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Executive Vehicle Verdict

The 2018 Ford F-150 is associated with 1883 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 19 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.

The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 553 reports (29% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 38 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3l 6-cyl, 2.7l 6-cyl, 3.3l 6-cyl, 3.5l 6-cyl, and 5l 8-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 16 to 25 MPG combined. The 2018 Ford F-150 belongs to the 13th generation (P552) F-150 platform spanning model years 2015–2020.

Platform Architecture: 13th Generation (P552) • Production Span: 2015–2020 • Platform Code: P552 • Lifecycle Note: Pre-Facelift (2015–2017) / Facelift (2018–2020)
Official Federal Record Profile
  • • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 1883 consumer reports filed
  • • Safety Recall Campaigns: 19 official campaigns
  • • Primary Defect Domain: Powertrain (553 / 29%)
  • • Field Incident Signals: 58 crash / 29 fire / 34 injury reports
  • • NCAP Crash Safety: 4 / 5 Stars Overall Laboratory Score
  • • EPA Certified Range: 16–25 MPG across 38 powertrain trims
Directly compiled from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA NCAP, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.

What is the fuel economy and range of the 2018 Ford F-150?

Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant

Variant Engine Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Est. Annual Fuel Cost
F150 Pickup 2WD Diesel 3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 22 MPG 30 MPG 25 MPG — $3,200 / yr
F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE Diesel 3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 22 MPG 28 MPG 24 MPG — $3,300 / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD 2.7L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 20 MPG 26 MPG 22 MPG — $2,800 / yr
F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 2.7L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 20 MPG 25 MPG 22 MPG — $2,800 / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD 3.3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 19 MPG 25 MPG 22 MPG — $2,800 / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 3.3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 20 MPG 25 MPG 22 MPG — $2,800 / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD 3.5L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 18 MPG 25 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
F150 2.7L 2WD GVWR>6649 LBS 2.7L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 19 MPG 25 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 19 MPG 24 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
F150 2WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 19 MPG 24 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.5L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 17 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 3.5L 2WD GVWR>7599 LBS 3.5L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 17 MPG 21 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD 5L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 17 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 5L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 17 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 2WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 5L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
F150 2WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT 5L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
F150 5.0L 2WD GVWR>7599 LBS 5L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 5.0L 2WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS 5L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD XL/XLT Diesel 3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 21 MPG 28 MPG 24 MPG — $3,300 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD Diesel 3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 20 MPG 25 MPG 22 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 4WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE Diesel 3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 20 MPG 25 MPG 22 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD 2.7L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 19 MPG 24 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
F150 2.7L 4WD GVWR>6799 LBS 2.7L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 19 MPG 24 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
F150 4WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 2.7L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 18 MPG 23 MPG 20 MPG — $3,100 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD 3.3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 18 MPG 23 MPG 20 MPG — $3,100 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 3.3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 18 MPG 23 MPG 20 MPG — $3,100 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD 3.5L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 17 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 4WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.5L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 17 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 4WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 17 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 4WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 3.3L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) 17 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
F150 3.5L 4WD GVWR>7599 LBS 3.5L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD 5L 8-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 5L 8-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
F150 5.0L 4WD GVWR>7599 LBS 5L 8-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 15 MPG 19 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 4WD BASE PAYLOAD LT TIRE 5L 8-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 5.0L 4WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS 5L 8-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 15 MPG 19 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 4WD FFV BASE PAYLOAD LT 5L 8-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 16 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
F150 RAPTOR 4WD 3.5L 6-Cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) 15 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.

What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2018 Ford F-150?

Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant Overall Rating Frontal Crash Side Crash Rollover Rating Rollover Risk
Regular Cab PU/RC 4x4 19.1%
Regular Cab PU/RC 4x2 19.1%
Supercab PU/EC 4x4 19.1%
Supercab PU/EC 4x2 19.1%
Super Crew PU/CC 4x4 19.1%
Super Crew PU/CC 4x2 19.1%
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Ford F-150 models.
View complete 2018 Ford F-150 crash test & safety breakdown →

What defect complaints are reported for the 2018 Ford F-150?

Summary of 1883 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

Total Complaints
1883
Crash Reports
58
Fire Reports
29
Complaints w/ Injury
34
Total Injuries
45

Top Reported Problem Categories

Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA

Powertrain 553 complaints (5 crashes)
Engine 276 complaints
Structure & Body 143 complaints
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 71 complaints (1 crash)
Engine & Cooling 69 complaints

Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.

View all 2018 Ford F-150 problems & component breakdown (160 categories) →

Are there open safety recalls on the 2018 Ford F-150?

Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA

NHTSA Campaign #26V373000 Active Recall
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. 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."

Free Manufacturer Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
NHTSA Campaign #26V375000 Active Recall
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Defect Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V669. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S42. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.
NHTSA Campaign #25V236000 Active Recall
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Defect Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
View all 2018 Ford F-150 recalls & campaign history (19 campaigns) →
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2018 Ford F-150

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2018 Ford F-150

How many safety recalls does the 2018 Ford F-150 have?

The 2018 Ford F-150 is associated with 19 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.

View all 19 recall campaigns & remedy details →
Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Ford F-150?

NHTSA records list 1,883 consumer defect complaints for the 2018 Ford F-150. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is Powertrain, appearing in 553 filings (29% of submissions).

Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.

Explore full 2018 Ford F-150 defect complaint breakdown →
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Ford F-150?

Under the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2018 Ford F-150 earned Overall Safety Ratings ranging from 4 to 5 stars depending on tested variant across 6 tested configuration(s).

Laboratory evaluations include a 35 mph frontal barrier crash, side barrier and pole impact tests, and static rollover resistance assessments.

View detailed crash test laboratory breakdown →
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

What fuel economy (MPG) does the 2018 Ford F-150 get?

Official EPA laboratory estimates for the 2018 Ford F-150 range from 16 to 25 MPG combined (55% city / 45% highway weighted) depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.

Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model (15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gal gas, $0.16/kWh electricity), annual energy expenditures range across certified configurations based on official EPA laboratory test baselines.

Compare MPG ratings across all certified trims →
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov Certified Database
Official US Government Data Provenance

The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.