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

The transmission is hard shifting and staying in 6th gear most of the time. And when I pulled into my driveway the transmission was shifting back down to first and rolling backwards before shifting back to 6th gear allowing me to make a couple feet of forward progress at a time...

NHTSA ODI 11678007

NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Information: Make: Ford Model: F-150 Year: 2018 VIN: [XXX] Incident Summary: While driving my 2018 Ford F-150, the vehicle suddenly displayed a warning on the dashboard: “Steering Assist Fault – Service Required.” Within moments of this warning, I lost all power steering assist and was unable to control the vehicle, resulting in the truck veering off the road and into a ditch. This was a sudden and dangerous failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. I was fortunate not to have been injured, and no other vehicles were involved. However, this type of failure represents a major safety risk to me and to others on the road. I contacted Ford Motor Company and was assigned Case Number: [XXX]. Despite reporting the issue and explaining that the vehicle ran off the road, Ford refused to offer any assistance or goodwill repair. I was told the vehicle is outside of recall 24S45, even though it displays the exact same failure symptoms as recalled vehicles from later years. This failure could have resulted in serious injury or death. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this steering system failure and expand any related recall coverage to include affected 2018 F-150 models like mine. Incident Date: [XXX] Mileage at Time of Incident: 157,000 Location: Pine Bluff, AR Complainant Information: Name: [XXX] Address: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11677791

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted to neutral(N) unintendedly, and the vehicle lost motive power. The power train warning light was illuminated. No further information was available. Additionally, the contact stated that electronic system and lights failed to turn off. The contact confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall and that the warranty had expired. The contact stated that there were complaints and lawsuits related to the failure. The contact stated that the body control module (BCM) was previously repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 84,019.

NHTSA ODI 11677447

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the vehicle experienced hard transmission shifts while attempting to shift gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

NHTSA ODI 11677480

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11677564

10r80 Automatic transmission. Randomly hunts for gears, often suddenly switches to Neutral before slamming into gear, sometimes loses gears on the highway, after a stoplight/sign or in the middle of intersections leading to a temporarily stalled vehicle in high traffic areas. Transmission behavior is unpredictable and inefficient. When brought to Ford for an oil and transmission fluid change; the vehicle threw a code, after diagnostic, they state that the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of over 9000 USD. Vehicle information states that the transmission is supposed to be good for 150000 miles. New vehicle warranty is 5 years OR 50000 miles. There's a massive discrepancy between those numbers. My vehicle started showing symptoms at 60000 miles and full blown issues at 100000. There are no vehicle warnings other than when the dealer was testing post transmission fluid change a "wrench" light came on. Now the vehicle cannot "find" reverse gear.

NHTSA ODI 11677133

Component/System That Failed: The 10R80 automatic transmission in my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost has become essentially undrivable at 89,900 miles. The transmission will attempt to upshift from 1st gear through each gear unsuccessfully until it reaches 6th gear, at which point it refuses to downshift. The only way to exit 6th gear is by taking the vehicle completely out of drive. This transmission is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This failure creates a major safety hazard. The inability to accelerate properly from a stop or to downshift while slowing down means the truck cannot respond to normal traffic conditions or emergency situations. This puts me, my passengers, and others at risk—especially when entering traffic, making turns, or attempting to stop. The erratic behavior also causes the vehicle to lurch or hesitate, increasing the chance of a rear-end collision or loss of control. Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed? Yes, the issue has been confirmed by a certified Ford dealership. They diagnosed internal transmission failure and quoted $8,876.27 for a full transmission replacement. Has the Vehicle or Component Been Inspected by Others? The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership service department. No inspections have been done by law enforcement or insurance, and the manufacturer has not taken direct action, despite this being a well-documented issue with multiple TSBs and class action lawsuits tied to the 10R80 transmission. Warning Signs or Symptoms: The issue began gradually around 75,000 miles with hard or delayed shifting and worsened significantly by 89,900 miles. there was no warning light or messages until after the transmission gave out in the middle of a busy intersection. The truck now frequently: Fails to shift gears properly Hesitates or jerks unpredictably Becomes stuck in 6th gear This ongoing and worsening problem has made the truck unreliable and unsafe for everyday use.

NHTSA ODI 11677162

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the gear shifter shifted independently, and the message "Vehicle Heisted Gear Ten Error" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a vehicle safety complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 52,742.

NHTSA ODI 11677236

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and the transmission shifted to neutral, nearly causing a crash. The contact stated while driving downhill at 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 40 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676956

While driving on the interstate with the cruise control set at 70mph the vehicle's transmission, while climbing a small hill, started slipping badly. There was a loud klunking sound and an immediate substantial increase in rpms. As a result I immediately slowed the vehicle down to around 60mph. Additionally I moved over into the slow lane. The yellow wrench light activated on my dashboard indicating a power train issue. The transmission continued having slipping issues while driving it home. I took it to my local Ford dealership and they informed me the the ten speed transmission was failing, and needed to be rebuilt. The truck only has 75,000 miles on it. I've read that Ford has had a lot of issues with these 10 speed transmissions, especially in the early years like my 2018 F150, and that a recall hasn't been issued. I feel as though an incident such as mine could cause an accident, especially at freeway speeds, that could result in injury or loss of life especially on a snow covered or icy road. The only symptoms I had prior to this incident was a slight amount of transmission slipping which I put off as the typical odd shifting pattern of this 10 speed transmission. As far as I know there have been no inspections done by Ford, and there was no inspections done by the police or my insurance provider.

NHTSA ODI 11677010

Gear 7 Ratio Incorrect P076F Transmission doesn’t engage like it should.

NHTSA ODI 11676582

While driving to Sam’s Club (approximately 20 miles from home), my 2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost began running very rough, and the check engine light came on. I had the vehicle scanned, and diagnostics confirmed that the cam phasers are failing — the exact issue I had replaced under warranty at approximately 59,000 miles. The vehicle now has just 88,000 miles, and this failure occurred in under 30,000 miles since the original repair. I have maintained this truck with extreme care. I only use Motorcraft parts and fluids, change the oil every 3,000 miles or sooner, and always use premium fuel. This is not a maintenance issue. This is a design or part failure that Ford has not properly resolved. When the phasers were replaced the first time, I was told there was no warranty on the replacement parts. That is unacceptable. A known failure being replaced with an equally defective part is not a resolution. Ford is aware of this issue — there are multiple TSBs (including TSB 21-2130 and 19-2208) and widespread complaints across owner forums — but they have taken no responsibility. I paid over $44,000 for this truck and should not be facing the same critical engine failure twice before 90k miles. The rough performance and sudden malfunction while driving posed a potential safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate and hold Ford accountable. This seems like a common problem with this engine, and I do not understand why there has not been a recall or why Ford has not been forced to implement a permanent fix.

NHTSA ODI 11676758

The transmission randomly drops out of gear while driving. Most cases its a 2-3 shift or 3-4 shift. But its almost caused me to be rear ended twice. Its random and shifts normal most of the time. After doing research on the 10r80 I've seen muiltiple complaints on the issue. Its a valve body defect or design flaw. Also other issues leading up to this problem lots have had happen. But its a safety concern when your truck randomly drops gear and you loose control of your truck moving forward. I had the transmission serviced when bought the truck and since went as far as having it done again with best fluids and filters avalable. Nothing makes it better or worse. I like the truck and just disapointed in ford for not doing a recall or updates to address these 10 speed problems. I was having troubles around 70k and now at 90k its more of a common thing. It can happen twice a week or twice a day. Its scary when your in traffic and it just drops gear. Then let off hit gas and back to gear it goes. Some cases it will take 5-6 seconds to come back. And basiclly your in the lane hoping traffic wont hit you. Im sure im not the first to report the troubles. Maybe enough people get in a collision we can get something done.

NHTSA ODI 11676405

2018 F150 Transmission failure at 70,000 miles. Clutch packs for 3rd/4th gear have failed. This is a known common issue with this particular Ford transmission for their trucks and SUV's since 2017. Vehicle was under warranty when issues arose. Local dealers could not get the vehicle in for diagnosis and repair evaluation due to the volume of other vehicles having the same transmission diagnosis. By the time one of the local Ford dealers were able to assess the issue, warranty had expired. Ford knows this is an issue due to a longstanding TSB issued to dealerships.

NHTSA ODI 11676131

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that while driving with the transmission shifting from 9th gear to 10th gear, the transmission shifted to neutral, and the vehicle started to coast. The contact stated that the wrench symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on five occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be reprogrammed, and the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage for the failure, but would attempt to assist with the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675279

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675159

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle functioned as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of Technical Service Bulletin: 21B10. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred afterwards. The contact stated that an abnormally loud sound was coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The repair was pending. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 87,560.

NHTSA ODI 11674510

At or around 85,000 miles, I noticed my vehicle hesitating going into 3rd or 4th gear. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle began hard shifting into that 3rd/4th gear. Occasionally, the vehicle would lunge forward unexpectantly during this gear shift change. There have been several warning lights (wrench icon) appear on the dash. Also, on several occasions, I have experienced a sudden loss of power when trying to accelerate the vehicle as in a passing situation or merging into traffic. Upon doing research on the internet, I discovered hundreds of reports of Ford truck owners experiencing the same problems that I am having. These complaints are from 2018-2023 Ford truck owners whose trucks have the 10 speed transmissions. These defective transmissions need to be recalled not only because they pose a safety concern with the sudden lunging forward but also with the loss of power that sometimes occurs. Many owners have taken their vehicles to Ford dealerships and other mechanics to be told they need new transmissions or their transmissions need to be rebuilt. The cost for these new or rebuilt transmissions are from $5500 to $11,000. These are transmissions with mostly less than 100,000 miles on them. I haven't taken my vehicle to a mechanic (Ford or private) because I feel like I'm just going to be told that I need a new or rebuilt transmission. I am only driving my Ford F-150 within my local town because I'm afraid to drive it out of town. I'm so afraid that I may get into heavy traffic and the vehicle decides to lunge forward causing an accident or that I may need to pass or merge into traffic on an interstate and the vehicle loses power and I get rear-ended. Ford is aware of these defective transmissions and need to recall these vehicles with these 10 speed transmissions.

NHTSA ODI 11674330

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound on first start up, upon shifting to drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer mobile technician diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and informed the contact that the smart transmission was operating as designed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer advised the contact to not be concerned because the vehicle was still covered under warranty. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the 10-speed transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty, but the manufacturer had provided a loyalty discount. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11674346

Complaint is regarding transmission issues on a 2018 Ford F150, 10-speed Transmission 10R80. Ford safety bulletins, recalls and transmission part replacements have failed to fix and resort transmission to a normal working condition. Transmission is now downshifting and delaying acceleration in the middle of the road. These unresolved issues with the 10R80 transmission are creating a hazardous situation for my family. Vehicle is unpredictably failing to accelerate at stop sign and red lights, preventing the flow of traffic. Vehicle is failing to accelerate in an appropriate and safe way while merging into the highway. Vehicle is downshifting unpredictably while in motion creating imminent danger to my children. The trade in and resale value are severely affected by the issues created by the 10-speed transmission. BBB Auto Line program case: FRD2511990. Complaint is in regard to Ford lack of substantial help in resolving known issues with the 10R80 transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11674407

2018 Ford F150 XLT twin turbo 4wd. Since the day I bought it. Nothing but problems with lurching jerking at stops. Clunking when truck is on AND OFF. We have video of it. Pushing gas pedal and truck hesitates before it jumps forward always the transmission been to every ford dealer in our area they refuse to help or say they DONT HEAR the knocking or feel lurching all lies we have had at least 3 close calls avoiding accidents and 2 days ago the truck would not stop the transmission skipped and I hit a deer. My bull bar absorbed most of the impact. The 10 speed transmission is the issue and no one wants to hear it but ford wants $10,000 for a new transmission after I paid $48000 for this truck and it’s been in the shop half the time.

NHTSA ODI 11673920

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that while driving at highways speeds on a slight incline and upshifting to 10th gear, the transmission slipped. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while driving between third and fourth gears, and between fourth and fifth gears. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11674089

My 2018 F150 has a faulty transmission, started slipping and down shifting. These transmissions need to be recalled. In the shop now. These on going issues need to be addressed and resolved. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11673161

My truck has been having shifting problems. Hard shifting going into gear. It hesitates and I have zero power then slams into gear. Unsafe to drive. I have had it serviced and zero luck.

NHTSA ODI 11672720

Transmission failed at 95k miles. This looks to be a very common issue with the 10R80 transmission as there is a class action suit

NHTSA ODI 11672738