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AI-generated from NHTSA recall & complaint counts

Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ford F-150

The 2018 Ford F-150 has significant recall and complaint activity, particularly related to the powertrain, engine, and brakes. With 19 recall campaigns and 1,920 complaints, buyers should be cautious. Inspections should be thorough as the data reflects multiple significant issues including transmission and brake problems. Verify recall repairs were conducted and watch for issues during the test drive.

NHTSA data on file today

The 2018 Ford F-150 has 19 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,929 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

NCAP overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.

Recall campaigns on file

Most-cited components in owner complaints

  • Power Train 763 complaints
  • Engine 459 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 196 complaints
  • Structure 187 complaints
  • Electrical System 140 complaints
  • Engine and Engine Cooling 84 complaints

Of the 1,929 complaints on file, 58 report a crash and 29 a fire; across all 1,929 complaints, owners report 45 injuries and 3 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Recall notices and owner complaints for the 2018 Ford F-150

Known issues to inspect

high severitytransmission

Gear indication loss

How to check: Ensure gear indicator displays correctly in all positions.

high severitybrakes

Brake fluid leak

How to check: Check under vehicle for fluid leaks near wheels and brake booster.

medium severityengine

Cylinder head machining issue

How to check: Listen for unusual engine noises and request service records.

Test-drive walkthrough

  1. 01

    Cold start

    What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises or rough idle.

    Red flag: Loud knocking or rough idling

  2. 02

    Starting from Park

    What to check: Confirm smooth gear engagement and gear indicator accuracy.

    Red flag: Jerky movement or wrong gear display

  3. 03

    City driving

    What to check: Check acceleration for smoothness and responsiveness.

    Red flag: Delayed or rough shifts

  4. 04

    Highway acceleration

    What to check: Observe transmission performance and shifting at high speeds.

    Red flag: Slips or hesitations during high-speed shifts

  5. 05

    Braking

    What to check: Test brakes for firmness and no unusual noises.

    Red flag: Soft pedal or grinding sounds

  6. 06

    Turns and cornering

    What to check: Listen for steering noises and check stability.

    Red flag: Squeaking or loose feeling

  7. 07

    Parking

    What to check: Ensure parking function holds vehicle securely.

    Red flag: Vehicle rolls in Park

Questions for the seller

Use this exact phrasing.

  1. Have all recalls been addressed?
  2. Any issues with transmission shifting?
  3. Have brake components been serviced?
  4. Any engine repairs conducted?
  5. Has the vehicle had any accidents?

Documents to request

Don't sign anything until you have these.

  • Recall repair records
  • Service history
  • Accident history report
  • Title status
  • Warranty details

Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford F-150 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.

Recalls & complaints for the 2018 Ford F-150 Reliability forecast Ford F-150 reliability by year Run a free VIN check

Next step

Looking at a specific 2018 Ford F-150? Check the actual car

This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.

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