2018 Ford F-250

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Ford F-250
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
382
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

64% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 107 complaints 1992: 119 complaints 1993: 131 complaints 1994: 125 complaints 1994 1995: 184 complaints 1996: 176 complaints 1997: 304 complaints 1998: 56 complaints 1999: 581 complaints 1999 2000: 326 complaints 2001: 220 complaints 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2004: 153 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 221 complaints 2007: 60 complaints 2008: 195 complaints 2009: 54 complaints 2009 2010: 73 complaints 2011: 248 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2013: 95 complaints 2014: 142 complaints 2014 2015: 273 complaints 2016: 275 complaints 2017: 1,082 complaints 2018: 382 complaints 2018 382 2019: 1,151 complaints 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2022: 116 complaints
1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 107 complaints 1992: 119 complaints 1992 1993: 131 complaints 1994: 125 complaints 1995: 184 complaints 1995 1996: 176 complaints 1997: 304 complaints 1998: 56 complaints 1998 1999: 581 complaints 2000: 326 complaints 2001: 220 complaints 2001 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2004: 153 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 221 complaints 2007: 60 complaints 2007 2008: 195 complaints 2009: 54 complaints 2010: 73 complaints 2010 2011: 248 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2013: 95 complaints 2013 2014: 142 complaints 2015: 273 complaints 2016: 275 complaints 2016 2017: 1,082 complaints 2018: 382 complaints 2018 382 2019: 1,151 complaints 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2022: 116 complaints 2022
1989: 11 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 107 complaints 1991 1992: 119 complaints 1993: 131 complaints 1993 1994: 125 complaints 1995: 184 complaints 1995 1996: 176 complaints 1997: 304 complaints 1997 1998: 56 complaints 1999: 581 complaints 1999 2000: 326 complaints 2001: 220 complaints 2001 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2003 2004: 153 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 221 complaints 2007: 60 complaints 2007 2008: 195 complaints 2009: 54 complaints 2009 2010: 73 complaints 2011: 248 complaints 2011 2012: 266 complaints 2013: 95 complaints 2013 2014: 142 complaints 2015: 273 complaints 2015 2016: 275 complaints 2017: 1,082 complaints 2018: 382 complaints 2018 382 2019: 1,151 complaints 2020: 253 complaints 2021: 158 complaints 2021 2022: 116 complaints

2018: 382 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198911
19904
1991107
1992119
1993131
1994125
1995184
1996176
1997304
199856
1999581
2000326
2001220
2002156
2003116
2004153
2005144
2006221
200760
2008195
200954
201073
2011248
2012266
201395
2014142
2015273
2016275
20171,082
2018382
20191,151
2020253
2021158
2022116

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

64% · 243 reports
CRASH

Suspension

51% · 193 reports
CRASH

Wheels

7% · 28 reports
CRASH

Engine

4% · 14 reports
CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-09

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Structure

4% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing body and tailgate.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

2018 Ford F-250 was parked with engine off when fire started under the interior cabin. Fire spread through-out the vehicle and completely engulfed the truck within minutes. Complete…

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-28

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 382 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2018-10-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-12-12 Power tailgate opens unintended
  3. R
    2019-06-03Engine18V894000 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.

    Remedy: 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.

  4. I
    2021-01-15Recall queryClosed 2024-01-10 Power Tailgate Release Systems
  5. I
    2024-05-09Preliminary evaluationOpen Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Ford F-250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 243 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 193 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 28 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V894000 · Engine

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Ford F-250 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford F-250 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford F-250?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford F-250 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.