In the compact pickup truck class, the Ford F-150 Regular Cab is a household name that promises comprehensive and versatile performance. It scores an almost inch-perfect rating in practicality and functionality, however, we would refrain from making a similar judgment about its reliability. The 2018 F-150 Regular Cab has a whopping 654 complaints and 15 recalls, which spell trouble in bold letters. While it manages six-figure sales, the truck’s standards of dependability seem blotched and substandard. Its major concerns deal with its structural build and mechanical components, making it less resilient than its peers. The 2019 Ford F-150 Regular Cab price starts at $27,380 and competes with the likes of the RAM 1500 Regular Cab, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab, and the GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab.
2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
Updated on: April 27, 2022
Senior Editor
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2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Problems with the airbag system: In several complaints, buyers of the 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab have reported the airbag fitted under the horn breaking, causing the steering wheel to crack. While it does harm the interior build quality, the airbag also remains at risk of random deployment, which increases the chance of an injury. In a few other cases, complainants have also recorded the non-deployment of airbags, in case of a crash.
Electric System Complaints
- Failure of Start/Stop functionality: Among the 2018 F-150 issues, several buyers have also reported the failure of the start/stop functionality. When the button is depressed, the vehicle stalls inadvertently, and a warning message regarding the failure is displayed to the driver.
- Compromised SYNC 3 functionality: The 2018 F-150 SYNC 3 problems are similar to the yesteryear models. Buyers have reported an issue with the Advanced Program Interface Module (APIM), which results in loss of infotainment screen, failure of Bluetooth connectivity, and a malfunctioning GPS unit. Previously, Fordhad introduced a recall for the issue, however, the current model year has no determined solution for the same.
Exterior Complaints
- Improper functioning of exterior lights: The problem with the 2018 Ford F-150 lighting system consists of several minor niggles. While some buyers have reported the headlights to have a restricted range and lack proper illumination, some have recorded the license plate light, taillights, and parking brake to activate alongside the DRLs. However, the most common problem with the lighting relates to the water seepage in its taillights, which has also plagued some units of the previous iterations.
Mechanical Complaints
- Rattling noise on cold start: Buyers of the 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab have reported the vehicle making a rattling noise when the vehicle experiences a cold start. Where an inspection was conducted, a faulty cam phaser was attributed as the source of the knocking sound.
- Problems with the steering system: The steering system of the compact truck is said to have two distinct issues. The first concern relates to the loss of power steering assistance when the vehicle is started. This is expected to remain a problem for 2-5 seconds before the truck restores its normal functionality. On the other hand, several buyers have also reported the steering wheel inclining to the left, independently. As a result, the vehicle steers into corresponding lanes and requires correction.
- Stalling of vehicle: The 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab has also been reported to lose its motive power, unexpectedly. As a result, the vehicle stalls, and all warning lights are illuminated. The truck becomes almost inoperable and despite the driver’s attempts, it fails to accelerate.
- Excessive oil consumption: At low mileage figures, buyers have reported the Ford F-150 to consume oil irrationally. While there is no known reason, the recurrence of this issue has increased over time.
- Slipping transmission: The 2018 Ford F-150 transmission problems are one of the most common grievances voiced by the owners. Complainants have reported the transmission unit slipping while in motion, causing hesitation in up and downshifts. As a result, the truck delivers harsh ride quality.
Structural Complaints
- Issues with locking and latching: Another common complaint of the F-150 truck is related to its tailgate. Buyers have reported the tailgate to open independently, due to improper latching. This has happened when the vehicle is in motion or halted. Additionally, some buyers have also reported a similar issue with the doors. However, the unlatching of the doors mostly happens when the temperature drops below 25 F.
- Other structural complaints: Falling in a restricted set of complaints, some buyers have also reported the unexpected shattering of the rear window and problems with the opening and closing of the sunroof.
2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
11th Mar 2022 |
22V150000 |
Fluid leak from brake master cylinder |
The brake master cylinder may allow fluid to leak onto the brake booster, which can affect the braking performance. |
Dealers will replace the master cylinder, and if required, the brake booster, free of charge. |
|
2. |
16th Dec 2021 |
21V983000 |
Unexpected opening of the tailgate |
In the 2018 Ford F-150 trucks, the manual and powered tailgates might open when the vehicle is in motion. |
Dealers will replace the left and right tailgate latches, free of charge. |
|
3. |
12th Apr 2021 |
21E027000 |
Incorrect installation of the upper ball joint |
Due to a misaligned dust boot, a missing alignment hole, and an installation warning tag, the ball joint may be improperly aligned. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the ball joint, free of cost. |
|
4. |
10th Mar 2021 |
21V155000 |
Sudden air loss in tires |
In the vehicles equipped with Continental tires, there might be a sudden air loss due to the over-curing of tires. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the tires, if necessary, free of charge. |
|
5. |
21st Feb 2020 |
20V097000 |
DRLs may not dim |
The Daytime Running Lights may not shift to Parking mode when the headlamps are turned on manually by the driver. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began on 10th March 2020. |
|
6. |
28th Aug 2019 |
19V633000 |
Reduced Seatback Strength |
Due to a missing pawl in the recliner mechanism, the seatback may be loose and lack strength. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the seat structure, if necessary, free of cost. |
|
7. |
8th Apr 2019 |
19V278000 |
Possible fire due to a damaged block heater connector |
Due to a damaged cable splice, the vehicle might be at risk of a fire. |
Dealers will initially disable the block heat connector and change the part, whenever it is available, free of charge. |
|
8. |
18th Dec 2018 |
18V894000 |
Possible corrosion of block heater cable splice connector |
Due to the seepage of water and other contaminants, the block heater cable splice connector may damage and corrode. |
Dealers will disable the block heater connector, free of charge. |
|
9. |
31st Aug 2018 |
18V568000 |
Faulty seat belt pretensioner deployment |
If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials in the B-Pillar area. |
Dealers will install resistant tape in the B-Pillar area, free of cost. |
|
10. |
12th July 2018 |
18V392000 |
Possible fuel leak |
A fractured weld in the high-pressure fuel assemblies may cause an oil leak. |
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump and related components, free of cost. |
|
11. |
4th Apr 2018 |
18V213000 |
Missing roll pin |
Due to a missing roll pin in the 10-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle might roll away, even when it is in Park. |
Upon inspection, dealers will install the missing pin, free of charge. |
|
12. |
4th Apr 2018 |
18V214000 |
Incorrect Park indication |
Due to an improperly seated gear shift cable, the transmission might be in a different gear as displayed by the gear shift lever position. |
Upon inspection, dealers will seat the gear shift cable, if required, free of charge. |
|
13. |
23rd Oct 2017 |
17V672000 |
Incorrectly machined cylinder heads |
The cylinder heads may have been machined without lubrication for the camshaft bearing journals. |
Buyers of affected units can contact the brand dealers if such an issue occurs. |
|
14. |
23rd Oct 2017 |
17V669000 |
Vehicle moves independently |
When shifting between gears, there might be a momentary loss of gear indication, which can cause the vehicle to be in a different gear than shown, resulting in unintended movement. |
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. |
|
15. |
25th Sept 2017 |
17V598000 |
Missing rivets in roof braces |
Due to missing rivets in the attachment between the sunroof and roof rails, the structural integrity might be reduced. |
Dealers will install the rivets, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab?
Absolutely not! The 2018 F-150 Regular Cab is riddled with problems and will only constitute a troubling ownership experience. It is flawed structurally and has been compromised in almost all components. Each of its complaints has a widespread and bearing impact and though some might appreciate Ford’s proactiveness, we feel that 15 recalls are pretty high even for a vehicle that commands a waiting list. So, CarHP suggests buyers lookout for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 instead. The American truck has the lowest number of recalls and complaints and has performed consistently well over the past few years.
