shifts hard jolting the truck. The electric driver seat moves around, it is not stable.
While driving vehicle was shifting rough (106,000 miles) took to dealership performed latest tSB now the truck slams into gear shutters All through the gears then when driving went from 10th gear to 1st gear at 70 miles an hour and almost blew up the whole truck. I went from having rough shifts to almost getting t-boned because the car lost all power when pulling out of a gas station I’ve still gotta pay for 3 more years on this truck and it’s gonna kill me first
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the gear shifter independently shifted from tenth gear to first gear. The contact noticed that the RPM was raised high. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed clutch system. The contact was informed that the clutch system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts needed to complete the repair were ordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 62,500.
Air conditioning evaporator builds up mold. Vinegar and moldy/musty smell comes from vents
I almost died. I was trying to merge onto highway and vehicle would not shift. I couldn't get it over 45. It then slammed into gear and rocketed me into traffic. The transmission is making my truck unsafe, to myself and the other drivers.
We tried to turn the vehicle OFF and it would not switch off. Literally we turned the key off but the motor kept running. We took it to a local mechanic who said the vehicle's wiring system has been melted and it would need to go to a dealer. Ford confirmed that the wiring harness melted and the vehicle's but the cause is unclear. Pictures show that the wiring got very hot, hot enough to melt plastic and discolor it. Ford says, that's what happens sometimes with 7 year vehicles. However, where plastic is discolored means there was open flame or sparking. Had the truck caught fire, the passengers may not have been able to exit if the doors were locked and the electric locks didn't work. We have not had it repaired and are considering an insurance claim. There were no warning lamps. No one has inspected the vehicle other than the original local mechanic and the Ford Dealer in Auburn, CA.
WHEN PUTTING INTO PARK THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. ATTEMPTED 2 TIMES TO PUT INTO PARK AND VEHICLE DIGITAL DASH SHOWED PARK BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. COULD NOT GET EMERGENCY BRAKE TO WORK DUE TO VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. MANUALLY PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AND DROVE VEHICLE FORWARD AND AGAIN IT ROLLED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING.
engine caught fire while driving down sr-522
Vehicle was taken in for service and told lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle is only 5 years old with approximately 37,000 miles. The poor quality of the original parts creates a safety risk for the driver and others.
Was headed out for ice cream with the wife and kids. On the way there we experienced total brake failure. I pulled over immediately upon hearing the alarm signaling low brake fluid. Reservoir was totally empty and zero fluid to be found on any lines. I added more fluid and 5 minutes later same thing. Had it towed to Malloy ford. Just like the re all on the 3.5L f-150 2016-2018 same failure. The Brake master cylinder failure caused leaking into brake booster causing complete loss of system pressure and total stopping failure.
In August 2023 at less than 30,000 miles, my 2018 Ford F-150 King Ranch began displaying unintended motive behaviors resulting in the power train fault indicator (wrench symbol) being displayed for the first time since owning the vehicle. The vehicle was sluggish during gear shifting while in motion in traffic. At times there were very loud “clunky” sounds. When I made attempts to contact the dealer regarding the problem, I was informed that it would be months before their only transmission repair technician would be able to get to my vehicle as there was a backlog of transmission repairs. I was referred to another Ford dealer who has recently diagnosed the vehicle and informed me that I will need to replace the transmission at personal cost in excess of $7,000. I find this very alarming after reading about similar incidents by Ford F-150 owners (worldwide) going back as far as 2011. Also highly problematic for me as a three-time F-150 truck owner, is that in October 2017, Ford was in the process of issuing safety recall notices for their F-150 trucks containing six speed automatic transmissions—one month before purchasing my vehicle with the 10 speed automatic transmission. I am the only person who operated the vehicle.
•Ford Case number: CAS-44375296-L5Y1S2 •2018 Ford F150 XLT-Purchased brand new •25,000Miles •Only Services with Full Synthetic •Only Fueled with 91 Octane •Truck has been babied, no off roading, no hauling heavy loads, no towing etc. Short Commutes only. •Reluctant to buy the 3.5LEcoboost-Dealer said it was a great Engine •In 2021 Returned to Broadway Ford where purchased for Cam Phaser Recall oBelieved this was corrected and repaired as Dealer said it was good. oBelieve d that this was reported and handled, documented so any further Cam Phaser issues would be covered due to the Recall. o2023 Take in for Oil Change at Arapahoe Ford, mention the noise and they advise Broadway Ford only completed a Flash of the Module “Programing” oI advised noise was still present, they advised the engine would need to be physically worked on, estimated repair 1 Week $3,000 and that I was just out of Warranty (Expired March 2023). Understand many customers have been advised Ford has not authorized a recall despite this sounding like it is regularly occurring. Clearly the flash/program of the module did nothing to correct the Cam Phaser issue recalled around the same time. Why is this not under a recall as it seems there is a consistent problem with the Cam Phasers and these vehicles. The Recall should be extended to cover.
Vehicle has 10 speed transmission with shifting problems. Erratic shifting (1st to 10th), shifts in between to neutral with very high rpms. Clunking in between shifts. Dangerous to drive as it shifts to neutral while driving. Dash warning lights appear and several codes regarding transmission failure noted. At ford dealer now. They are recommending replacement. This appears to be a common problem with ford 10 speed transmission
Cam phaser rattle, imminent engine failure as I understand it, all 2G engines have this problem.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during cold starts, there was a load knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the knocking sound lasted approximately five seconds before dissipating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 73,000.
The power train / Transmission is malfunctioning
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after driving at an undisclosed speed and arriving at his destination, the vehicle had difficulty shifting into gear and seemed to shift independently. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined a failure with the cam phasers. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the cam phasers were replaced two years prior. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Rain sensing wipers activate when there is no rain. Also, the wipers activate when I use my turn signal.