What 1,835 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel

Harsh and erratic shifting including going into neutral when accelerating. I almost got T-boned by on coming traffic. Now people honk at me cause I’m scared to turn on yellow light.

NHTSA ODI 11597744

To whom it may concern, As a proud owner of a 2018 Ford F-150 with the 5.0 V8 and 10-speed transmission, I have recently been facing significant shifting issues with my truck. These issues occur at various times during my ride, making my daily commute a stressful experience. The transmission shifting slams into gear and downshifts from 8 or 9 to first gear, disrupting the smooth operation of my vehicle. Despite consulting multiple mechanics, I’m still unsure whether it's a computer issue or if the transmission needs to be replaced. I checked the NTHSA and learned that this vehicle had a recall for this issue. I trust in Ford's commitment to quality and safety. I need to know how I can get a remedy for this inconvenience. I don’t feel it's my responsibility to spend upwards of $8k for a new transmission when Ford has a recall on this truck. Please advise on the necessary steps as soon as possible. This issue is causing me significant inconvenience. I don't feel safe, and I would appreciate your help in this manner.

NHTSA ODI 11597372

Transmission issue. I was driving in Eco-mode and the transmission just shifted into 3rd gear. It suddenly without warning jumped into 1st gear causing the vehicle to suddenly slide and nearly stop. After that issue a check Advance Tracing system light and the ABS lights came on and stayed on.

NHTSA ODI 11596812

Whenever I try to tow a trailer, even empty, if I plug in the trailer tail lights the transmission over-heats and the transmission shifting goes wacky. It just randomly shifts gears up and down between 1st to 10th. they have rebuilt the transmission 3 times and replaced it once, but it still didn't resolve the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11596814

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while merging into oncoming traffic at approximately 35-40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted from 7th gear to 1st gear and repeated the failure immediately. The contact immediately released the accelerator pedal to decelerate the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle jerked before accelerating to 65 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle without failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact learned of a possible Ford recall regarding the failure however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained parked after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596832

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596868

Transmission shifts extremely hard, rough and jerky in both upshifting and downshifting and will lunge forward at times when vehicle is started. I purchased vehicle used with appx 85K miles on it and took it to the dealer to have it checked and they reprogrammed it for rough shifting and it didn't help.

NHTSA ODI 11596959

The transmission, I was going down the road two separate times drop down into first gear and the truck nose dives while me and my wife were in it and locked up the truck and has done it two separate times I’ve had it taken to two separate transmission shops says transmission is bad in it Because it drop gears and locks the truck up basically so it’s unsafe to drive and has not been driven in a months sitting in my front yard making a $34,000 loan payment of 700 a month on a vehicle that I can’t drive because it’s unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11596965

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to change gear properly and the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to drive to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a CDF drum POP Assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V433000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 67,916.

NHTSA ODI 11596991

While driving, vehicle shift down to 1st then back up to 4th, then back down to 1st then up to 10th. While doing this, it also causes transmission to over heats.

NHTSA ODI 11597041

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal cracking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed because the sound was a characteristic of the engine cowling. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cam shafts, the timing belt, the oil pump, and other unknown parts were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced unexpected hard downshifts and the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown computer reprogramming was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596377

March 2024 I went to Pep Boys to assist and replace Spark Plugs and Coils because of a Random Misfire Code. Sometime during April 2024 my F-150 began to randomly shift while driving, down shift, jerk surge like it wants to take-off accelerating, and jump to a random gear 6, 8, 4, and back to 7 and automatically switch to limp mode. I took my truck to a performance shop they recommended software updates and suspected transmission. After the updates, I took my F-150 to Firestone because it started throwing P0420 and P0430 Codes. Firestone did a diagnostic and airflow test, recommended New Catalytic Converters. However, the Truck still Jerks and shifts erratically to gears and downshifts to lower gears while driving. After coming to a complete stop, the truck is slow to accelerate as it feels like the rear axle is locked, then jerks and stalls like it is turned off. after 2-3 seconds it surges to next gear and downshifts again. I called Ford and several of the local service departments to inspect my F-150 and each one tells me that I have to leave my truck with them for 3 weeks because they are behind. I asked if they provide loaners and they all said no. On 19 June 2024 I called Ford Motor Co. to complain, and they contacted the same local Ford Service Centers on my behalf to see if they could help to book an appointment. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything they could do to help because the service managers at 3 different locations said they are backed up and if I wanted their help, I would need to get in line by leaving my truck with them and expect a 3 week delay. I have a 2018 Ford F-150 5.0L 4x4 Sport Edition, I can switch the Truck to Manual Mode and it drives fine, therefore I know that my Transmision is still in good working order. However, in Automatic, Sport or Econo mode my truck has the erratic, rough idling, random gear shifts and sluggish acceleration at complete stops.

NHTSA ODI 11596379

Transmission has hard shifts especially at low rpms and at times when at a complete stop, truck shifts to neutral during acceleration. Also when slowing down for a top light and not coming to a complete stop, transmission makes clunking noises while downshifting.

NHTSA ODI 11596440

Truck would suddenly downshift into 1st gear unexpectedly at full speed. Transmission was suddenly loosing power during merging onto freeways making regular driving hazardous. unexpected shifting. The transmission only had 77K miles and needs to be replaced according to the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11596497

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the drive train inoperative warning light illuminated. In addition, the transmission independently downshifted from 10th gear to 7th gear. The contact stated that the engine abruptly seized, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with alternator failure due to engine oil leaking onto the alternator. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission shifted independently and unusually hard while shifting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11596574

Everytime I accelerate from a stop the first 3 gears the truck hesitates and jerks forward. It appears as if its going to stall. The problems after getting to 35 miles an hour or faster.

NHTSA ODI 11596602

Faulty transmission, Took several times to the dealership, while the truck was still under warranty, to be looked at and every time they turned us away, saying the transmission is "new" and it was normal to not work properly, the transmission would shift down on its own while driving on the interstate, it would "knock" really hard when shifting from Parking to Reverse. Now, at 100,875 miles, the transmission have faulted and the truck is not drivable, needs a new transmissions. Ford knows the transmissions are garbage and would not do anything to fix the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11596092

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The transmission was lagging while downshifting or upshifting. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward and lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who refreshed the computer. The contact stated that the driving data was lost during the software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

NHTSA ODI 11595558

Transmission drops out of gear and then engages causing a clunk and a lunge or lurch. Extra concern when merging into Interstate traffic. This transmission has never been perfect but it is getting more noticeable when it misses shifts or drops out of gear completely.

NHTSA ODI 11595032

I own a 2018 Ford F150 the vehicle had 44,831 miles at the time of repairs. The problem was with the Transmission it had a very hard shift from 4th to 5th gear. At the time of repairs the vehicle was five months out of warranty. I don't think I should have to overhaul a vehicle transmission with that mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11594531

there was a ford program recall to fix the ecoboost cam phasers but it has now ended. and now my 2018 F150 is experiencing cam phaser issues (as per Ford dealer service) at 60k miles; however, Ford has not issued another recall.

NHTSA ODI 11593518

My vehicle began to expereince irregular shifting through all forms of acceleration and different gears. Notable incidents include dropping from 7th gear down to 1st while traveling 60mph on the highway and hearing a loud bang. Other incidents include losing power will in the middle of an intersection or turning onto a perpendicular road. The abrupt shifting of gears would throw myself in the driver seat leading to potential distracted driving directly caused by the vehicle itself. Eventually the vehicle displayed a wrench light and produced 2 codes: P076F and P0732 indicating incorrect gear ratios for gear 2 and 7. I took the vehicle into the dealership where they discovered the CPF Hub/drum had failed and caused damage that resulted in this uncharacteristic behavior. The dealer admitted that this is a known problem amongst these transmission and would say near half of all of them have this same issue. I believe this poses an extreme risk to general public and imposes a significant fincialy burden at a minimum as in my case. This is a known problem and presents itself as a safety issue that needs to be addressed on a national level.

NHTSA ODI 11592755

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The transmission was jerking forward and taking a long time to shift. Including not shifting out of 3rd gear and almost locking tires when coming to a stop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Pulling out onto a highway with little then getting stuck in 3rd gear. Cars had to make quick reactions because my car would not go. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - yes, I have had it looked at by Certified Ford technicians. They say the transmission should be replaced, and that this is a widespread problem with Ford F150s and other models that use their 10-speed transmission. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Ford Dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No warning lights, no check engine, nothing.

NHTSA ODI 11590041

While approaching a highway exit ramp I felt a brief loss of power. At the light at the end of the exit ramp the truck would not move. Engine RPMs increased but the truck only rolled forward on a slight decline. After a brief period, the transmission engaged with a loud bang. No check engine light was illuminated at this time. The truck was brought to a transmission shop where they found no faults or computer codes. A service (fluid and filter) was completed. It was notice over the next few weeks that the truck would drop in and out of gear at highway speeds. The check engine light came on over this time period. The truck was brought to a Ford dealer and diagnosed with a CDF Clutch Cylinder problem per TSB 24-2101. As the truck is out of warranty with approx 87,000 miles, I was told I would be responsible for this repair. Why is Ford allowed to ignore what is a potential safety issue with this transmission? If this was known it should have been replaced in the warranty period, or a recall issued. In this specific case there was no incident with another vehicle or vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11587448

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle lost motive power and jerked violently while accelerating. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and the START/STOP pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ODI 11586083