What is the 2017-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start?

Second-gen 3.5L EcoBoost engines develop a loud rattle/knock from the front timing cover for 2-5 seconds on cold start (and sometimes at idle). The variable-cam-timing (VCT) phasers have a lock pin that fails to engage on startup, allowing the phaser to rattle against the cam spr… Repairs typically run $800-$3,600. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2022 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head?

Ford's 2.7L EcoBoost (and related small-displacement EcoBoost engines) is prone to micro-cracks forming in the cylinder head around the exhaust ports, allowing coolant to seep into the combustion chamber. This produces unexplained coolant loss with no external leak, white sweet-s… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 Ford F-150 Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss?

The brake master cylinder rear cup seal can roll or fail, allowing brake fluid to leak from the front-circuit reservoir into the brake booster. This drops fluid in the front brake circuit and can reduce or eliminate front-wheel braking (rear brakes remain). Drivers report a long/… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2018 Ford F-150 Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function?

The brake master cylinder rear cup seal can roll or the cylinder can develop an internal/external leak, allowing brake fluid to migrate from the front-circuit reservoir into the vacuum brake booster. This causes a longer/softer pedal, increased pedal effort, and reduced or lost f… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Front seat belt pretensioner fire risk?

When a front seat belt pretensioner deploys in a crash, it can generate excessive sparks/hot gas that ignites insulation, carpet, or wiring inside the B-pillar, potentially starting a vehicle fire. Ford recalled about 2 million 2015-2018 F-150 trucks (about 1.6 million in the U.S… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Ford F-150 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts?

The 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission can develop a shudder during light acceleration, typically between 25-50 mph. This is caused by torque converter clutch issues and affects many F-150s. Ford has released multiple TSBs and fluid updates to address this. Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Oil Pan Leak?

The EcoBoost engines can develop oil leaks from the oil pan gasket. The leak often appears at the rear of the oil pan and can drip onto exhaust components, causing a burning oil smell. This is common on trucks with higher mileage. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Failure?

The two-piece driveshaft uses a center support (carrier) bearing that can wear out, causing vibration and noise. The rubber support degrades over time, especially in hot climates or with heavy towing. Ford TSB addresses this issue. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2021 Ford F-150 Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)?

The water pump on the 3.5L EcoBoost can fail or develop leaks, causing coolant loss and potential overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2020 Ford F-150 Exhaust Manifold Studs / Bolts Break — Exhaust Leak and Cold-Start Ticking?

Ford modular V8s (and the EcoBoost V6 turbo manifolds) are notorious for snapping the small (8mm) exhaust-manifold-to-head studs/bolts. They are installed without anti-seize and corrode/fatigue from repeated heat cycling; on the turbo EcoBoost engines, a large share of the turbo/… Repairs typically run $50-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Failure — Humming Noise and ABS Light?

The sealed, non-serviceable front hub/bearing assemblies on 13th-gen F-150s wear out and produce a speed-dependent humming or grinding that gets louder with speed and can shift with cornering load, plus steering-wheel/floor vibration. Because the wheel-speed sensor lives in the h… Repairs typically run $300-$750. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Fuel Injector Failure — Startup Misfire, Rough Idle, and Fuel-Injector DTCs?

The 3.5L EcoBoost's high-pressure direct (GDI) injectors run at diesel-like pressures and are a common failure item, especially at higher mileage and after heat-soak. A stuck-open or electrically failing injector floods a cylinder and can wash down neighboring cylinders on the sa… Repairs typically run $650-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2024 Ford F-150 IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement?

Ford's 4x4 F-150s use a vacuum-operated Integrated Wheel End (IWE) system instead of conventional locking hubs: vacuum keeps the front hubs UNLOCKED in 2WD and is released to lock them for 4WD. The system relies on vacuum lines, a hood-area solenoid, and a check valve that are hi… Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote (Gen 3) excessive oil consumption?

Third-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 trucks consume oil at an abnormally high rate (greater than ~1 quart per 3,000 miles) with no visible external leaks. Ford TSB 19-2365 attributes it to high intake-manifold vacuum during deceleration fuel shut-off pulling oil past the rings/valve g… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote Excessive Oil Consumption from Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off?

Third-generation 5.0L Coyote F-150s consume engine oil at a high rate — greater than 1 quart per 3,000 miles — with no visible external leaks. Ford attributes the loss to high intake-manifold vacuum during deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) events pulling oil past the rings, valve… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

Ford · Known Issues

2018 Ford F-150 Problems: 37 Known Issues

2018 model year · 8,296+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 8,296+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford F-150 has 37 documented known issues, with 10 rated critical. The most serious are Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost) ($300-$800 repair), 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start ($800-$3,600 repair), 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure (Fuel System Contamination) ($50-$15,000 repair), 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder ($150-$4,500 repair), 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head ($4,000-$8,000 repair), 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power ($1,800-$5,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss ($0-$600 repair), Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 8,296+ owner reports, the 2018 Ford F-150 has 37 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost), 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start, 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure (Fuel System Contamination). Of these, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

The 2018 Ford F-150 has 37 known issues documented across 8,296+ owner reports. 10 issues are rated critical: Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost) and 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start and 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure (Fuel System Contamination) and 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder and 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head and 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power and Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss and Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function and Front seat belt pretensioner fire risk and P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction (MIL Request) from Failed 6R80 Molded Leadframe. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

Repair costs for known Ford F-150 issues range from $0 to $15,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost), typically costs $300-$800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost)?

The vacuum pump that provides brake assist on EcoBoost F-150s can fail, resulting in a hard brake pedal and reduced braking assist. Since turbo engines don't produce intake vacuum like naturally aspirated engines, they rely on this pump. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: high.

All 37 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

What is the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost)?

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (EcoBoost)#

2013-2018 Ford F-150: Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Leak into Booster Causing Front Brake Loss#

2017-2018 Ford F-150: Brake master cylinder fluid leak / loss of front brake function#

2017-2020 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start#

2011-2024 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Oil Pan Leak#

2018-2020 Ford F-150: 5.0L Coyote (Gen 3) excessive oil consumption#

2018-2020 Ford F-150: 5.0L Coyote Excessive Oil Consumption from Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off#

2011-2025 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Turbo Underboost (P0299) — Boost Leaks, Bypass Valve Diaphragm, and Warped Air Deflector#

2018-2021 Ford F-150: 5.0L Coyote Cam Phaser Tick/Rattle#

2017-2023 Ford F-150: 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder#

2011-2020 Ford F-150: P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction (MIL Request) from Failed 6R80 Molded Leadframe#

2017-2023 Ford F-150: 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts#

2015-2022 Ford F-150: 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head#

2017-2021 Ford F-150: Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: Coolant Degas / Overflow Bottle Cracks and Quick-Connect Fitting Leaks#

2018-2020 Ford F-150: 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure (Fuel System Contamination)#

2011-2020 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost Fuel Injector Failure — Startup Misfire, Rough Idle, and Fuel-Injector DTCs#

2015-2018 Ford F-150: Front seat belt pretensioner fire risk#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Warped / Cracked Dashboard at Defrost Vents (TSB 19-2041) — XL & XLT Instrument Panel Separation#

2009-2024 Ford F-150: Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Gasket Leak — Water Intrusion into Cab#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Panoramic / twin-panel sunroof spontaneous shattering#

1997-2020 Ford F-150: Water Leak at Rear Window / Third Brake Light — Wet Headliner, Carpet, and Cab-Corner Rust#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: Power Tailgate Lock Actuator Failure / Tailgate Opens by Itself#

2015-2020 Ford F-150: Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Failure#

2004-2024 Ford F-150: IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement#

2004-2020 Ford F-150: Rear Differential Pinion Bearing / Ring-and-Pinion Whine and Howl#

2013-2020 Ford F-150: SYNC 2 / SYNC 3 APIM Failure — Black Screen, Freezing, and Reboot Loops#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure#

2018-2023 Ford F-150: Auto Start-Stop Stops Working / Premature Battery Degradation and Repeat Battery Replacements#

2004-2020 Ford F-150: Exhaust Manifold Studs / Bolts Break — Exhaust Leak and Cold-Start Ticking#

2011-2024 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Rattle#

2015-2024 Ford F-150: Swollen Two-Piece Lug Nuts Preventing Tire Removal#