Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Best year
Excludes the electric F-150 Lightning.
18 safety recalls for the 2018 Ford F-150
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Powertrain 4 recalls
automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.
Fix: 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.
10,742 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V669.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function.
Fix: 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.
142 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Expedition and Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Ford campaign 18S09.
automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Fix: 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.
292,909 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions and 2018 Ford F-150 and Expedition vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions (excluding Expedition vehicles with a Rotary Gear Shift Dial on the console).
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Powertrain: automatic transmission; Powertrain: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl). Ford campaign 18S10.
automatic transmission · lever and linkage · column shift
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral before the vehicle achieves Drive function.
Fix: 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.
12,429 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine, a 6-speed transmission and a column mounted shift lever.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Powertrain: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Powertrain: automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shift. Ford campaign 17S35.
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Fix: 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.
131,068 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Engine; Equipment: electrical. Ford campaign 19S11.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Fix: 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.
410,289 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater.
Risk: Without a proper supply of lubrication, the engine will fail, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The cylinder heads may have been machined without lubrication supply holes for the camshaft bearing journals.
Fix: 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.
22 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L engines.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Fix: 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.
123,611 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Brakes: foundation components, master cylinder; Brakes: power assist. Ford campaign 25S37.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Fix: 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.
195,864 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Brakes: foundation components, master cylinder; Brakes: power assist. Ford campaign 22S11.
Risk: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Fix: ,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.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 91,198 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097.
Risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 166,196 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality.
Risk: If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The structural roof braces may be missing rivets at the attachment of the roof rail, thereby reducing the structural integrity.
Fix: 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.
39 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab pick-up trucks not equipped with a moonroof.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 27,678 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.
Fix: 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.
5,645 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving.
Fix: 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.
57,591 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
Fix: 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.
1,619,112 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Seat belts: pretensioner; Body structure: body, roof and pillars. Ford campaign 18S27.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 202 (head restraints) · 639,137 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020F-150 and 2019-2020F-250,F-350,F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Seats: front assembly, recliner; Seats: mid/rear assembly. Ford campaign 19C07.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Fix: 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.
15,769 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150,2018-2020F-250,F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Ford campaign 21S10.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA also lists 1 equipment recall for parts sold for this vehicle, not the vehicle itself: Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint (Tenneco Automotive, 21E-027).
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations that name the 2018 Ford F-150; both are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
On July 29, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24019 to investigate complaints of low-pressure fuel pump failures in MY 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Component: Fuel system (delivery, fuel pump).
Seatbelt pretensioner fire
Preliminary evaluation PE18008Closed Dec 17, 2018 (opened Aug 3, 2018)
On June 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the B pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on MY… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 18V-568, listed above.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 2,335 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 F-150. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Jerking, lurching or harsh shifting414 · 18%
Median 54,500 miles at failure, from 114 reports with mileage
Transmission failure or replacement260 · 11%
Median 87,000 miles at failure, from 86 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode191 · 8%
Median 49,300 miles at failure, from 49 reports with mileage
Door lock or latch problems165 · 7%
Median 11,000 miles at failure, from 99 reports with mileage
Hesitation or slow acceleration156 · 7%
Median 76,700 miles at failure, from 74 reports with mileage
Stalling or shutting off143 · 6%
Median 28,000 miles at failure, from 67 reports with mileage
Check engine light139 · 6%
Median 80,000 miles at failure, from 80 reports with mileage
Transmission slipping125 · 5%
Median 68,000 miles at failure, from 35 reports with mileage
Most named: automatic transmission (14); automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (3) · Median 60,000 miles at failure, from 336 reports with mileage
Engine512 · 22%
Median 59,500 miles at failure, from 248 reports with mileage
Body structure193 · 8%
Most named: body (174); body, door (6) · Median 10,000 miles at failure, from 114 reports with mileage
Electrical system173 · 7%
Most named: instrument panel, speedometer/odometer (5) · Median 27,000 miles at failure, from 70 reports with mileage
Brakes91 · 4%
Median 41,900 miles at failure, from 46 reports with mileage
Engine and cooling88 · 4%
Most named: exhaust system, emission control, catalytic convertor (6); engine, crank/camshaft position sensor (3) · Median 71,700 miles at failure, from 87 reports with mileage
Steering83 · 4%
Median 16,100 miles at failure, from 56 reports with mileage
Unknown or other237 · 10%
Median 11,600 miles at failure, from 76 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ford F-150 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2018 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2018 F-150 drew the most (501).
Owner complaints
2018: 2,335 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford F-150
Model year
Complaints
2010
843
2011
2,195
2012
1,784
2013
2,994
2014
1,541
2015
1,753
2016
2,098
2017
1,469
2018
2,335
2019
1,350
2020
746
2021
1,323
2022
826
2023
515
2024
234
2025
131
2026
20
Safety recalls
2018: 18 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford F-150
Model year
Recalls
2010
1
2011
6
2012
4
2013
3
2014
8
2015
13
2016
13
2017
17
2018
18
2019
9
2020
11
2021
29
2022
23
2023
13
2024
11
2025
16
2026
8
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 2,335 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford F-150, the problems described most are jerking, lurching or harsh shifting (414), transmission failure or replacement (260), and loss of power or limp mode (191). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2018 Ford F-150 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests the 2018 Ford F-150 earns 4 to 5 stars overall, depending on the version. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2018 Ford F-150?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2018 Ford F-150. It lists 2 closed ones; the most recent closed on Sep 19, 2025.
How do I check if my F-150 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: F-150.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.