Owners have filed 15 complaints
about the 2018 Ford F-450 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the Ford F-450. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
80% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2018 Ford F-450
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
426.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 51,000 mi
Wheels
213.3%
Median failure at 11,838 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
213.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Steering
213.3%
Median failure at 11,838 miles
Electrical System
213.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,800 mi
Other & Unspecified
16.7%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
16.7%
Median failure at 18,000 miles
Suspension
16.7%
Median failure at 22,876 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
220.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
220.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
440.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
110.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
110.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2018peak 3Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 Ford F-450
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ21001Opened 15 Jan 2021Closed 10 Jan 2024STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Power Tailgate Release Systems
In January 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ21-001) to assess allegations of post-recall remedy uncommanded tailgate openings in model year (MY) 2017-2019 F-250/350/450 Ford trucks. Besides the recall remedy launched in January 2020, Ford also implemented a production update in November 2019. At the time of the RQ opening, ODI had received eleven (11) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Ford in February 2021. In numerous meetings after receiving their IR response, Ford highlighted the drop in claims since the rec...
PE18011Opened 12 Oct 2018Closed 12 Dec 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Power tailgate opens unintended
By letter dated December 4, 2019, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a safety defect that may exist in model years (MY) 2017 through 2019 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 vehicles equipped with an electric tailgate. Following the receipt of five consumer complaints alleging unintended tailgate opening without vehicle operator knowledge, while the vehicles were in motion, NHTSA opened this investigation to assess the manufacturer's data including warranty claims, field reports, design changes, etc.In vehicles equipped with an electric tailgate, wa...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Valencia, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valencia, CAFire
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valencia, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Valencia, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valencia, CAFire
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valencia, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temecula, CA
FUEL/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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesArlington, WA
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
UNKNOWN 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSpofford, NH
BACK 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,876 milesEast Haven, CT
WHEELS
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11299205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,876 milesEast Haven, CT
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11299205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,876 milesEast Haven, CT
SUSPENSION
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11299205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,400 milesFort Walton Beach, FL
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,800 milesRaleigh, NC
ELECTRICAL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 800 milesGermantown, OH
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 800 milesGermantown, OH
STEERING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.