NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Ford F-550 Recalls & Complaints

The 2018 Ford F-550 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 8 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-550. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Ford F-550 owner complaints

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford F-550, describing incidents dated September 11, 2018 to July 24, 2024.

Most-cited components

Steering 2 complaints
Structure 2 complaints
Suspension 2 complaints
Air Bags 1 complaint
Engine 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11642046 · Filed February 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the frame was cracked between the bed and the cab. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired…
ODI #11604457 · Filed July 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the subframe suddenly fractured in half. The contact stated that the fracture occurred near the rear cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet…
ODI #11555618 · Filed November 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed a humming sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then…

Read all 8 complaints

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

NHTSA #19V414000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 5, 2019 · Farber Specialty Vehicles

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

Repair completion: 0% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 19E-009 · Owners notified May 9, 2019 · Vehicles built March 5, 2018 – April 30, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which can 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

Farber will notify owners, and dealers will add a harness relay capacitor module, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188 or ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400.

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.

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.

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

NHTSA #19V401000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2019 · VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists

Potentially affected: 22 vehicles

Owners notified May 9, 2019 · Vehicles built May 1, 2017 – December 13, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors 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

VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.

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 #19V358000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 13, 2019 · Unruh Fire, Inc.

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

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

Owners notified May 20, 2019 · Vehicles built July 9, 2018 – April 19, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks 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

Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.

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 15, 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.

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #19V269000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported April 3, 2019 · Weis Fire & Safety

Potentially affected: 1 vehicle

Owners notified October 1, 2018 · Vehicles built November 1, 2017 – May 16, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Weis Fire & Safety is recalling one 2018 Emergency vehicle built on a Ford F-550 4x4 Crew Cab chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. 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

Weis Fire & Safety has already notified the owner, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Weis Fire & Safety customer service at 1-785-825-9526.

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 #19V251000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 28, 2019 · Fire Equipment Sales & Service

Potentially affected: 2 vehicles

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

Manufacturer campaign Whelen 18E-063 · Owners notified March 28, 2019 · Vehicles built June 18, 2018 – June 18, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Fire Equipment Sales & Service (FES) is recalling one Super C Brush emergency vehicle and one Tanker emergency vehicle equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. 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

FES has already notified owners, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. Owners may contact FES customer service at 1-803-494-6000 or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331.

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 #19V254000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 28, 2019 · Blanchat Mfg., Inc.

Potentially affected: 1 vehicle

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

Owners notified March 27, 2019 · Vehicles built November 1, 2017 – May 16, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a Ford F-550 chassis and 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

Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.

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/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #19V236000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 26, 2019 · Excellance, Inc

Potentially affected: 36 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.89% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 21, 2019 · Vehicles built June 13, 2018 – August 29, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.

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-550. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

8 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford F-550.

Structure

ODI #11642046

Incident: June 29, 2024 · Filed: February 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the frame was cracked between the bed and the cab. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under a related unknown recall and declined to perform the recall repair on a second occasion. The dealer determined that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Structure

ODI #11604457

Incident: July 24, 2024 · Filed: July 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the subframe suddenly fractured in half. The contact stated that the fracture occurred near the rear cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 268,967.

Power Train

ODI #11555618

Incident: November 17, 2023 · Filed: November 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed a humming sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11535467

Incident: August 1, 2020 · Filed: July 31, 2023

The contact's company owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while an employee was driving at 55 MPH, the service vehicle soon warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the turbocharger to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced failure a second time on July 28, 2023. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the turbocharger to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,265.

Steering; Suspension

ODI #11403467

Incident: September 15, 2020 · Filed: March 17, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHCILE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEARTLAND FORD (5979 WEST, US HWY 136, COVINGTON, IN 47932, (765)793-2233) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE STEERING DAMPER, 3 BALL JOINTS, AND TRACK BAR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO LAFAYETTE FORD (2051 SAGAMORE PKWY S, LAFAYETTE, IN 47905, (765) 447-9444) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. ## VIN PASSED ## FORD F550 2018 ##

Steering

ODI #11388990

Incident: September 11, 2018 · Filed: January 20, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING THEIR VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER LEFT OR RIGHT ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (DORSCH FORD LINCOLN KIA 2641 EATON RD, GREEN BAY, WI 54311; (920) 469-3000) WHO REPLACED THE STEERING BOX, A FEW TIE RODS, AND A FEW WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. THE FAILURE STILL PERSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. ## VIN PASSED ## 2018 FORD F550 ##

Suspension

ODI #11362983

Incident: July 16, 2020 · Filed: October 6, 2020

FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHAKES ON VEHICLE ABOVE 45MPH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. BEEN TO DEALER 2X FOR ISSUE WITH NO RESOLVE

Air Bags

ODI #11241724

Incident: July 2, 2019 · Filed: August 5, 2019

THE AIR BAG COVERING HAS FAILED ALONG THE SEAMS.*DT*JB *DT *TR

Other Ford F-550 model years

Check your 2018 Ford F-550 VIN

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