2018 Ford F-150 Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the transmission, including jerking, harsh shifting, and unintended gear changes, often at mileages around 40,000 to 75,000 miles. Many complaints involve the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) failing, resulting in loss of functions such as the backup camera and navigation. Additionally, owners describe problems with door latches failing to close in cold weather and unexpected vehicle shutdowns linked to the Auto Start/Stop feature. Safety concerns include reported crashes, fires, and incidents where drivers experience loss of vehicle control, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Ford F-150, with common problems including malfunctioning door locks in freezing weather and repeated failures of the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), which affects the radio, backup camera, and climate controls. Multiple complaints mention issues with the vehicle's Auto START/STOP feature, which fails to restart the vehicle at stoplights, sometimes requiring a jump start. The reported failure mileage varies, with some issues appearing as early as 20,000 miles. A crash is noted when the START/STOP feature prevented acceleration, leading to a collision. Additionally, some owners describe complete electrical system failures that leave the vehicle inoperable, posing potential safety risks.

Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with cam phasers, characterized by abnormal rattling or knocking sounds upon starting the vehicle, often occurring around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Many complaints also mention excessive engine oil consumption, with some vehicles consuming multiple quarts of oil over short periods, typically around 60,000 to 65,000 miles. A less common but significant issue involves rod bearing failure, leading to engine failure at higher mileages, such as 139,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, the recurring engine issues could impact vehicle reliability and performance, which potential buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving power steering failures and steering wheel looseness. Many describe the steering wheel seizing or becoming difficult to turn, often without warning lights, with occurrences noted around 50,000 to 140,000 miles. Complaints also mention steering wheel play and wandering, requiring constant correction to maintain lane position. Safety implications are significant, with one crash reported involving hydroplaning and loss of control, and one injury noted. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially the reports of steering locking or loss of power assist, which can occur at highway speeds.

Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the brake master cylinder leaking fluid into the brake booster, resulting in a complete loss of braking power. Typical symptoms include a "low brake fluid" warning light, brake pedal going to the floor, and rapid fluid depletion without visible external leaks. These problems often occur around 26,000 to 41,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes, and several near-miss incidents due to sudden brake failure. Buyers should be aware that while similar issues have led to recalls for certain engine variants, many affected vehicles are not covered under existing recalls.

Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with door latches and tailgates, particularly in cold weather conditions. Common symptoms include doors failing to latch securely, sometimes requiring drivers to manually hold doors closed while driving, and tailgates opening unexpectedly, including while towing. These issues are often noted in vehicles with mileage ranging from 28,000 to 130,000. Safety implications are evident as some owners report doors opening while driving, and one incident involved a passenger being thrown sideways but restrained by a seatbelt. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially if they live in colder climates.

Owners report frequent issues with airbag deployment in the 2018 Ford F-150, particularly in crash situations. Complaints often mention airbags failing to deploy during collisions, even at moderate speeds (30-45 MPH), leading to injuries such as sternum fractures, lacerations, and whiplash. A few reports also describe the airbag assembly detaching from the steering wheel upon deployment, and two incidents involve post-crash fires attributed to airbag deployment. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, from as low as 2,900 miles to over 137,000 miles. The safety implications include increased risk of injury due to non-deployment and potential fire hazards, which are crucial considerations for used car buyers evaluating this model.