2018 Ford F-250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Ford F-250 has a complaint index of 90, ranking 3rd worst among 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict driven mainly by 252 steering complaints (63% share) at a median 28,000 miles and 9 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 F-250 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 397
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2018 Ford F-250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering252 (63%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires203 (51%)
- Other46 (12%)
- Fuel System21 (5%)
- Engine18 (5%)
- Structure & Body17 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain15 (4%)
- Electrical System13 (3%)
- Brakes11 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering and front-end components can develop a violent high-speed wobble, sometimes called 'death wobble,' that shakes the wheel and makes the truck hard to control.
- Some drivers report the wobble starting after hitting a bump or pothole at highway speed, forcing an emergency pull-over.
- Owners describe unexpected engine fires starting under the hood, including one case that occurred right after a collision.
- Fuel system failures include sudden loss of power on the highway and fuel pumps reportedly tearing apart and sending metal into the fuel rail.
- Electrical issues include an AC line fitting overheating and melting the engine wiring harness, and a heated seat catching fire while empty.
- Some owners report airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including one where the truck struck a light pole and went into a ditch.
2018 Ford F-250 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 22V880000Nov 29, 2022Transmission & Powertrain18,808 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 22V644000Aug 26, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras277,040 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
2018 compared with other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford F-250 reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2018 F-250 3rd worst out of 21 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 90 and 397 complaints, mostly tied to steering and suspension.
- What is the main problem with the 2018 Ford F-250?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 252 complaints (63% share) with a median failure mileage of 28,000 miles, followed by suspension, wheels and tires issues at 203 complaints.
- Does the 2018 Ford F-250 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2018 F-250, covering areas like collision avoidance cameras, tires, seat belts, tailgate wiring, and daytime running lights.
- How does the 2018 F-250 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 90, the 2018 F-250 ranks worse than most years but better than 2017 and 2019, which both scored higher at 95 and 100 respectively.
- Is there a steering or 'death wobble' recall on the 2018 F-250?
- NHTSA complaints frequently describe a steering wobble at highway speed, and a separate 2021 recall (21V155000) addressed Continental tires on 2018 F-250 trucks, though no recall specifically names 'death wobble.'