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

On Jan 1st-I was returning to SE Michigan from Cincinnati and driving thru rain most of the way back that has turned to snow shortly after I crossed into Michigan. I was on M23 doing about 70MPH just south of I96 interchange (Brighton, MI) when my vehicle shuddered three different times in about a minute for maybe 2-3 seconds. Then a warning light flashed on my dashboard and went off before I could read it. Then it appeared again and flashed off again. Then vehicle shuddered again and my entire dashboard lit up with every warning light seemingly possible and all type of warning/error messages started circling thru main dash info center. My engine turned off and I had no power steering, brakes, etc. I pulled off to the side of the road safely but in a very congested area with left & right merging lanes. I shut engine off and waited 5 minutes and turned it back on and proceeded the test of the 30 minutes home w/o incident. I haven't had the issue since. However, I went online and saw numerous reports of other situations from F150 owners-most seemed to be a one time occurrence. Others, it was constant or would happen at specific speeds. Unfortunately, most don't report these incidences. I had an appt scheduled to run codes but had to reschedule and had it in this morning for a tailgate issue (separate recall issue). While I was able to get it to the side of the road, had my 17 year old daughter been driving this, it could have been a very unfortunate incident (new driver, petite girl with limited strength to turn or compress brakes with no power assist to either or panicking with no experience in such a situation). This needs to be investigated due to numerous complaints/reports on online forums.

NHTSA ODI 11456947

I own a 2018 RWD Ford F-150 3.5L ecoboost engine. Over the last few months I’ve noticed increased engine noise, particularly with cold start ups (in the morning) and more recently every time I start the engine, which may be a result of the cam phaser CSA/FSA recall currently out for my model truck/engine. Along with this, a couple weeks ago the cold start rattling is accompanied with a low whistle. Now, my primary complaint and major safety concern is with the transmission/engine. Roughly 6-7 weeks ago the engine start upshifting quite hard, I learned that the RPMs will skyrocket to 4.5-6.5k to let me know it’s about to hardshift, with a lack of gear shift or gain of speed regardless of gas-pedal pressure until the engine suddenly upshifts to the 5th or 6th gear. This usually ends up with a squealing of my rear tires. Now, over the last 3-4 weeks it has now progressed to poor gear shifting in general; it feels like I’m in a stick shift vehicle with someone who can’t drive a stick shift properly. Also, been gears 1-3 the upshift and downshift will be accompanied with abnormal shift and a “shuddering” of the engine felt throughout the truck. The one, and hopefully last, and reason for my complaint was a scary experience with this poor, extremely hard/aggressive, upshifting nearly causing me to have an accident. I was first in line to turn left at an arrow; the turn would end with my forward direction being near true westbound. It turned green, pressed the gas pedal, and the engine remained in 2nd gear for roughly 8-10 seconds before it vehemently upshifted to 6th gear causing my tires to burn out and actually turned my truck so that the tailgate was nearly facing the southbound traffic/direction…the entire scenario took long enough for the southbound light to turn green. I’ve never had such horrendous malfunctioning of a vehicles engine/transmission before and I know my complaint(s) are one of near thousands of similar Ford models. This needs to be a major Ford recall

NHTSA ODI 11456780

I’ve been having whistling/rattling in my truck for the last couple of weeks. Tried to make an appointment with my local dealer for the Cam phaser CSP out by Ford for 2018, and other, year models with this issue among other transmission/powertrain issues/problems/defects. I was at a stop light with a red light and waiting for my green left turn arrow. Left turn arrow turned green and I stepped on the gas; my RPMs skyrocketed, stayed in gear 2, and was traveling between 5-10 mph. After roughly 100ft, the transmission switched gears from 2 to 6th gear and the turbos kicked in and I ended up slamming my head in to my steering wheel. This was the last/final straw. The engine has been questionable at best the last couple months and this was the first time I’ve felt like I am no longer driving the safe, reliable vehicle I thought I had purchase. I have a service appointment scheduled with one of my local dealerships. I hope they fix this issue because if they don’t/these life endangering transmission/powertrain issues persist I will be hiring a lawyer and fighting for lemon law.

NHTSA ODI 11454158

When accelerating to pass another vehicle the truck started shaking violently engine rpms were erratic and I lost almost all forward momentum. This incident almost caused a head on collision. Truck has shifted erratic since purchased and has undergone the lastest ford updates/repairs to no avail. Four-wheel drive is also engaging randomly and has also been repaired to no avail. It would be great if something would be done about these issues before someone gets killed. You just never know how the truck is going to drive on any given day...

NHTSA ODI 11451860

2018 F-150 King Ranch started noticing a rattle at start up. Took the truck to Ford Dealership and they tried Field Service Action (FSA) PCM REPROGRAM DUE TO ENGINE SHUDDER FIELD SERVICE ACTION NUMBER 21N08 I was told I needed to drive the truck for at least 500 miles, but the rattling only got worse as it sounds like a diesel on start up. I then took it back to Ford after researching and determining this a cam phaser issue that is very common. In fact Ford issued (FSA) - 21N03 FSA TITLE CAM PHASERS FIELD SERVICE ACTION NUMBER - 21N03 However, since this is a FSA and not a recall, and if your power train warranty has expired, you the owner, are required to pay for a portion of the repairs based on the number of miles on your vehicle. I've also found out that the repair is like 15 labor hours which points to the reason why Ford won't issue a full recall. Ford is not standing behind their product as this cam phaser issue a very wide spread and Ford should step up and issue a recall, and pay for all the repairs just like other manufactures have done. Finally, from my understanding, Ford has not truly remedied the issue as they are making the repairs with new parts, but they've made no change to the parts. In fact, the Serivce Manager told me that the rattling could very well come back. Ford needs to step up, make the appropriate repairs with corrected parts and pay for all of the repairs because they are definitely not standing by this verbiage that is posted under the FSA: Ford Motor Company is committed not only to building high quality, dependable products, but also to building a community of happy, satisfied customers. To demonstrate that commitment. Ford Motor Company is providing a Customer Satisfaction Program for your vehicle. It may require you to return your vehicle to the dealer for service. This program may be subject to certain terms and limitations. I guess the terms and limitations are Ford requiring its customers to pay??

NHTSA ODI 11447601

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150 used for towing a 2016 Rockwood Ultra Lite Travel Trailer. The contact stated while driving, turning, or at a complete stop, the vehicle would stall. While at a gas pump the vehicle stalled however, restarted after 15 minutes. After, traveling for an hour the vehicle stalled again. The police were on the scene to direct traffic. Another vehicle towed the vehicle out of the roadway. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle approximately 10 times before the vehicle finally restarted. The message to SHIFT to PARK was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11444862

2018 F-150 10-speed FX4. Hard shifting, erratic shifting, and failure to accelerate at times. Vehicle is dangerous to drive. Problem can occur from stop to initial acceleration. I have take the vehicle to the Ford Dealership three times for the same issue without resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11443814

I was driving and as I came to a stop I lost all power and engine shut off. Received an error message to put vehicle in park and restart engine.

NHTSA ODI 11443279

Came to a rolling stop at stop sign, brake off and pressed on accelerator. Truck stalled and warning light " auto startstop shift to P, then restart engine. There were oncoming cars but was able to put in park and restart. Happen twice within 2 years.

NHTSA ODI 11441205

I'm not sure what category to place this in. The under cover for the oil pan transmission is dragging . I did not hit anything or tear it lose in anyway. It seemed to get wet and just started dropping. This is made of a ''felt'' type material instead of plastic or metal. It is is a huge safety hazard. The piece dragging could cause heat and a friction fire. Or it could fall off and cause a traffic accident or damage to vehicles on the road behind. I looked on line and found this is very common in these trucks and seems to be occurring more than not. not. There is an entire forum dedicated to this. I have temporarily zip tied the cover up but it is still dropping bad. I do not think an owner should be out over $200.00 to fix this when it is a obviously a manufacturer defect.

NHTSA ODI 11439983

excessive oil consumption. vehicle is loosing 4 qts of oil in 3 week period. Vehicle goes into safety mode while driving and shuts off while driving under 30 miles an hour. Dealership acknowledged this is an with the ford F-150 models from 2015 to 2020.

NHTSA ODI 11434570

My 2018 Ford F150 truck has cold start rattle from the phasers. Started occurring 1k miles after my warranty ran out. This is a well known issue with this year of Ford F150 based on the 100s of videos and articles on this topic online. There are several thousand people across many online sites stating they have the same issue. They have created a service bulletin to fix the issue and sent out letters to some and not all owners. Never received the service bulletin and they should include mine in the fix since it is an obvious issue of their trucks.

NHTSA ODI 11431441

Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop after towing then will continue to stall after the engine is started back up. The temp gauge did not indicate it was overheating and no warning lights or engine codes came on. This only seems to happen while towing after we have been driving for over an hour. We are towing around 4,500 lbs so it is well under the limits of the truck.

NHTSA ODI 11430955

At approximately 18:30 hours on July 27,2021. While backing from alley into my driveway, I coast into driveway since alley is on steep hill, so no gas is needed. Just incline is needed to get movement of truck into driveway. As truck was about five feet from closed garage door. Engine revved up without foot being on gas pedal. Since truck was in reverse gear, so backup camera was engaged to assist in stopping when I get close to door. The rear tires started spinning and burning rubber, my foot had been on brake pedal entire time I was coasting into driveway. I had to press hard on brake pedal to keep from accelerating into and through garage door. Engine finally stopped revving up after a few seconds. I quickly put transmission into park and shut off engine. My son was a passenger in truck and he said what the [XXX] just happened. Got out of truck and there were black tread marks on concrete driveway approximately 2 feet long in front of tires. Next morning July 28, 2021, I started truck up and it acted normal. Took son to work and drove out to Ford dealership to have them take a look at truck. They could not look at truck. Earliest they could get it in to look at it was August 13, They did ask if there were any warning lights on dash. Told them I didn’t see any engine lights indicating a problem is occurring. I have driven truck daily since incident without any further problems. I called Ford dealership today August 12, and canceled appointment to have truck looked at. I doubt they’d find anything, it was an intermittent issue, but it does need to be reported. I have photos of tire marks in front of tire s the next morning before I started truck back up. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11428876

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced at the dealer for a manufacturer's power train control module reprogramming, the vehicle would shudder when switching lane, accelerating, or decelerating. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer Bob Swope Ford, Inc. (1307 N Dixie Hwy, Elizabethtown, KY 42701) and an engine oil leakage was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The dealer Bob Swope Ford, Inc. informed the contact that there was no remedy but it was safe to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,865.

NHTSA ODI 11421622

Excessive Oil Consumption. August 2, 2020, low engine oil light came on and 50% loss of engine power. When I pulled over at the nearest gas station my vehicle was 6 quarts low on engine oil. October 6, 2020, only 2000 miles after an oil change by the dealership oil was 1 quart low. May 24, 2021, 7,788 miles after engine oil change by dealership, engine oil was 4 quarts low. My truck consumes 1 quart of oil every 1,750 miles. My fuel economy is poor, averaging 11.5 miles per gallon which should be and and was much better when I first purchased my new vehicle. Intermittent rattle during normal acceleration and deceleration. My engine has lost power and would turn over but not crank for up to 2 hours at a time. This appears to be a wide spread issue with owners of the F150 truck year 2018 - 2019. FORD NEEDS TO RESPOND AND FIX THIS ISSUE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER.

NHTSA ODI 11421473

Engine has been making excessive valve train/piston/rod noise. I noticed the noise in March 2021 when towing my vacation trailer to San Diego. When idling noise is loudest below engine on drivers side. Noise increases dramatically when under load, and can be heard inside cab when driving. Motor almost sounds like a diesel engine. On April 26,2021 I took the truck to my dealer, Raceway Ford, Fontana, CA. After a road test I was given a notice from FORD stating that this is normal for this 5.0 engine. No way an engine should sound like this after 30,000 miles. This is a serious design flaw. When this engine fails I hope that we are not in the middle of the desert in 110 degree weather, going down a mountain pass, or crossing the golden gate bridge. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER !!! Please force Ford to find a fix and repair these engines ASAP

NHTSA ODI 11419276

I am reporting to NHTSA because the recall #17S37 should include my truck as I have the same issues and I am apprehensive to even drive my truck as the issue continues to increase in severity. See the answers to the requested questions below. 1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer -1. The cylinder heads have failed. Yes, the truck is available upon request. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer -2. Per recall 17S37. Cylinder heads machined without supply holes will result in premature engine failure. Engine Failure can cause noise, check engine light, runs rough and/or loss of motive power without warning while driving, increasing the risk of crash. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer – 3. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the Ford dealer shop foreman upon a 1:1 test drive. The shop foreman agreed of the noise and the shudder. The shop foreman scheduled a diagnostic for the truck. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer – 4. Yes, the ford dealer ran multiple diagnostics over multiple visits on the truck. I was informed by the shop foreman that the cylinder heads were machined incorrectly, and new cylinder heads and camshafts were to be replaced. I proceed to file a formal complaint through Ford. Upon filing the complaint with Ford and through numerous calls almost daily I still can’t receive any response/feedback from the complaint line. I can provide the complaint number upon request. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer -5. There were no warning lamps. However, I heard loud clicking, horrible gas mileage, and loss of power for many months before the dealer determine the issue failed cylinder heads.

NHTSA ODI 11418111

AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF TOWING (APPROXIMATELY 4000# FOR 2+ HOURS)I STOPPED FOR GAS. ON RESTART OF THE ENGINE, IT HAD A VERY ROUGH IDLE AND THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AUTO START/STOP SYSTEM. IT DIED AND WOULD NOT RUN FOR MORE THAN 5 SECONDS. TO GET IT TO RUN I HAD TO KEEP IT IN NEUTRAL AND REV THE ENGINE TO APPROXIMATELY 2500RPM. IT DID NOT REPEAT THE ISSUE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP (ANOTHER 2+ HOURS OF TOWING). THIS SITUATION WAS IN A GAS STATION BUT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF IT WAS ON A PUBLIC ROAD.

NHTSA ODI 11414761

DRIVING ABOUT 30MPH DOWN A RURAL STREET AND I STARTED TO LIGHTLY APPLY BRAKES AS I WAS COMING TO A CORNER. THE TRUCK LOST ALL POWER AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. NO POWER STEERING NOR POWER BRAKES. A MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE CLUSTER DISPLAY SAYING ' AUTOSTART SHIFT TO P AND RESTART ENGINE'. I HAD TO PULL THE TRUCK OVER TO A SIDE STREET NARROWLY MISSING A SEMI TRUCK THAT WAS COMING DOWN THE STREET(BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND STOP THE VEHICLE SINCE THE POWER ASSIST WAS NO LONGER WORKING). I HAD TO COMPLETELY STOP THE TRUCK, PLACE SHIFTER INTO PARK POSITION AND RESTART IT. IT WORKED FINE AFTER THIS. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STARTED ABOUT 3 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE EVENT. IT WAS 54 DEGREES AND ENGINE HAD NOT COMPLETELY WARMED UP YET.

NHTSA ODI 11413648

ENGINE TICKING SOUNDS LIKE A DIESEL @START UP AND DRIVING TRANSMISSION WHINING AND KICKS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI 11407207

MOTOR MAKES A POP/CLUNK SOUND WHEN STARTING.2.BACK UP WARNING ON AND OFF WHILE BACKING UP.3.DRIVERS SEAT MOVES BACK ON ITS OWN.4.MILEAGE VARIES FROM 13 TO 16 MPG IN SMALL TOWN. MILEAGE IS ONLY 3,797. VEHICLE TIN 3 TIMES FOR START UP POPPING. DEALER SAID THEY REBUILT TOP END. STILL POPS ON START AND VALVES ARE NOW LOUD AS ON A150000 MI MOTOR.

NHTSA ODI 11404890

TRUCK WILL STALL WHILE TOWING WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT EXIT. WILL NOT RESTART EASILY. PUT TRUCK IN PARK, CRANK TILL STARTS, REV ENGINE AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND KEEP RPMS UP TO DRIVE AWAY. WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AFTER STOPPING FOR GAS. WHILE TOWING , I WILL FUEL AT THE HALF TANK LEVEL. IT HAPPENS A LOT ON HOT DAYS. USUALLY AFTER ABOUT 2 HOURS + OF DRIVING . NO CODES THROWN AT ANY TIME. DEALER CAN NOT FIND ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR 2 YEARS.

NHTSA ODI 11402968

I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2018, DOORS WOULD RANDOMLY FLY OPEN WHEN CORNERING. I BROUGHT IT IN THERE WAS A RECALL IT WAS FIXED. THEN WHEN IT IS BELOW 30 DEGREES MY REAR SENSOR DRIVERS SIDE WOULD SHOW A STEADY RED AND BEEP WHEN THERE WAS NO DANGER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THERE IS MOST LIKELY MOISTURE IN THE SENSOR BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE IT. THEN AT 41,000 MILES MY ENGINE BLEW A ROD. THEY TOLD ME I WAS NOT CHANGING OIL FREQUENTLY ENOUGH. I CHANGE MY OWN OIL. I PROVIDED RECEIPTS FOR OIL BUT THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY IT, I PAID $15,000 OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE INSTALLED. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE AND AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF INVESTIGATING THEY HAD THE DEALER REFUND MY MONEY. THEN AT 43,000 MILES I WAS ON VACATION AND THE SUNROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE. I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO SAID THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING IN THE TRACK BUT THEY WOULD NEED THE TRUCK FOR 4 DAYS AND I WAS LEAVING THE NEXT DAY. I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER UPON RETURN AND THEY CHARGED ME $4,300 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE PANORAMIC ROOF RAILS AND CHASSIS. MOST RECENTLY MY 10 SPEED TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING VERY HARD AND IN THE WEEKS FOLLOWING THAT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED ANOTHER LOCAL DEALER BECAUSE I HAD LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW FROM. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED AND CHAFING CAUSED IT TO RUN THROUGH AND CAUSE FALSE AND INTERMITTENT SIGNALS. THEY TOLD ME BECAUSE IT WAS NEGLIGENCE ON THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE ENGINE. I WOULD HAVE TO GO AFTER THEM FOR THE $800 FIX. THE SAME DEALER WHO REPLACED THE HARNESS CALLED ME LATER THAT WEEK WHILE WAITING FOR THE PART, TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOW THE TRANS VALVE CORE. THEY REPLACED IT AND IT IS HAS NOT CHANGED ANYTHING. THEY ARE CURRENTLY WAITING ON DIRECTION FROM FORD. I HAVE BEEN IN A LOANER OR RENTAL FOR WELL OVER 90 DAYS CUMMULATIVLEY. UNNACCEPTABLE!

NHTSA ODI 11400118

I HAVE THE 2.7 ECOBOOST WITH 19,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL PAN IS LEAKING AND BEING REPLACED. NOT GOOD FOR A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILES ALSO THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT S REAL HARD IN MULTIPLE GEARS MAINLY 5TH AND 3RD

NHTSA ODI 11399792