Ford F-150 Complaints (2018)

2,327 consumer complaints on file.

#11651928March 31, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission seems to 'search' for the proper gear, delays in shifting, then violently and abruptly downshifts, with an EXTREMELY loud thud that can be unmistakably felt throughout the whole vehicle, alarming driver and occupants. Even children asked "what just happened"? Passengers believe a universal joint, rear axle, or other key drivetrain component has catastrophically failed. This seems to happen most often when accelerating, letting off of the gas pedal, then pressing the gas pedal again. Vehicle is equipped with a 10 speed automatic. This has been a recurring problem since purchased with approximately 23,000 miles on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651705March 31, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was a transmission failure. The contact was provided with an estimate for a new transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer, who informed the contact that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651706March 31, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Hello, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on an ongoing issue with my vehicle related to the recall 21B10. I recently purchased a 2018 F150 in November 2024, and I’ve encountered significant problems with the vehicle that I believe are tied to the recall. Specifically, the vehicle is experiencing issues with acceleration, which has made it unsafe to drive, especially on the interstate. When I took my vehicle to Ford in Mooresville, NC, they diagnosed the problem as an error code 21B10. Upon contacting Ford on March 28, 2025, I was informed that the recall had been addressed in February 2022. However, I was advised that the case cannot be reopened, and that it would need to go for review. Given the critical nature of the issue I am experiencing, I am concerned about my safety while driving the vehicle. The acceleration problems are a direct danger, and I cannot drive the truck on the interstate due to these issues. I would like to request that this case be reviewed immediately. I have all the necessary documentation from the 2022 recall repair and am happy to provide it for your reference. It is my hope that we can resolve this issue promptly, as it poses a significant safety risk. Please let me know how we can proceed to ensure that this matter is addressed as soon as possible. I look forward to your prompt response and assistance in resolving this issue. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651642March 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Know CDF drum issue starts with hard shifting but now when driving at highway speeds the gear shifter will show it goes from 10th gear to first gear to second gear. Sometimes the engine will actually down shift for a moment. Secondly at low speeds the truck will shift from 3rd to 1st gear causing the truck to lurch forward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651515March 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
1. Cdf drum issue 2. Transmission will suddenly down shift into 1st when going 60mph and will jerk the truck very hard and it slips when going into 4th gear. 3. Truck was looked at by independent service center 4. No warning light and mechanic said there were no faults on the transmission
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651243March 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, the vehicle would not immediately restart. Also, while at a stoplight with the Auto START/STOP feature activated, the vehicle did not immediately restart after depressing the brake pedal, and the vehicle had to be jump-started. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who indicated that there was no issue with the battery and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,602.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651257March 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Rear wheels locked up on highway causing a skid. Vehicle was on fire when came to a stop. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the entire rear axle assembly was replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651281March 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The CDF drum bushing in the 10R80 transmission is able to spin and slide inside the housing causing extremely harsh and delayed shifts, momentary neutral, downshift of gears from 7th to 1st gear causing excessive engine reving, shutter shifts in gears 1-6. Ford didn’t redesign the CDF drum until the 2021 model’s, effecting thousands of vehicles with the 10R80 transmission. Does this not meet the safety requirements for a recall?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651297March 28, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When accelerating to highway speeds, my truck downshifts a gear or 2. This has been happening for the past year since I purchased the truck. When I try to accelerate to 60 MPH from 50 it is really hesitant after downshifting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651322March 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced an unexpected transmission downshift. The RPMs increased to 5,000 and then decreased significantly. The contact released the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure occurred temporarily. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had overheated. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651359March 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
APIM - Accessory Protocol Interface Module Failed reprogramming for a current software version update Local mechanic as well as Ford Dealership recommended module replacements
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651009March 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced unexpected transmission downshifts while the RPMs revved, nearly causing a crash. The contact stated that upon shifting to neutral(N) and shifting back to drive(D), the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing hard shifts between 3rd and 4th gears, and the vehicle was shuddering while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift to 10th gear. The contact stated that the failures also occurred while driving on the highway. The power train warning light recently illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651016March 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
APIMs failed. Will not reset, will not update, will not synch, will not function. Loss of GPS, 911 Assist, and all electronic functions. Other warning and rear view options unavailable. This loss of control of driver assisted functions limits safety and interaction features. Stems from 7 February update and software not removing old files. Verified by dealer, only way to fix software is to replace hardware at $1200 per part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651115March 27, 2025
ENGINE
Upon cranking the truck the cam phasers make a rattling noise. The issue is the same as it is in the recall 21B10 that affects the F-150's but excludes the Raptor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651145March 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651211March 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
There have been no warning lamps and the issue has been confirmed by my local Ford dealer. I am having a hard shifts slamming down in gear abruptly. In addition between seventh and eighth gear either the computer or transmission doesn’t know which one to be in and the truck begins to shudder sometimes violently. This occurs when attempting to pass at hwy speeds. When you’re next to another vehicle it has led to Multiple near costly incidence. I don’t have confidence passing in this vehicle or towing. The gears slamming down are painful as a passenger.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650815March 26, 2025
POWER TRAIN
While driving at highway speeds in my 2018 Ford F150 with 3.5 liter engine and 10-speed transmission when I would need to accelerate to pass or going up a hill the transmission downshift (as expected), but would "jerk" repeatedly until I let up on the accelerator. During light acceleration the transmission still "jerks", but not as bad. No "check engine" light illuminates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650838March 26, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 5-70 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. On a separate occasion, the transmission was shifted from drive to reverse and shifted very hard. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but not diagnosed, and the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650840March 26, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission downshift without warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650856March 26, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transmission on my 2018 Ford F-150 has been experiencing severe and dangerous malfunctions that compromise vehicle safety. Starting around 50,000 miles (currently at 75,000 miles), the truck began exhibiting violent and unpredictable transmission behavior, including: Sudden, uncommanded downshifting from 9th or 10th gear down to 1st or 2nd gear while driving at highway speeds. This causes the engine to redline instantly, the rear wheels to lock momentarily, and the truck to jerk violently, which has forced me to swerve or take evasive action to avoid collisions. Harsh shifting, gear hesitation, and occasional failure to engage gears properly during normal city driving. These issues occur intermittently but frequently, with no warning lights or messages, and the problem persists regardless of driving mode or conditions. I took the truck to a Ford dealership, who dismissed the issue as "normal behavior" for the 10-speed automatic transmission. They quoted a very high fee just to inspect it, with a lead time of several months before they could even look at it. No diagnostic trouble codes were found, and no fix or acknowledgment of the safety risk was offered. After researching the problem online, I found numerous other F-150 owners reporting identical symptoms. This appears to be a systemic failure affecting a wide population of vehicles with the 10-speed transmission. This transmission defect poses a serious safety risk not only to me but to other drivers on the road. Uncommanded downshifting at highway speeds can result in loss of control or a high-speed crash. I believe this issue warrants a formal investigation and recall. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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