Ford F-150 Complaints (2018)

2,327 consumer complaints on file.

#11708932January 5, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine is ticking and whistling. Drive train issues cam phasers was told beginning of the problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708567January 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was not in an accident. I have a 2018 ford f150 xlt and it has a 3.5 eco boost. My truck is leaking some type of oil from the top and has very bad fuel injectors which is why my truck cant accelerate and shakes extremely bad. When I sit at a red light my truck dies and I think i have a leaking exhaust. I bought a new battery but it still dies. I know they used to do a recall for a new engine from what i’ve searched but they don’t do it anymore and I don't think its safe for me driving while I have all those problems. I have not been in an accident but with all these problems my truck could possibly die or go out while i’m on the highway and just makes me nervous driving something like that when the 3.5 eco boost is already not a great engine. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708303January 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
At 50k miles the transmission started to have a hard time finding a gear at low speeds, often “in neutral” - between gears for 1-2 seconds and on occasion up you 5-7 seconds. During this “neutral”, the engine could still rev freely and often built revs too high for the next gear, causing a hard ‘jerking’ motion when the next gear is engaged. This proved to be moderately dangerous when merging into traffic with propulsion being cut. At 52000 miles, 10th gear would have trouble holding at highway speeds and would disengage for that same 5-7 second gap, only to eventually resort to 9th gear. Being left powerless on the highway can be extremely dangerous if you are caught traveling up a steep grade or passing another vehicle. At 53000 miles, the above mentioned 10th gear symptom arose at a steady 70 mph, and when 9th gear was engaged the dashboard illuminated a wrench icon with a message that said “maintenance required”. I could tell that the truck was operating at reduced power at this point. After researching the issue, I discovered the problem to be the CDF drum failed - an internal component that requires a full transmission rebuild. This problem appears to be an issue that plagues not some, BUT ALL 2017-2023 10r80 at some point in their life cycle. An extremely costly fix at that.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708380January 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Ford has issued multiple TSBs regarding THE DEFECTIVE 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission, particularly in F-150s (2017+). The issue is around the CDF drum in Ford F-150s (and other vehicles with the 10R80 transmission) is a known issue where an internal bushing can slide, causing significant fluid pressure loss, erratic shifting, and potential transmission failure, especially in models from 2017-2023. Ford was aware of this because they released multiple bulletins, and they even redesigned the CDF drum with JL3Z-7H351-B to fix the problem, but never issued a recall notice. I was leaving my house, and my truck did not move. It revved up to 5 thousand rpms, and then a loud bang noise happened, and then the truck moved. I took it to the dealership, and they said the CDF drum failed, and now they quoted me $7,000 to fix the known issue. When I called Ford to ask for some sort of assistance, they responded that I should have purchased the extended warranty. This is not right that they knowingly have a defective part and are refusing to issue a recall or offer some sort of financial assistance. I drive a 2018 Ford F-150 XLT 5.0L that has no mods or ever been tuned or modified; mileage is roughly at 121,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707774December 30, 2025
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Taillight leaks water causing the blindspot sensor to burn up. Once the sensor is burned up the airbags, power door locks, power windows, heat/defrost, and the radio don't work. This is a known problem and Ford has no fix for it. It is several weeks wait to get it into Ford and costs several thousand dollars for a known problem that they are not addressing. Having no heat or defrosters in the winter make this a safety issue for everyone on the road not just the operator. Door locks and windows not working is a safety issue for the vehicle passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707849December 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My back up camera started going in an out and now i have a blue screen with no visibility from the camera it has recently started doing a black and white lines as well. I did speak with ford and stated there is a recall for the cameras but i have not received a notice so therefore they cannot perform the software update. I am elder and use my camera for extra safety when backing up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707867December 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS block leaking
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707582December 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The truck had a horrible shift from 3-5 that makes it hard to even get up to speed correctly and when getting up to around 2.5k-3k rpm it seems to slip makes a loud bang and the catch again and continues to go. It makes the truck annoying to drive and also feels like it’s just going to completely give out one day
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707614December 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
Ford Consumer Affairs was sent a letter with this information, too. My 2018 F150 truck had issues with the 10 speed transmission. It’s been jumping, skipping gear, down shifting for no reason. Yesterday, 12/28/25, we were returning home from a holiday trip on I-95’s left lane of the highway when the truck down-shifted from 10th gear to around 3rd or 4th gear spiking the RPM to over 5,000 RPM’s for no reason on 3 different occasions. We had to move to the right lane after the 3rd time due to the wrench light coming on and the transmission temperature gauge maxed out at super hot and turn on the hazards due to only doing 50 MPH in a 70 MPH highway until we could exit. This was dangerous in so many ways due to the volume of traffic on the highway. Downshifting that much instantly was like slamming on brakes with no break lights. We were verry lucky not getting rear ended and causing a possibly tragic situation. Thankfully, we did not get into an accident. There were a lot of cars on the road, as many families were returning home. This is happening all over the USA with the 10 speed transmission and may eventually cause a tragic accident on the road. We took it to the Cocoa Ford Dealership on 12/29/25 and the diagnostic paper states they 'performed a KOEO Self Test and found PQ7F7 for Gear 10 incorrect ratio. Verified fluid vented out of top of transmission. Tech Rec Overhaul. All one time use parts and rear main seal. Trans cooler. Due to parts/labor cost recommend assembly replacement.'
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707544December 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle experienced repeated failures involving multiple systems, including the transmission system (transmission replacement), powertrain/engine system (cylinder-related repairs), electronic control systems (vehicle computer/control module replaced multiple times), electrical system (ongoing electrical faults), and rear safety systems (backup camera failure). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These failures created ongoing safety concerns due to loss of vehicle reliability and malfunction of safety-related electrical systems, raising concern about unexpected mechanical or electrical failure during operation. The issues were confirmed and documented by Ford-authorized dealerships and independent service centers. Despite repeated repairs, the same or related problems continued to occur. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by Ford dealerships; however, one servicing dealership (Ford of Ventura) later closed, leaving unresolved issues without continuity of service. Warning lights and system alerts occurred prior to failures along with ongoing electrical malfunctions. Exact dates of first warning indicators are UNKNOWN, but symptoms recurred over time despite repairs. The vehicle was purchased with approximately 38,500 miles. Due to COVID-19-related delays, dealership availability and parts shortages caused months-long wait times for service, and when the vehicle was finally inspected by a dealership, it had approximately 60,000 miles. Major system failures occurred well under 100,000 miles. Ford later declined assistance, citing out-of-state purchase and maintenance not performed exclusively at Ford dealerships, despite regular routine maintenance. The cause of the failures is UNKNOWN, but the pattern suggests systemic mechanical and electrical defects rather than owner misuse. All invoiced available as system will not upload them at this time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707053December 26, 2025
POWER TRAIN
On December 24, 2025 at around 2:00 pm While driving my 2018 Ford F-150 from Hidalgo, Texas to Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, a distance of approximately 220 miles, my vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous transmission failure that placed myself, my family, and other motorists at significant risk. For the first approximately 130 miles, the vehicle operated normally with no warning signs. While traveling on a two-lane highway, I attempted to pass an 18-wheeler. During the passing maneuver, the transmission began harsh and jerky shifting, slipping, and delayed gear engagement, followed by an immediate and significant loss of power and acceleration. As soon as I completed the pass, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly and lost power, leaving me exposed in a dangerous situation with limited ability to increase speed. Because the road only had one lane in each direction, this created a high-risk scenario involving oncoming traffic. Within seconds, the 18-wheeler I had just passed rapidly approached from behind, forcing the driver to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. This put the truck driver, surrounding motorists, and my family at serious risk of a major accident. The failure occurred without warning and during a critical maneuver where reliable acceleration was necessary. The sudden loss of power made it impossible to respond safely, demonstrating a serious safety concern. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 72,000 miles, is well maintained, garage-kept, and has never been used for towing, heavy-duty work, or commercial purposes. Given the mileage and normal use, this type of transmission failure is unexpected and unsafe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706988December 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Truck has a lag then hard catch going from 7th to 8th gear and sometimes skips gears causing burnt transmission fluid and lower rear seals along with water pump seals all seals and gaskets are bad being ford used plastic gaskets that year and ford recommends changing to more current seals and gaskets but don't want to cover costs , my truck is sitting in a shop with 4,900.00 in repairs do to ford parts for that year faulty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706823December 23, 2025
SEATS
I was rear ended by a driver going approximately 35-45mph while I was coming to a near stop at a stop light, driver struck me totalling my vehicle and gaming me up to the right and down into the ditch alongside the road, my airbags never deployed but at fault party aurbags did. At some point during the accident most likely during the initial impact the driver side seat of my f150 broke resulting in my seat laying flat and me laying on top of it. The seat was a powered movement seat, the seat appears to have broke the back rest movement or retaining device. The seat failing to keep me in the correct upright position may have attributed to a severe back injury. Vehicle was taken to insurance salvage yard by state farm, was also investigated by state farm insurance adjuster but any additional info was not provided to me beyond the vehicle is a total loss At the time of the accident no warning lights were present however a emissions light was intermittent for 02 sensor, after the accident several lights were present for airbag/accident and rear parking aid sensors
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11706513December 22, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Master brake cylinder leaked into brake booster making my brakes not work and almost causing an accident. There is a similar recall on 2018 Ford F150 with eco boost. This appears to be a known issue with these Ford F150 models. Due to the issue I almost got in a serious accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706527December 22, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had locked up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V672000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that previously, the vehicle was diagnosed by the same local dealer as needing a camshaft phaser replacement. The vehicle was repaired under the Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03; however, the failure reoccurred years later, and the vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the same repair was performed. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same independent mechanic, where the failure was duplicated on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706352December 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Driving the vehicle when it tries to reach the 7th gear it loses power then drops to 1st gear and won’t pass 6th gear the check engine light came on and the maintenance light. Took the vehicle into the dealer to learn that the transmission is bad and I need a new one. Solenoid stuck position A. P0752
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706093December 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Ford F150 10 speed transmission failure. Trying to cross intersection and transmission failed. I avoided an accident. Transmission had to be replaced at dealership. No warning lights or messages. Vehicle worked perfect until time of failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706206December 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Bad transmission shifting at 80k miles. Apearently is a known problems. There has been a few times it shifted so hard that my neck hurts the rest of the day also take a minute to accelerate sometimes leaving in in front of oncoming traffic. No codes or anything, I’ve been told that it’s normal
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705862December 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The transmission warning light illuminated, and the message to "See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. The contact coasted the vehicle to the dealer, who determined that the transmission had failed. The transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705933December 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My 2018 f150 has a 10r80 transmission. I was driving through heavy traffic on US Route 93 southbound, moving at about 60MPH when the transmission suddenly lost all power. Because there was no left-side shoulder (I was in the left lane), I needed to throw on my hazard lights and make my way to the right shoulder across 4-lanes of traffic. Multiple near collisions as I had no propulsion to do this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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