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2018 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2018 Ford F-250 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering engine. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front-end steering oscillation at highway speeds.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE

Campaign #18V894000 · Dec 18, 2018

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

Front-end steering oscillation at highway speeds

STEERING, SUSPENSION

136 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and driver over a bump in the roadway, the front end of the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact slowed down to 10 MPH and restarted the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627179
“At highway speeds my 2018 Ford F250 4WD will start shaking severely. The steering wheel shakes violently back and forth and the entire truck shakes like it's coming apart. The truck feels like it could swerve out of control at any moment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458313
“WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, WE HIT AN EXPANSION JOINT AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING SO BAD WE ALMOST HIT THE TRUCK NEXT TO US. THE HIGHWAY WAS SO CROWDED ALL I COULD DO WAS BRAKE AND HANG ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318339

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera image loss or distortion

BACK OVER PREVENTION

12 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2025-12

“The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera had failed and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665370
“The backup camera on my f250 is not clear and not visible I have been in many close calls of hitting objects because of this. Been trying to get issue fixed for months, Ford dealerships say they do not have parts but I can go online and have the ability to order parts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499062
“The contact stated that the rearview camera was displaying a blurred image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503963

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate opening while the vehicle is in motion

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2021-08

“The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate opened intermittently without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V864000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424122
“MY TRUCK TAILGATE IS OPENING WITHOUT CAUSE. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES BEFORE A RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY COMPLETED IN JANUARY AND HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349252
“TAILGATE CONTINUES TO UNLATCH ON ITS OWN WHILE IN MOTION. WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED DURING A RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406616

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door failing to latch in freezing temperatures

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2025-02

“Driver door is freezing and will not latch, having to hold the door while driving to keep from flying open”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448003
“The driver's side rear door locks freeze, and once the door is opened it will not stay closed/latched. I have a video of the door not latching shut, and bouncing back open when attempting to close it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499122
“Ford recall 18N03 was preformed in 2022. Now in 2024/2025 passenger front door will not latch during freezing temperatures”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643404

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel fuel leak at the fuel filter housing

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2024-04

“The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the odor of diesel fuel entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the diesel fuel was misted onto the windshield”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580495
“The plastic fuel filter cracked and sprayed diesel all over my engine compartment and all of the way down to the tailgate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459320
“The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a gasoline odor on the interior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed a fuel leak”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11581352

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure with loss of power

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2026-03

“The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH from a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and caused the engine failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520612
“Fuel pump faulted, engine would just cut off in middle of driving whether on highway, street, or interstate. Engine would randomly shut off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672696
“The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The message engine power reduced was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664563

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle fire originating in the engine compartment

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2026-06

“While on vacation, driving down a major interstate, our truck suddenly lost power. The driver slowly navigated to the side of the road and by the time we stopped flames were coming out from under the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613625
“This is a turbo diesel F250 Ford Truck which caught on fire and was completely destroyed while on the interstate in VA. Our safely was very much at risk as the truck was fully engulfed in flames within minutes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470731
“THE AC LINE FITTING OVERHEATED CAUSING IT TO EXPLODE AND ARC WHICH IN TURN MELTED THE PRIMARY WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ENGINE. THIS ALSO RESULTED IN THE WIRE CATCHING FIRE AND CAUSING BURN DAMAGE TO THE FIREWALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11321731

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

238 crashes 1990–2024

How the 238 occupant deaths break down

188

driver deaths

50

passenger deaths

238

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2018 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Ford F-250 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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