How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Ford F-150?

NHTSA lists 185 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 F-150, which is 8% of the 2,308 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 F-150 electrical system?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 20V097000 and a related recall 26V373000, both covering headlight/Daytime Running Lamp body control module software on 2018-2020 F-150 trucks with high series LED headlamps.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 F-150?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 F-150 is 26,000 miles.

Are the 2018 F-150 electrical complaints linked to fires or crashes?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2018 F-150 shows 11 fires, 7 crashes, and 7 injuries reported.

2018 Ford F-150 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 185 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Ford F-150, 8% of that year's 2,308 total complaints. The area is tied to 11 fires, 7 crashes, and 7 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 26,000, and two related recalls cover headlight/DRL software issues.

Electrical System complaints: 185; 8% of 2,308
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 11
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 26,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report engine-bay fires starting shortly after using the remote auto-start feature, in some cases with flames appearing under the hood.
Some describe spontaneous fires breaking out while idling or driving at low speed, occasionally following a stall.
Several report side airbags deploying unexpectedly at highway speed with no impact, followed by a small fire near the floorboard or feet.
One owner described smoke and a burning-wire smell coming from the center console cupholder area, tracing it to shorted connectors that melted nearby plastic.
Another reported the START/STOP feature intermittently failing to respond without any warning light, affecting acceleration when pulling into traffic.
One case involved no airbags deploying during a head-on collision, with no warning light or brake alert activated beforehand.

When 2018 Ford F-150 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 1, 2018, latest Sep 17, 2026.

185 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q1 (12).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Ford F-150

NHTSA 26V373000Jun 9, 2026Electrical System91,198 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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."
Risk: Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 20V097000Feb 21, 2020Electrical System166,196 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." 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."
Risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.

Electrical System complaints by F-150 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010189 (22%)
2011252 (12%)
2012179 (10%)
2013332 (11%)
2014166 (11%)
2015186 (11%)
2016196 (10%)
2017137 (10%)
2018185 (8%)
2019107 (8%)
202090 (12%)
2021223 (22%)
2022181 (30%)
202397 (24%)
202485 (45%)
202527 (26%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Ford F-150?: NHTSA lists 185 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 F-150, which is 8% of the 2,308 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 F-150 electrical system?: Yes. NHTSA lists recall 20V097000 and a related recall 26V373000, both covering headlight/Daytime Running Lamp body control module software on 2018-2020 F-150 trucks with high series LED headlamps.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 F-150?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 F-150 is 26,000 miles.
Are the 2018 F-150 electrical complaints linked to fires or crashes?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2018 F-150 shows 11 fires, 7 crashes, and 7 injuries reported.