Model year

2018 Ford F-450

Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 30, 2018 to Jan 23, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year3410k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints10Below the median 2018 pickup
Severity index10.02018 pickups average 3.3
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 Ford F-450 peaked in 2019, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.522018201922020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

40% of complaints about the 2018 Ford F-450 name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
4
Electrical system
2
Fuel system
2
Steering
2
Wheels
2
Back-over prevention
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Ford F-450

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford F-450
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19V-398May 29, 2019Displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversedEquipment13Part replacement
19V-342May 3, 2019Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressedLighting17Part replacement
18V-894Dec 18, 2018Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damageEngine and cooling410,289Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 Ford F-450

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

10 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jan 23, 2026Failure Dec 15, 2025Valencia, CAElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire

    incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Component Failure & Part Numbers: The fire necessitated an $18,000 repair (RO #443426). Based on the repair invoice, the following safety-critical components were heat-destroyed and replaced: Secondary Fuel Filter (PC3Z9N184C) Main Engine Wiring Harness (HC3Z12B637A) Inlet Manifold (GC4Z9424A) High-Pressure Fuel Pipes (HC3Z9J280J and BC3Z9E964A) Cowl Grilles (HC3Z25022A68AB/69AC) 2. Safety Risk & Pre-Existing Symptoms: Prior to the fire, the engine exhibited a "surging" idle and erratic RPM behavior, which was reported to the dealer. After the replacement of the aforementioned fuel and electrical components, the surging issue was immediately resolved, confirming the original symptom was a precursor to the fuel system failure. While no injuries occurred, the fire presented an immediate risk of occupant injury and total vehicle loss. 3. Disposal of Evidence (Spoliation): Despite an active liability dispute and an ongoing manufacturer investigation, the dealership (AutoNation Ford Valencia) admitted in writing that they disposed of the failed secondary fuel filter and the main wiring harness. These primary pieces of evidence are currently unavailable for federal or forensic inspection due to the dealer's actions. 4. Confirmation: The fire damage was confirmed by the dealership, and I have paid the repair invoice UNDER PROTEST to retrieve the property. I am seeking a review of this incident under the scope of PE24014.

    NHTSA complaint 11713028
  2. Filed Apr 8, 2025Failure Apr 7, 2025Temecula, CAFuel/propulsion system

    My truck is outfitted with the CP4 fuel pump. These pumps are failing on a regular basis and destroying entire fuel systems costing the vehicle owner as much as $20,000 to replace. If this pump goes out while driving, it could be a major safety issue. I tow a 44 foot trailer with my truck and this can cause a deadly accident. I called Ford and there is no recall as of now. There are attorneys out there using the Lemon Law act to go after the ones that have failed so far. These pumps are not designed to be used with American Diesel. They are made in Europe and designed for their fuel. I am just trying to prevent an accident. I’d like Ford to just recall this pump and replace it.

    NHTSA complaint 11653451
  3. Filed May 30, 2024Failure May 15, 202491,000 milesArlington, WAEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced, he was made aware that there were metal shavings found inside the oil pan, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11591622
  4. Filed May 12, 2023Failure Apr 1, 202351,000 milesChicago, ILHoses/plumbing

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the turbo charger. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure immediately reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11521728
  5. Filed Feb 20, 2023Failure Feb 1, 2023Clarksville, TNUnknown or other

    The rear camera is addressed in NHTSA Recall Number22V644, but the same issue is occurring with the front camera too. Ford dealer said to call Ford customer service to address my concern. Ford customer service advised I file a claim with NHTSA. Since Ford already acknowledged the issue with these cameras, I’d like the front to be addressed at the same time as the rear.

    NHTSA complaint 11508182
  6. Filed Mar 16, 2022Failure Mar 16, 202118,000 milesSpofford, NHBack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was significantly blurry. The contact wiped the rearview camera lens; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and the VIN was not included in a recall associated to the failure; therefore, he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring for a year. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11456955
  7. Filed Jan 14, 2020Failure Dec 29, 201922,876 milesEast Haven, CTSteering, Suspension, Wheels

    STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE

    NHTSA complaint 11299205
  8. Filed Jun 30, 2019Failure Jun 28, 20191,400 milesFort Walton Beach, FLEngine

    ALL 2018,F-450,OKALOOSA COUNTY FLEET TRUCKS. STARTING/CRANKING MODUL CAUSES ENGINE NOT TO START OR RANDOMLY START AFTER 5,10,20 MINUTES.

    NHTSA complaint 11228468
  9. Filed Jan 4, 2019Failure Nov 27, 20183,800 milesRaleigh, NCElectrical system

    THE POWER TAILGATE OPENS RANDOMLY ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO MY TAILGATE AND THE ATTACHED TRAILER. I HAVE SECURITY VIDEO FOOTAGE OF IT OPENING RIGHT BEFORE AS I STARTED TO DRIVE. FORD IS REFUSING TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRUCK HAS 3800 MILES ON IT AND HAS NOT EVEN HAD ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE.

    NHTSA complaint 11165240
  10. Filed May 30, 2018Failure May 16, 2018800 milesGermantown, OHSteering, Wheels

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEBANON FORD (770 COLUMBUS AVE, LEBANON, OH 45036, (513) 932-1010), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11098871
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on file

  • RQ21001 Recall query, Structure
    Power Tailgate Release Systems
    Opened Jan 15, 2021, closed Jan 10, 2024
  • PE18011 Preliminary evaluation, Electrical system
    Power tailgate opens unintended
    Opened Oct 12, 2018, closed Dec 12, 2019 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

6 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 25N10S1 Jun 23, 2026 · Other
    Certain 2017-2025 F-450 – F-600 Chassis Cab Upfitted with an Aerial Bucket Frame Rail Crack
  • SSM 52787 Aug 7, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2017-2020 F-150 and 2017-2019 F-Super Duty vehicles may not successfully complete the Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN procedure using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool. This may be due to the IDS not being at the latest softwa…
  • SAN-Vol1 I1 Jun 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and othe…
  • TSB 20-2272 Aug 19, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L engine, 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L engine, 2017-2020 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine built on or after 13-May-2017 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp …
  • 20N04 Apr 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In some of the affected vehicles, customers may experience sustained steering wheel oscillation after hitting rough pavement or an expansion joint at speeds typically above 45 mph (72 Km/h).
  • TSB 18-2278 Sep 14, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2017-2018 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine may exhibit a concern where the DEF level indicator appears to be stuck in the full position. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.