How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2018 Ford F-250 have?

NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 F-250, which is 4% of the 397 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to transmission or powertrain issues on the 2018 F-250?

Yes. Recall 22V880000 covers 2017-2018 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 4x4 vehicles for a radial damper inside the driveshaft that can move out of position and cause a driveshaft imbalance. Dealers replace the driveshaft free of charge.

At what mileage do these transmission and powertrain problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 6,600 miles for these complaints on the 2018 F-250.

Did the 2018 F-250 transmission and powertrain complaints involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among the 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.

Is the 2018 F-250 worse than other years for this problem area?

Compared to other F-250 model years in this dataset, 2018 sits in the middle range at 4% share, well below 2020's 28% share and 2022's 17% share for this same problem area.

2018 Ford F-250 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Ford F-250, 4% of that year's 397 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 6,600. A related driveshaft recall (22V880000) covers 2017-2018 F-250/F-350/F-450 4x4 models.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 15; 4% of 397
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 6,600 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Drivers report a harmonics-type vibration through the steering wheel, dash, and driver's compartment while towing above 55-60 mph that only stops once speed drops below that range.
Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration where the engine revs toward redline after the accelerator pedal is released, often during cold start conditions.
Some owners report a metal scraping or tapping noise from the engine area, later diagnosed as a main bearing failure with metal found in the oil.
Multiple owners describe violent front-end shaking or steering wobble at highway speeds triggered by hitting bumps, nicknamed the "death wobble," that requires slowing well below highway speed to stop.
One owner reported an oil leak from the upper oil pan area attributed to a faulty seal, noticed around 27,890 miles.
A separate report describes violent shaking felt at highway speed accompanied by smoke near the tires, mistaken initially for a tire blowout.

When 2018 Ford F-250 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 22, 2018, latest May 19, 2025.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2018 to May 2025; peak Dec 2018 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Ford F-250

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by F-250 model year

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

20108 (8%)
201123 (6%)
201218 (6%)
20133 (3%)
20148 (5%)
201519 (6%)
201614 (5%)
201725 (2%)
201815 (4%)
201945 (4%)
202074 (28%)
202125 (15%)
202221 (17%)
20237 (16%)
20246 (16%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2018 Ford F-250 have?: NHTSA lists 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 F-250, which is 4% of the 397 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to transmission or powertrain issues on the 2018 F-250?: Yes. Recall 22V880000 covers 2017-2018 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 4x4 vehicles for a radial damper inside the driveshaft that can move out of position and cause a driveshaft imbalance. Dealers replace the driveshaft free of charge.
At what mileage do these transmission and powertrain problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 6,600 miles for these complaints on the 2018 F-250.
Did the 2018 F-250 transmission and powertrain complaints involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among the 15 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.
Is the 2018 F-250 worse than other years for this problem area?: Compared to other F-250 model years in this dataset, 2018 sits in the middle range at 4% share, well below 2020's 28% share and 2022's 17% share for this same problem area.