NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Ford F-450 Recalls & Complaints

The 2018 Ford F-450 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 10 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Ford F-450. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Ford F-450 owner complaints

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford F-450, describing incidents dated May 16, 2018 to December 15, 2025.

Most-cited components

Engine 4 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
Steering 2 complaints
Wheels 2 complaints
Back Over Prevention 1 complaint

Of the 10 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11713028 · Filed January 23, 2026
incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Component Failure & Part Numbers: The fire…
ODI #11653451 · Filed April 8, 2025
My truck is outfitted with the CP4 fuel pump. These pumps are failing on a regular basis and destroying entire fuel systems costing the vehicle owner as much as $20,000 to replace. If this pump goes out while driving, it could be a major safety issue. I tow a 44 foot trailer with my truck and this…
ODI #11591622 · Filed May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced, he was made aware that there were metal shavings found inside the oil pan, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred…

Read all 10 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2018 Ford F-450 in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ21-001: Power Tailgate Release Systems
Closed January 10, 2024
Preliminary Evaluation PE18-011: Power tailgate opens unintended
Closed December 12, 2019
- Recall 19V-864

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

NHTSA #19V398000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2019 · LGE Coachworks Inc.

Potentially affected: 13 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 19-E-099 Part 573 · Owners notified May 9, 2019 · Vehicles built January 1, 2018 – May 15, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.

Safety consequence

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Light May Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #19V342000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 3, 2019 · Taylor Made Ambulances

Potentially affected: 17 vehicles

Owners notified June 5, 2019 · Vehicles built November 21, 2017 – February 15, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

Safety consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode

NHTSA #18V894000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported December 18, 2018 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 410,289 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.74% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 18S45 · Owners notified June 3, 2019 · Vehicles built March 18, 2014 – November 17, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Safety consequence

When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2018 Ford F-450. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

10 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford F-450.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11713028

Fire

Incident: December 15, 2025 · Filed: January 23, 2026

incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Component Failure & Part Numbers: The fire necessitated an $18,000 repair (RO #443426). Based on the repair invoice, the following safety-critical components were heat-destroyed and replaced: Secondary Fuel Filter (PC3Z9N184C) Main Engine Wiring Harness (HC3Z12B637A) Inlet Manifold (GC4Z9424A) High-Pressure Fuel Pipes (HC3Z9J280J and BC3Z9E964A) Cowl Grilles (HC3Z25022A68AB/69AC) 2. Safety Risk & Pre-Existing Symptoms: Prior to the fire, the engine exhibited a "surging" idle and erratic RPM behavior, which was reported to the dealer. After the replacement of the aforementioned fuel and electrical components, the surging issue was immediately resolved, confirming the original symptom was a precursor to the fuel system failure. While no injuries occurred, the fire presented an immediate risk of occupant injury and total vehicle loss. 3. Disposal of Evidence (Spoliation): Despite an active liability dispute and an ongoing manufacturer investigation, the dealership (AutoNation Ford Valencia) admitted in writing that they disposed of the failed secondary fuel filter and the main wiring harness. These primary pieces of evidence are currently unavailable for federal or forensic inspection due to the dealer's actions. 4. Confirmation: The fire damage was confirmed by the dealership, and I have paid the repair invoice UNDER PROTEST to retrieve the property. I am seeking a review of this incident under the scope of PE24014.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11653451

Incident: April 7, 2025 · Filed: April 8, 2025

My truck is outfitted with the CP4 fuel pump. These pumps are failing on a regular basis and destroying entire fuel systems costing the vehicle owner as much as $20,000 to replace. If this pump goes out while driving, it could be a major safety issue. I tow a 44 foot trailer with my truck and this can cause a deadly accident. I called Ford and there is no recall as of now. There are attorneys out there using the Lemon Law act to go after the ones that have failed so far. These pumps are not designed to be used with American Diesel. They are made in Europe and designed for their fuel. I am just trying to prevent an accident. I’d like Ford to just recall this pump and replace it.

Engine

ODI #11591622

Incident: May 15, 2024 · Filed: May 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced, he was made aware that there were metal shavings found inside the oil pan, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11521728

Incident: April 1, 2023 · Filed: May 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the turbo charger. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure immediately reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11508182

Incident: February 1, 2023 · Filed: February 20, 2023

The rear camera is addressed in NHTSA Recall Number22V644, but the same issue is occurring with the front camera too. Ford dealer said to call Ford customer service to address my concern. Ford customer service advised I file a claim with NHTSA. Since Ford already acknowledged the issue with these cameras, I’d like the front to be addressed at the same time as the rear.

Back Over Prevention

ODI #11456955

Incident: March 16, 2021 · Filed: March 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was significantly blurry. The contact wiped the rearview camera lens; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and the VIN was not included in a recall associated to the failure; therefore, he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring for a year. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Steering; Suspension; Wheels

ODI #11299205

Incident: December 29, 2019 · Filed: January 14, 2020

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS . FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DUE TO THIS ISSUE

Engine

ODI #11228468

Incident: June 28, 2019 · Filed: June 30, 2019

ALL 2018,F-450,OKALOOSA COUNTY FLEET TRUCKS. STARTING/CRANKING MODUL CAUSES ENGINE NOT TO START OR RANDOMLY START AFTER 5,10,20 MINUTES.

Electrical System

ODI #11165240

Incident: November 27, 2018 · Filed: January 4, 2019

THE POWER TAILGATE OPENS RANDOMLY ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO MY TAILGATE AND THE ATTACHED TRAILER. I HAVE SECURITY VIDEO FOOTAGE OF IT OPENING RIGHT BEFORE AS I STARTED TO DRIVE. FORD IS REFUSING TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRUCK HAS 3800 MILES ON IT AND HAS NOT EVEN HAD ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK IF I HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE.

Steering; Wheels

ODI #11098871

Incident: May 16, 2018 · Filed: May 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEBANON FORD (770 COLUMBUS AVE, LEBANON, OH 45036, (513) 932-1010), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Other Ford F-450 model years

Check your 2018 Ford F-450 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford F-450 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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