2018 Ford F-150 Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/09/2026

Hello, so while driving I am noticing a loud, hard thunk between gears. It is really noticeable when pulling our camper. When pulling our camper it is so loud and so hard I that if I have coffee in my cup holder, it would spill. We have contacted Ford about this and they are denying there is a transmission issue with their 10 speed transmissions. I feel there should be a recall on these transmissions because there are thousands of F150 owners having the same issue and replacing a transmission the way prices are for everything, who can afford to pay thousands of dollars for a new transmission and have it replaced.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/01/2020

Premature transmission failure under 45k miles. While driving transmission will not shift gears causing the vehicle to stall and then suddenly engaging propulsing the vehicle forward unexpectedly. Multiple complaints online, Ford will not fix.

ENGINE — Filed 09/21/2026

My truck has the 3.5 ecoBoost twin turbo engine with the known cam phaser problem. Ford dealership replaced cam phasers 4 years ago and told they were putting in new designed cam phasers to prevent this from happening again. Last week, I changed the v v t cylinder because of a p0018 code, and found that the replacement was the old cam phasers prone to break again. Truck is just now out of warranty. And ford is doing nothing to help. Drivability is not the same has hesitation. So far, and I'm sure it's going to get worse. Check engine light just went on last week. This truck is at dealership now. My biggest problem with this situation is Ford. Dealer lied said they put in new cam phasers, which they put in old ones. I would have got an extended warranty if I knew they were the old cam phaser. Now, I will be out 3 to 5 thousand dollars because ford dealership lied to me. I have all paperwork. Service reports everything on the truck. The truck was babied. There's no reason why in 70000 miles catastrophic engine failure twice. Fixing the problem with the same problem. Parts is not a fix. It's a bandade until warranties are over. And let the people deal with it.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/24/2026

2018 Ford F-150 5.0L with 10R80 10-speed transmission, approximately 86,000 miles. The transmission began exhibiting abnormal shifting, including missed shifts and loss of propulsion. On multiple occasions while traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power/propulsion. During these events, the gear indicator changed from 10th to 1st and engine RPM appeared to increase. I do not believe the transmission physically engaged 1st gear; the actual gear engaged is UNKNOWN. The unexpected loss of propulsion at highway speed created a safety concern because the vehicle would not respond normally to accelerator input while traveling with traffic. The transmission also malfunctioned when accelerating from a stop. It would sometimes have difficulty shifting through approximately 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears and lose propulsion for approximately 3–5 seconds. I would release and reapply the accelerator trying to get the transmission to engage a gear. This could be particularly dangerous when entering or crossing traffic. An independent transmission shop inspected the vehicle and documented codes P0732, P0734, and P07F7. The shop found the transmission fluid full but dark and diagnosed an internal transmission failure requiring replacement. The transmission was replaced on October 5, 2026. To my knowledge, the original transmission was not disassembled, and the exact internal failure is UNKNOWN. The vehicle was not inspected by Ford. There was no crash or injury.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/13/2025

About 1 year ago the rear door on the drivers side locked and I have been unable to open it manually, with the interior unlock buttons or with the key fob. However, there have been 3 occasions during this passed year when the door inexplicably opens, twice when the truck is parked and once when I was driving down the freeway. To be clear, the door doesn’t just unlock, it opens. On those 3 three occasions, when I closed the door, it again locks and I’m unable to open it. I’ve taken the problem to 2 Ford dealerships. Both indicated they had never heard of this problem and there were no recalls related to the problem. One dealership diagnosed the issue, charging $100 and determined it was the door latch and offered to replace it ($472 for the latch and labor to be determined). I opted not to repair it thinking that the problem should be further diagnosed to determine if there are flaws in factory parts that create safety issues in this particular truck, make and model.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/02/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while stopped at a stop sign and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the gear shifter independently shifted to neutral(N) and remained stuck into neutral(N). The gear shifter was shifted back and forth between park(P) and drive(D) and the vehicle responded as needed. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/19/2026

Transmission would go from 7th gear to 1st gear causing stalling in busy traffic. Also the truck would be stuck at 7th gear when coming to a stop light and when the light turned green would not shift down to one which caused a power loss. This is a known problem with ford transmission, the dealership diagnosed the issue as a hydraulic circuit leak, which is caused by the cdf cylinder sleeve. This can be found in Ford TSB 25-2126

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/19/2026

I own a 2018 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. The vehicle currently has approximately 70,000 miles. The transmission has developed intermittent harsh shifting and, more concerningly, has repeatedly appeared to slip or disengage from gear while the vehicle is moving. On multiple occasions while driving at highway speeds, pressing the accelerator did not result in acceleration because the transmission was no longer effectively transferring power to the wheels. This caused a temporary loss of motive power while traveling in traffic. The transmission subsequently re-engaged. The vehicle has also stored diagnostic trouble code P0734, indicating an incorrect 4th-gear ratio. The transmission fluid has been serviced, the vehicle software is current, and an adaptive transmission relearn has been performed by a mechanic. The P0734 code and transmission symptoms returned after these measures. Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletin 25-2475 for 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission. The bulletin includes P0734 and harsh or delayed transmission operation and identifies axial movement of the CDF clutch-cylinder sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leakage as a possible cause. I am reporting this because the unexpected loss of propulsion at highway speeds creates a safety concern, particularly when merging, changing lanes, or traveling in surrounding traffic.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 09/24/2026

2018 Ford F-150 Limited with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. At approximately 60,000 miles the engine began making a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start, lasting several seconds. Over the last three months the noise has become progressively worse and now occurs at every cold start and lasts longer. The check engine light is currently illuminated. The vehicle has not stalled or lost power. A Ford dealer (Wynne Ford, Hampton, VA) diagnosed the condition on September 24, 2026 at 104,661 miles as cam phaser failure, requiring replacement of the variable camshaft timing (VCT) units and associated timing components. This matches Ford's Technical Service Bulletin 23-2143, which covers 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine built on or before November 30, 2019. Ford previously issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 and warranty extension 21N03 for this same defect on March 2, 2021, but 21N03 expressly excluded the F-150 Limited trim, and both programs have since expired. The dealer additionally reported that it has submitted multiple other cam phaser repairs on 2017-2020 3.5L EcoBoost vehicles for manufacturer assistance in the past two months, including vehicles newer and with lower mileage than mine, and that all were denied. The quoted repair is $5,414.11 at my expense. I am filing this report because cam phaser failure in these engines can progress to timing chain damage and engine failure, and because Ford has documented this defect since at least 2021 without issuing a recall. I contacted Ford (case CXH-09424982) and was denied any financial assistance.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 01/03/2025

The vehicle is stalling/jerking and long idling. I was told that the transmission needs to be replaced. Less than 80,000 miles. 2018 Ford 150

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/14/2026

Driving highway I70 over Vail Pass, vehicle downshifted on it's own nearly causing someone to rear-end my vehicle. Took it to three local automotive business's for a diagnostic service; they all reported the same issue PP07F7-00 CDF drum and the 10th-gear not engaging. This should not be occurring when I've maintained service of my vehicle. I've paid for one diagnostic and shouldn't have to pay for one at my Ford dealer where it was purchased by I will have to again. I know of several owners with the exact same issue and no one is supporting them for this. I've owned four Ford trucks and this is unacceptable. Ford Case# CXH-09395547-R9D3S2

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/22/2026

2018 Ford F-150 XLT Power Train / Transmission (10R80 10-Speed Automatic) ~100,000 miles (99,737) While accelerating, typically at neighborhood speeds, we sometimes get a hesitation/delay in shifting, which causes a pause and then a hard shift jerking forward, which makes it unreliable at times. Not getting any dashboard warning lights, and has had the transmission flushed at 80k miles by a Ford dealership. A Ford dealership diagnostic inspection confirmed an internal mechanical defect: a failure/migration of the internal Teflon-sealed sleeve on the CDF clutch drum. The dealership technician also noted harsh upshifting between gears 3 and 4, and harsh downshifting between gears 6 and 5. The sudden, unpredictable loss of power during low-speed acceleration creates an immediate safety hazard. It leaves the vehicle vulnerable to rear-end collisions when merging into moving traffic, navigating busy intersections, or pulling out onto roadways, as the truck fails to accelerate when commanded. Furthermore, the violent gear slamming can cause momentary loss of traction or driver distraction under low-grip road conditions. Researching, what we're experiencing is very common with the 10R80 transmission that we have, and documented in TSB 23-2152, and TSB 25-2126. From what I'm reading, Ford redesigned the CDF drum in 2023 to try and correct the manufacturing issue.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/10/2026

The 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) shifts harshly and erratically, hangs in gear, and lost 2nd gear entirely, causing unpredictable acceleration and gear engagement in traffic. First reported to a Ford dealer on 6/8/2021 at 25,883 miles (dealer called it normal). Repairs: internal teardown at 32,920 miles (damaged clutch, input shaft, torque converter hub); valve body repair under TSB 24-2101 at 63,483 miles; CDF hub and friction plate failure diagnosed at 77,584 miles (TSB 25-2126 failure mode); loss of 2nd gear at 88,449 miles. Pre-repair scan 9/2026 shows P0732, P076F, P07F6 (incorrect gear ratio, gears 2, 7, 9). Transmission being rebuilt again 9/2026. The engine also suffered timing chain and crankshaft failures requiring a full engine replacement at 66,108 miles and another timing repair at 77,584 miles. Three catalytic converter failures. Nearly 200 days in Ford dealer service departments.

SUSPENSION — Filed 09/21/2026

Driver side front coil spring cracked/collapsed NOTE: THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2017-2018 FORD F-150

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/11/2026

While driving my brakes went from normal, to squishy, to total loss of brakes. Brake indicator light came on while in the squishy phase. After avoid collision by nothing other than sure luck I was able to slow the vehicle and use the emergency brake to stop. Once stopped I popped the hood and found the master cylinder to be all but empty. I obtained brake fluid, filled the cylinder and the brakes appeared to be normal. After a very short drive I lost brake function again and the MC was empty. No leaks could be found from lines or around the wheels Truck was towed to an independent shop where the diagnostic determined the master cylinder seal had failed and leaked brake fluid into the brake booster. I believe the Hitachi master cylinder failure is a known Ford defect. It has been recalled on the 3.5L model F150's but not the 2.7L and 5.0L models. My loss of brakes could have led to serious or fatal traffic incidence. The master cylinder is defective on all models of the years involving the recall of the 3.5L models. The recall should be extended before someone loses their life. Please look to extend the recall to include the other models of F150s.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/20/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. While approaching a light and entering a loop while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted from 7th gear to 1st gear. The vehicle stalled, was shifted into park, and restarted. There was vibration in the floor at the time of the purchase. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the torque converter was repaired under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed and the failure was associated with the valve body. There were no codes present. The vehicle stalled on Interstate I-20 while driving 60 MPH, causing an unsafe situation. The wrench symbol was displayed after the failure. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center for a scheduled repair. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V164000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted on two occasions, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/12/2026

Transmission slips out of park. And starts like it's in gear , can vehicle feel the truck jump a little.also shifts stalls and feels like it's stopping when taking off from a intersection. Started doing this when truck was about 2 years old. Had dealer change trans filter and fluid last year but it's still doing it.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/01/2026

My 2018 Ford F-150 experienced significant heat damage involving the fog lamp assembly. The fog lamp did not simply stop working. The assembly became hot enough that portions of the lamp/assembly melted and burned. I discovered the damage before it resulted in a larger vehicle fire, but I am concerned about the potential fire risk associated with this failure. The vehicle was taken to a Ford dealership, where the damaged fog lamp assembly was identified and replacement was recommended. I am reporting this because the amount of heat generated and the visible melting/burning appear to represent a potential vehicle safety and fire hazard. I have requested that the Ford dealership document the damage, photograph the affected components, and report the issue to Ford for review.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/26/2026

After Fords TCM recall the truck’s transmission has not acted correctly, very hard shifts, staggered shifting and warning lights for shifting issues or low power due to loss of signal from computer. It has gotten worse it now is sticking in 4th and 7th gear, acts as if slipping and completely stopped the truck in a busy intersection where I had to shut the vehicle off and restart before it would go in gear manually. Truck has lunged forward in reverse, went into low gear on the interstate and have given codes for fault detection. I’ve had the vehicle look at by a certified mechanic and his computer shows no connection between computer and transmission then shows partial connection and the full connection. Torque Converter shows good and so do the cliches and solenoids. This is dangerous and could cause an accident if not fixed, whatever ford’s update was has made my computer loose connection with the transmission and has put a fault that could possibly cause an accident or fire.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/08/2026

The 10 speed transmission does not shift smoothly and will periodically shift hard when downshifting from 4 to 3 and 3 to 2. Ford is aware of bushing walking which they addressed in 2022. I am one year out of my warranty which Ford would not address when under warranty but issue was less of an issue. Now that it is routinely shifting rough, they will not stand behind their transmission they knew was problematic. I have on numerous occasions been almost rear ended because they hard shift mimics a hard braking without warning.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/12/2026

SAFETY HAZARD & RISK The 10R80 transmission exhibits sudden, unpredictable gear slipping, power loss, and violent slamming/lunging during gear shifts while navigating active traffic. This erratic behavior creates an immediate collision risk when merging, accelerating, or changing lanes, as the truck unexpectedly loses momentum or lunges forward. INCIDENT & REPAIR HISTORY The vehicle required two complete transmission overhauls under 68,000 miles at Apple Ford (Columbia, MD), both confirmed by certified technicians and warranty inspectors: Overhaul #1 (Invoice #273111 Aug 14, 2024 42,571 miles): Diagnosed under TSB 24-2101 for shift failure. The dealer overhauled the valve body and replaced internal components, including the CDF drum (Part #JL3Z7H351B). Overhaul #2 (Invoice #351672 Sep 11, 2026 67,587 miles): Less than 25,000 miles later, severe slipping and 5th gear binding recurred. Teardown revealed a sticking main pressure control valve, burnt E & F clutch packs, and an outdated CDF drum. The dealer replaced the complete valve body (Part #JL3Z7A100CRM), installed a redesigned CDF cylinder (Part #PC3Z7B177A), and replaced scorched clutch/steel plates. COMPLAINT RESPONSE SUMMARY System Failed: 10R80 Transmission (CDF drum sleeve migration, sticking valve body, burnt E & F clutches). Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: Sudden power loss and violent lunging in active traffic, creating severe collision hazards. Confirmed by Dealer: Yes. Diagnosed and verified twice by Apple Ford master technicians. Inspected By: Authorized Ford dealer technicians and an official warranty company inspector. Symptoms/Timeline: No warning lights appeared prior to failure. Physical symptoms (slipping, violent slamming) first appeared before Aug 2024 (42,571 miles) and recurred in July 2026 (67,587 miles).

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/11/2026

Started with harsh shifting, lead to no shifting and no movement. Shifting came back and lunged forward and harsh stop. Happened multiple times and now vehicle will not move.

STRUCTURE — Filed 03/01/2022

I am getting heavy water intrusion from the rear sliding glass window after any rain. It creates a very musty unpleasant odor in the cab. I am concerned that my young children, my wife, and myself are breathing mold spores and or other dangerous airborne particles from this problem.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/15/2026

Loss of power while acceleration from a stop sign. Vehicle would not shift into gear and acted like it could only drive very slowly. Repair shop inspected it and stated that the transmission needed work and would cost 8200.00 to fix issue that has a TSB out meaning ford knows about the issue

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/24/2026

I have a 10 speed automatic transmission that intermittently works in 2nd and third gears. It began doing this at 60,000 miles. I'm not sure if it is the adaptive learning transmission control module (TCM) or the transmission itself. Ford dealer wants over 10,000 to replace transmission. The car is unsafe when pulling into traffic and it won't accelerate half the time.