A popular year, but check the transmission and cam phasers
The 2018 F-150 sits a bit above the model average. Many owners report harsh or erratic shifts from the 10-speed automatic and a rattle at cold start from the EcoBoost's cam phasers. Neither is rare, so a test drive from a cold start matters.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,932 owner complaints and 19 recalls
317 close to the F-150 average
19 free to fix at a dealer
Every F-150 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 F-150
Top problems and what they cost
Harsh or erratic shifting
The 10-speed can clunk, slam into gear or hunt between gears. Software updates help many trucks.
Fix: Software update $100 to $200; valve body $1,500 to $2,500.
Transmission
Cold start rattle
A loud rattle for a few seconds after a cold start on the 3.5L EcoBoost, from worn cam phasers.
Fix: Cam phasers and timing parts $2,000 to $3,500.
Engine
Cracked rear window
Rear glass cracking near the body edge is a common complaint.
Fix: Rear window $400 to $900.
Body
Recalls
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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.
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 r...
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Show all 19 recalls
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 ...
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
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 e...
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...
Without a proper supply of lubrication, the engine will fail, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .
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 dis...
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.
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Ford F-150
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired at nhtsa.gov/recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 F-150 has 19 recalls on record, listed below.
- Start the truck cold, ideally after sitting overnight, and listen for a rattle.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 233 complaints about engine rattle on start-up (cam phasers) on the 2018 F-150, one of the worst years for it.
- Drive in stop-and-go traffic and feel for harsh shifts.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 455 complaints about 10-speed transmission harsh and erratic shifting on the 2018 F-150, one of the worst years for it.
- Inspect the rear glass edges for cracks.Large glass roofs can shatter on their own, and drain tubes can clog and leak water inside. A small chip at the edge can grow into a full shatter.187 of the 1,932 owner complaints about the 2018 F-150 involve the glass and visibility (10%).
Questions
Is the 2018 Ford F-150 reliable?
A popular year, but check the transmission and cam phasers. The 2018 F-150 sits a bit above the model average. Many owners report harsh or erratic shifts from the 10-speed automatic and a rattle at cold start from the EcoBoost's cam phasers. Neither is rare, so a test drive from a cold start matters.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford F-150 have?
19 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Ford F-150 problems?
Harsh or erratic shifting; Cold start rattle; Cracked rear window.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x4. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.