2018 FORD F-150 — Owner-Reported Problems

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-08-22 2,267 complaints · 19 recalls
Most-reported system: POWER TRAIN (854 complaints · 37.7%)
Safety signals:
  • Crashes 64
  • Fires 33
  • Injuries 52
  • Deaths 3
Compare with 2017 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Component Problem Distribution

Share of owner complaints filed for each vehicle system (unaffected by sales volume)

Component Problem Distribution POWER TRAIN appears in 854 of 2,267 owner complaints (37.7%) in this vehicle snapshot. POWER TRAIN: 854 complaints, 37.7% of reports POWER TRAIN 854 · 37.7% · 9 crash reports 1 fire reports ENGINE: 439 complaints, 19.4% of reports ENGINE 439 · 19.4% · 3 crash reports 5 fire reports STRUCTURE: 156 complaints, 6.9% of reports STRUCTURE 156 · 6.9% ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 92 complaints, 4.1% of reports ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 92 · 4.1% · 2 crash reports 4 fire reports VISIBILITY: 78 complaints, 3.4% of reports VISIBILITY 78 · 3.4% · 1 fire reports STEERING: 74 complaints, 3.3% of reports STEERING 74 · 3.3% · 2 crash reports SERVICE BRAKES: 69 complaints, 3.0% of reports SERVICE BRAKES 69 · 3.0% · 6 crash reports VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: 46 complaints, 2.0% of reports VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 46 · 2.0% · 3 crash reports WHEELS: 43 complaints, 1.9% of reports WHEELS 43 · 1.9% UNKNOWN OR OTHER: 570 complaints, 25.1% of reports UNKNOWN OR OTHER 570 · 25.1% · 21 crash reports 14 fire reports 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER is an NHTSA classification artifact and is always listed last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
POWER TRAIN 854 37.7% 9 crashes · 1 fires
ENGINE 439 19.4% 3 crashes · 5 fires
STRUCTURE 156 6.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 92 4.1% 2 crashes · 4 fires
VISIBILITY 78 3.4% 0 crashes · 1 fires
STEERING 74 3.3% 2 crashes · 0 fires
SERVICE BRAKES 69 3.0% 6 crashes · 0 fires
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 46 2.0% 3 crashes · 0 fires
WHEELS 43 1.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 570 25.1% 21 crashes · 14 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Problem & Recall Timeline

Observed complaint volume and manufacturer recall actions over time

Problem & Recall Timeline Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 2017; the first recall shown was reported in Sep 2017. 2017-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2018-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2018-Q3: 30 owner reports 30 2018-Q4: 52 owner reports 52 2019-Q1: 118 owner reports 118 2019-Q2: 43 owner reports 43 2019-Q3: 31 owner reports 31 2019-Q4: 38 owner reports 38 2020-Q1: 71 owner reports 71 2020-Q2: 17 owner reports 17 2020-Q3: 38 owner reports 38 2020-Q4: 38 owner reports 38 2021-Q1: 41 owner reports 41 2021-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2021-Q3: 32 owner reports 32 2021-Q4: 27 owner reports 27 2022-Q1: 45 owner reports 45 2022-Q2: 34 owner reports 34 2022-Q3: 49 owner reports 49 2022-Q4: 58 owner reports 58 2023-Q1: 72 owner reports 72 2023-Q2: 62 owner reports 62 2023-Q3: 69 owner reports 69 2023-Q4: 70 owner reports 70 2024-Q1: 83 owner reports 83 2024-Q2: 102 owner reports 102 2024-Q3: 115 owner reports 115 2024-Q4: 87 owner reports 87 2025-Q1: 153 owner reports 153 2025-Q2: 163 owner reports 163 2025-Q3: 126 owner reports 126 2025-Q4: 83 owner reports 83 2026-Q1: 97 owner reports 97 2026-Q2: 109 owner reports 109 2026-Q3: 60 owner reports 60 Owner reports Sep 2017 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 17V598000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V598000 Recall campaign 17V669000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V669000 Recall campaign 17V672000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V672000 Recall campaign 18V213000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V213000 Recall campaign 18V214000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V214000 Recall campaign 18V392000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V392000 Recall campaign 18V568000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V568000 Recall campaign 18V894000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V894000 Recall campaign 19V278000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V278000 Recall campaign 19V633000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V633000 Recall campaign 20V097000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V097000 Recall campaign 21V155000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V155000 Recall campaign 21E027000 ◆ Recall campaign 21E027000 Recall campaign 21V983000 ◆ Recall campaign 21V983000 Recall campaign 22V150000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V150000 Recall campaign 24V852000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V852000 Recall campaign 25V236000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V236000 Recall campaign 26V373000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V373000 Recall campaign 26V375000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V375000 Investigation PE18008 ● Investigation PE18008 Investigation PE24019 ● Investigation PE24019
  • Campaign 18V213000 was reported 75 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 18V214000 was reported 75 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 18V568000 was reported 45 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 19V633000 was reported 541 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 20V097000 was reported 639 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21E027000 was reported 716 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 21V983000 was reported 1,382 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 22V150000 was reported 1,218 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V852000 was reported 2,440 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V236000 was reported 2,345 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V373000 was reported 2,939 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V375000 was reported 3,063 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2017-Q4 Owner reports 1
2018-Q1 Owner reports 11
2018-Q2 Owner reports 13
2018-Q3 Owner reports 30
2018-Q4 Owner reports 52
2019-Q1 Owner reports 118
2019-Q2 Owner reports 43
2019-Q3 Owner reports 31
2019-Q4 Owner reports 38
2020-Q1 Owner reports 71
2020-Q2 Owner reports 17
2020-Q3 Owner reports 38
2020-Q4 Owner reports 38
2021-Q1 Owner reports 41
2021-Q2 Owner reports 29
2021-Q3 Owner reports 32
2021-Q4 Owner reports 27
2022-Q1 Owner reports 45
2022-Q2 Owner reports 34
2022-Q3 Owner reports 49
2022-Q4 Owner reports 58
2023-Q1 Owner reports 72
2023-Q2 Owner reports 62
2023-Q3 Owner reports 69
2023-Q4 Owner reports 70
2024-Q1 Owner reports 83
2024-Q2 Owner reports 102
2024-Q3 Owner reports 115
2024-Q4 Owner reports 87
2025-Q1 Owner reports 153
2025-Q2 Owner reports 163
2025-Q3 Owner reports 126
2025-Q4 Owner reports 83
2026-Q1 Owner reports 97
2026-Q2 Owner reports 109
2026-Q3 Owner reports 60
Recall campaign 1 17V598000
Recall campaign 1 17V669000
Recall campaign 1 17V672000
Recall campaign 1 18V213000
Recall campaign 1 18V214000
Recall campaign 1 18V392000
Recall campaign 1 18V568000
Recall campaign 1 18V894000
Recall campaign 1 19V278000
Recall campaign 1 19V633000
Recall campaign 1 20V097000
Recall campaign 1 21V155000
Recall campaign 1 21E027000
Recall campaign 1 21V983000
Recall campaign 1 22V150000
Recall campaign 1 24V852000
Recall campaign 1 25V236000
Recall campaign 1 26V373000
Recall campaign 1 26V375000
Defect investigation 1 PE18008
Defect investigation 1 PE24019
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Safety Recalls (19)

Official safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA

  1. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 17V598000

    Report date
    Component:
    STRUCTURE
    Consequence:
    If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install the rivets for the roof brace attachments, free of charge. The recall began October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S29.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 17V669000

    Report date
    Component:
    POWER TRAIN
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S35.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 17V672000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    Without a proper supply of lubrication, the engine will fail, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford is not aware of any affected vehicles outside of dealer control. Should owner contact subsequently be required, arrangements will be made to transport their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the engine replaced.The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S37.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 18V213000

    Report date
    Component:
    POWER TRAIN
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S09.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 18V214000

    Report date
    Component:
    POWER TRAIN
    Consequence:
    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. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 18S10.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 18V392000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S17.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 18V568000

    Report date
    Component:
    SEAT BELTS
    Consequence:
    A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S27.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 18V894000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 19V278000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 19V633000

    Report date
    Component:
    SEATS
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 20V097000

    Report date
    Component:
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Consequence:
    DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 21E027000

    Report date
    Component:
    SUSPENSION
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    DRiV will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace the ball joint, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Tenneco Automotive customer service at 1-877-489-6659.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 21V155000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 21V983000

    Report date
    Component:
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand tailgate latches, free of charge. An interim notification letter was mailed January 31, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S53.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 22V150000

    Report date
    Component:
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V852000

    Report date
    Component:
    EQUIPMENT
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V236000

    Report date
    Component:
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Consequence:
    A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  18. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V373000

    Report date
    Component:
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Consequence:
    Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  19. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V375000

    Report date
    Component:
    POWER TRAIN
    Consequence:
    Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S42. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Complaint Narrative Explorer

Verbatim owner-reported defect narratives from NHTSA public records

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-08-21
Safety incident filters
Showing 0 of 2,267 complaints · page 1 of 91

No complaints match the current filters.
EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Data sourced from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Snapshot date: 2026-08-21.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources