Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,112 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Ford F-150 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Ford F-150:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2018 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 18)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #319

Jan 032024

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My transmission has a shifting problem. Skipping gears, delay and slipping. Dangerous to drive and to make a left turn is always a challenge, cause you'll never know what will happen.

- Van Nuys , CA, USA

problem #318

Dec 242023

F-150

  • miles
Auto start stop button is clearly malfunctioning. Battery is good, alternator good. Even if I hold in the button to keep it shut off, my truck with just shut off in the middle of driving and tell me to place in park and restart. Dangerous and after research i-??m only 1 out of thousands with same issue

- Silver Springs, FL, USA

problem #317

Dec 012023

F-150

  • miles
The truck currently has 75xxx miles on it. I've had it in at the dealership before for transmission issues. The repairs/fix they did lasted for a while before the same problems came back. It started as rough shifting/jerking. Recently the truck will, when accelerating, jump out of gear completely while indicating on the dash that it is in gear, and the engine will rev up on its own (up to 3500 rpm) for several seconds before violently jerking into gear. I worry that the engine may try to rev up while actually in gear and cause rapid acceleration and possibly an accident if it's unable to be stopped in time.

- Tuscumbia, AL, USA

problem #316

Dec 072023

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle transmission is shifting hard and often time slipping. Causing us to lose power until it finally gets into gear. It's nearly caused us accidents due to the sudden loss of power. It is available for inspection. We live in an area with high traffic tourist volume and has caused us multiple near accidents. It has been checked by a mechanic. The code thrown every time was P0732. The code was thrown the first time it did it 2 weeks ago.

- Powersite, MO, USA

problem #315

Dec 182021

F-150

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard between the 2nd, third and fourth gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the RPMs revved significantly while shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and the vehicle responded after releasing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that while his son was attempting to drive the vehicle from a complete stop on one occasion, the RPMs revved significantly, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that his son turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Winder, GA, USA

problem #314

Dec 172023

F-150

  • miles
the transmission on my 2018 ford 150 is slipping and shifting so rough that i am somewhat afraid to drive it in traffic. this is the third time its in the shop for the same problem.. Sometimes it shifts so hard the transmission makes a clunking sound and jerks our necks. Ford seems unable to fix the problem. There were never any warning alerts of a malfunction but the problem is so bad now that i dont want to drive it. It has been doing this for about three years now.

- Trimble, MO, USA

problem #313

Oct 062023

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving down the highway my truck jumped out of gear. The 10-speed transmission indicator light was jumping all over. From 10th to 5th to 3rd. and I had no throttle power. If I pull over turn it off then start it back up it will be fine. This has happened 4 times in the last 2 months. One time on a 6-lane interstate. Very scary situation trying to get across the traffic lanes to get to a shoulder. The last time it happened I had a code reader plugged into my truck just in case. I got the code P0068. I have read on the internet of a lot of people having this problem. This needs to be taken care of. This was my dream truck but has turned into a nightmare. I called my local Ford dealership. He has 3 trucks in his shop with the same problem. He's had one of them for 2 months and can't get it fixed. I can't do without my truck that long.

- S Coffeyville, OK, USA

problem #312

Nov 012023

F-150

  • miles
Many issues with transmission shifting hard. Transmission not downshifting while stopped, so unable to take off normally. Transmission not engaging at all while on interstate traveling 65mph, forced to pull over to avoid causing accident. Warning lights including wrench, and engine appear, then disappearing after ignition turned off and on again. When taken to dealership it was reported that the transmission needs replacement for $9100.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #311

Aug 032022

F-150

  • miles
The vehicle as of 12/9/2023 at 3:00pm CST is at a mileage of 79,503. We are consistently experiencing the slipping of gears when the truck is switched from park to drive. The first couple gears seem to slip as it accelerates. The speedometer will be showing at under 10mph, and the truck will jerk forward. The engine/transmission gets loud as if the car is still in a lower gear as it-??s accelerating. While it-??s jerking and making the loud noise, the speedometer will not go over 10mph. We are concerned that it is a problem with the powertrain control module. It seems to happen when the shift lever is moved from Park to Drive, possibly it causes a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral before the vehicle achieves the Drive function. We have a column shifter.

- St Paul, MN, USA

problem #310

Sep 302022

F-150

  • miles
I own a 2018 F150 Platinum with 75,000 miles and have been experiencing transmission issues. I have the 10R80 10 speed transmission and started noticing hard shifting when it had roughly 50,000 miles. I took the truck in under warranty with 59,000 miles an Ford did the relearn repair which only lasted for 7-8,000 miles. The problem came back and got 10 times worse. Now I have had multiple near miss accidents due to the truck hesitating during acceleration at stop lights and turns, getting stuck in higher gears (stays in 6 gear and wont change until I turn the truck off), very hard shifting, jerky, jumping around from gear to gear and rough downshifting. I was able to get a dealership to check it out and they "suspects" it is from axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve. I was told it would cost $7,100 to make the repair or $9,800 to replace the whole transmission. I reached out to Ford Customer Service and they checked to see if there were any assistance programs to help with repairs. They "politely" told me there were none available and that there was no one else I could talk to. She said she could give me the Ford mailing address if I wanted to send a letter. I have read countless articles and posts from people that have this transmission and Ford and GMC need to issue a recall before someone dies or gets seriously injured due to their defect. I'm happy to speak more on my issues if needed and appreciate any pressure you can put on Ford to issue a recall.

- Highland Village, TX, USA

problem #309

Oct 022023

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This was the letter I initiattly include dthe NTHTSA.Webmaster@dot.gov to ford. Dear Ford Motor Company, I'm writing to you as a concerned parent of a 6-year-old child and consumer of your product regarding critical safety issues reported in the 2017-2020 F150 model, and I'd like to ask Ford to please take action. I compiled some research from numerous affected vehicle owners across various states, highlighting alarming and potentially hazardous health concerns and issues that pose significant risks on highways. Just so you know- I noted the same issues I am having with my vehicle and now have to take my car back to the dealer once again. -??Grinding noises and pronounced thumping sensations resembling towing a trailer. -??Issues reported from critical sections such as the engine solenoid, transmission, flyer axle/Cam Shaft, deceleration noise, oil consumption, leaks, power loss during turns, and truck bogging down. The research highlighted in the attached document indicates widespread reports across different states and model years (2017-2020), emphasizing the urgent need for immediate attention and resolution. I urgently request: -??Initiate a thorough investigation, partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address these reported concerns promptly. -??Encourage proactive involvement from Ford's leadership, including the CEO, advisors, board members, and affiliates, to prioritize consumer safety and resolve these critical issues. -??Collaborate transparently with affected consumers and stakeholders to ensure a swift and satisfactory resolution. * Plus there were oil leaks and fumes coming into the cab which can effect me Given the ongoing class action lawsuits around these or similar issues, we stress the gravity and urgency of this situation and implore swift action to prioritize consumer safety and uphold Ford's commitment to excellence. I am awaiting to hear from you and the measures to address these pressing concerns.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #308

Jun 012023

F-150

  • miles
Transmission sticks in 3rd gear then hard thump and jumps to 6th. Getting on highway trying to merge truck revs but doesnt accelerate then eventually locks up speed. Took to dealer several times and problem still is not fixed. They said that-??s how it-??s supposed to drive.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #307

Oct 252023

F-150

  • 120,100 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 77 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted to a lower gear. The contact pulled over and allowed the vehicle to cool down before starting to return to drive the vehicle. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,100.

- Stockbridge, MI, USA

problem #306

Oct 142023

F-150

  • miles
Purchased this used 2018, F-150 truck at a Ford Dealership on 08/26/23. Mileage was 73,110. Vehicle was covered by the manufacturer-??s Ford Blue Advantage and had allegedly passed a 172 point inspection to be Gold Certified. Less than 2 months after purchase in mid October, the transmission and associated performance of the vehicle became unpredictable. Symptoms started on October 14, with hard, erratic shifting. On October 16, wrench indicator light came on. With no warning, there would be a loss of power when accelerating, an inability to shift into gear when starting from a stopped position, and erratic/hard shifting once moving. Brought the vehicle to our local licensed mechanic to assess the wrench indicator light. Four codes were noted. Two were cleared and two remaining codes indicated internal transmission component issues. After test driving the vehicle, our mechanic agreed it was not safe to drive the vehicle. Vehicle was then brought to the local Ford dealership on October 19 to further assess. It is now November 16, and dealership has just received authorization from Ford to replace the transmission.

- Aurora , CO, USA

problem #305

Apr 012023

F-150

  • miles
Randomly/erratically shifting. When stopped it may shift into 7th gear when trying to accelerate. When traveling on the highway at 60 mph it would try and downshift into 1st gear. Ford service stated they didn't know how to fix the issue until the dashboard light comes on.

- Circleville, OH, USA

problem #304

Jul 142023

F-150

  • miles
At 59,200 miles, I noticed 2nd gear being skipped due to "adaptive driving." I placed the setting to "sport mode" so that it would not adapt (but rather follow a pre-programmed shifting protocol). 2nd gear was not initiating for a set time (hi rev till it engaged but it finally would engage. No warning light appeared at the time). I then got my Transmission serviced, thinking it just needed its 60k maintenance. No better after service (but no worse). I called Ford to set an appointment (7 week wait to get in). I the mean time, I unhooked the battery for 12 hours so that the "adaptive driving" would reset. It instantly got worse and a wrench popped up warning of a need to repair (at about 60,250mi). Fast forward 2000 miles, it is now skipping 2nd, 4th and 5th, not down shifting when coming to a stop and randomly not engaging at all. Once at the dealer, I was advised the CDF drum had failed and needed to be replaced. Notes stated the Trans fluid looked "servery burnt" (in just 2000 miles since its service). I did some research and found tons of complaints on this 10 speed transmission. Even the dealer mentioned it is in their system as an ongoing issue to look for and is 1 step below a recall. My warning of concern being shared now is to hopefully push that to a recall as no transmission that has be "grandma driven" (no horsepower upgrades, never pulled a trailer, no long hauls) should fail at 60K miles as mine did (and many other owners of this transmission). Thank you

- Sparks, NV, USA

problem #303

Nov 012023

F-150

  • 71,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was not shifting into gear as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting from high speed to low speed independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

- Ava, NY, USA

problem #302

Aug 292023

F-150

  • 62,500 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the gear shifter independently shifted from tenth gear to first gear. The contact noticed that the RPM was raised high. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed clutch system. The contact was informed that the clutch system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts needed to complete the repair were ordered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 62,500.

- Fallbrook, CA, USA

problem #301

Oct 142023

F-150

  • miles
Transmission has hard shifts between 3rd and 4th gear and when reaching 10th gear dashboard show-??s transmission shifting to 1st and then 7th before slamming into 9th gear. This caused a panic situation at high speeds. Vehicle has since been to the dealership and advised that a new transmission is needed. Without performing any of Fords TSB for possible problems.

- Milan , MI, USA

problem #300

Aug 152023

F-150

  • miles
In August 2023 at less than 30,000 miles, my 2018 Ford F-150 King Ranch began displaying unintended motive behaviors resulting in the power train fault indicator (wrench symbol) being displayed for the first time since owning the vehicle. The vehicle was sluggish during gear shifting while in motion in traffic. At times there were very loud -??clunky-?? sounds. When I made attempts to contact the dealer regarding the problem, I was informed that it would be months before their only transmission repair technician would be able to get to my vehicle as there was a backlog of transmission repairs. I was referred to another Ford dealer who has recently diagnosed the vehicle and informed me that I will need to replace the transmission at personal cost in excess of $7,000. I find this very alarming after reading about similar incidents by Ford F-150 owners (worldwide) going back as far as 2011. Also highly problematic for me as a three-time F-150 truck owner, is that in October 2017, Ford was in the process of issuing safety recall notices for their F-150 trucks containing six speed automatic transmissions-?"one month before purchasing my vehicle with the 10 speed automatic transmission. I am the only person who operated the vehicle.

- Stonecrest, GA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?