KnownCarProblems2018 Ford F-250 SD Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 398 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford F-250 SD, most often about the steering (63% of complaints, typically around 28,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about F-250 SD model year since 2000 and has 9 recalls.
Most common 2018 Ford F-250 SD problems
Steering
252 complaints · 63%Half of these problems showed up before 28,000 miles.
When driving down the highway yesterday in my 2018 Ford f250 I experienced the "death wobble" at 70mph. I crossed a bridge where it had a dip and my truck steering wheel and front end continuously shook until I slowed to 30mph. If I was in a turn I would have wrecked! This was bad and after some google research this…
While driving at approximately 65 MPH, as I crossed an expansion joint from an overpass back to the main road surface, the front end of the truck began to oscillate. The handling returned to normal only after I had reduced my speed.
Suspension
198 complaints · 50%Half of these problems showed up before 26,500 miles.
2018 Ford f250 with 25,000 miles experienced a "death wabble" in the mountains going down hill. Truck is currently at the dealership and new track bar is being installed.
Vehicle was already "fixed" for what is termed "death wobble" last year. While driving last night, we experienced the whole truck shaking uncontrollably on two different occasions. Once on a township road going 45 and once on the interstate doing 65. Both involved uncontrollable shaking of the suspension and inability…
Other or unspecified
46 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 30,500 miles.
When traveling on the interstate and hit a bump the truck shakes violently and does not stop until you come to a complete stop. This has happened at least 5 times. It seems it is happening more frequently now. The truck has 30000 miles. I have had it for 1 year
While driving down the highway, the vehicle caught on fire underneath the hood. There were no waning signs, lights or any other indication that there was a problem. The cab was melted to the frame in less than five minutes.
Wheels and tires
29 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 26,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford f-250. While driving 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle violently vibrated and fractured the windshield. The vehicle was currently at autonation Ford katy (20777 katy fwy, katy, tx 77450, ([phone]) where the contact was informed that there was a possibility that the wheels were…
A residual vibration after hitting a bump started in feb 2019 at 8.6k miles. Dealership replaced damper assembly. All good for a while then vibration with hitting a bump started again in oct 2019 at 25k miles. On 11/2/19 at 26k miles at 70 MPH experienced severe/violent shaking in the steering wheel and had to slam on…
Fuel system
21 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 96,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford f-250. 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. The contact was informed…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford- f-250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound and the "vehicle powering down" message was displayed on the instrument panel; the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was…
Body and structure
16 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 19,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
The tailgate is coming down while driving all by its self. It has already been crushed by a trailer that was being pulled and Ford will not cover the cost of the replacement
The contact owns a 2018 Ford f-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the liftgate inadvertently unlocked causing the contents in the bed of the truck to spill out onto the roadway. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The…
Engine
16 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford f-250. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated before the failure. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was towed or taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was rust in the engine. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while her son was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut-off as the "exhaust failure, service now" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Other motorists were able to assist her son with moving the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact had the…
Transmission
16 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 15,500 miles.
2018 Ford f-250 4x4 with 6.2l gasoline engine: under certain specific conditions, the truck will continue to accelerate after driver input is stopped. The engine will continue to rev up (all the way to red-line) while in gear even though the accelerator pedal has been released. This happens under the following…
Between 60 to 75 MPH when hitting certain bumps the steering starts violently shaking and will not stop till slow down to about 25 MPH. This started at around 24k and has happened 10+ times. Also at 37k sync 3 radio no longer will come on and wiring issues cannot get trailer braking to connect to the truck. Lights…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2018 Ford F-250 SD recalls
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning january 2026 and june 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25v270. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning september 8, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 lincoln mkc, mustang, f-350 sd, f-250 sd, f-450 sd, 2015-2017 lincoln navigator, expedition, 2015-2018 edge, transit connect, 2016-2019 f-550 sd, transit, 2017-2019 econoline, and 2019 ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power. Additionally, a vehicle rollaway could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 27, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s74.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 f-super duty f-250, f-350, and f-450 4x4 vehicles. A radial damper inside the driveshaft may move out of position over time, which can cause a driveshaft imbalance and result in a fracture.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 14, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s51.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 f-super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and 2017-2020 lincoln continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
Body and structure: underbody shields
Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on april 7, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s09.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 f-250 and f-350 super duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Wheels and tires: tires
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s10.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018 f-150, 2018-2020 f-250, f-350, and 2019 escape vehicles equipped with continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply heat resistant tape to the carpet and its insulation, and modify the b-pillar insulation as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin january 20, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s52.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 f-super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 supercrew cab vehicles with carpet flooring. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the b-pillar area.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: Unintended tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate/frame wiring harnesses by adding jumper pigtails to isolate the tailgate release control circuits and will install a new tailgate handle release switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin january 20, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s48.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 super duty f-250, f-350, and f-450 trucks equipped with an electric tailgate latch release switch mounted in the tailgate handle. Water may enter the electrical wiring system and cause a short circuit, activating the switch and releasing the tailgate latches.
Lights: headlights
Risk: Drl that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. The recall began november 25, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19c10.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2018-2019 f-250, f-350 and f-450 super duty trucks. The daytime running lights (drl) may not dim when the headlight switch is moved into the "on" position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Engine
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began may 31, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s11.
Full defect summary
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 and previously remedied under recall 18v894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Sogefi secondary diesel fuel filter leak
Summary
The office of defect investigations (odi) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (my) 2015-2021 ford motor company (ford) f-250, 350, 450, and 550 super duty vehicles equipped with 6.7l diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. Odi has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, ford, and the filter manufacturer, allevard sogefi USA (sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 bar, while the second
Power tailgate release systems
Summary
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.â 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 recall and production update and communicated how they were unable to verify the ownersâ complaints o
Power tailgate opens unintended
Summary
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, water can enter the electrical wiring system and may cause a short circuit resulting in the unintended
Questions about the 2018 Ford F-250 SD
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford F-250 SD?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (252 complaints, typically around 28,000 miles); suspension (198 complaints, typically around 26,500 miles); other or unspecified (46 complaints, typically around 30,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2018 Ford F-250 SD have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 3, 2025 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2018 a bad year for the Ford F-250 SD?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about F-250 SD model year since 2000, with 398 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.