2018 Ford F-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Ford F-450 has a complaint index of 30 with 10 complaints and 10 recall campaigns, ranking 15th worst out of 21 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped due to the number of recall campaigns despite a low complaint index.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 F-450 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2018 Ford F-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (40%)
- Electrical System2 (20%)
- Fuel System2 (20%)
- Steering2 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (20%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (10%)
- Other1 (10%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel seized at low speed shortly after purchase, with the dealer unable to duplicate the fault.
- Power tailgate opened on its own at low mileage, damaging the tailgate and an attached trailer.
- Engine failed to start or restarted randomly, tied to the starting/cranking module on fleet trucks.
- Steering wheel shook at highway speeds along with uneven front tire wear.
- Rearview camera image turned blurry during reversing even after cleaning the lens.
- Check engine light stayed on with loss of acceleration, and a replaced turbocharger did not fix the problem.
2018 Ford F-450 recalls
10 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-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford F-450 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 10 complaints and a complaint index of 30 for the 2018 F-450, ranking 15th worst among 21 model years. It carries a Caution verdict because of 10 recall campaigns, even though its complaint count is relatively low.
- What are the top problem areas for the 2018 Ford F-450?
- Engine complaints make up 40% of reports, followed by Electrical System, Fuel System, Steering, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires each at 20%.
- Does the 2018 Ford F-450 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 F-450, covering areas including the rearview camera, driveshaft, seat belts, tailgate wiring, and daytime running lights.
- How does the 2018 F-450 compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 30 is lower than years like 2019 (80), 2020 (90), and 2022 (95), which are rated Avoid, but 2018 is capped at Caution due to its 10 recall campaigns.
- What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2018 F-450?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 18,000 miles, though engine problems show a higher median of 51,000 miles.