2018 FORD F-350 Recalls, Complaints & Safety

My wife reported a strong smell fuel in the passenger compartment of my 2018 F350 6.7L Diesel vehicle while returning home from work. Upon inspection under the hood when power was turned on I discovered a strong stream of fuel from the filter cap.

My truck's tailgate has started opening on its own while driving, again. Previous recalls on this issue were performed when parts were available. This is a safety hazard to anyone behind me if anything falls out of the truck bed while driving. Today, 2/3/2026, it opened again. A bucket fell out of the truck bed. Fortunately no one was behind me. My truck is available for inspection. I have not contacted the dealer yet for their inspection/diagnosis. There are no warnings when this happens. It has forced me to strap the tailgate so it can't open unexpectedly.

Steering Effort Control Module failed. This is a known concern with these vehicles. Many Super Duty's have this happen. It is a very expensive repair. The steering effort changes, the vehicle becomes out of alignment and other things like cruise control, wipers, etc may fail as part of this issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and hauling a boat, the vehicle made abnormal banging sounds and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the diesel mechanic was unavailable to service the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with a blown engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred in Vancouver Island, Canada, where the vehicle remained for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The car had not been driven and was only in use for about 20 minutes. Then, the check engine light came on. I was planning to take the next exit to investigate. About a minute after the check engine light came on, several other lights came on. They stopped about 20 seconds later. The car began to smoke and as I was pulling over, smoke began to enter the cab. When I pulled over, the car began was on fire. Highway patrol and Cal Fire arrived. Cal Fire put the fire out. It was a total loss. Highway 101 was shut down for a bit while the truck was on fire.

Fire

Truck went into limp mode wile driving on highway had to have trailer towed 980 miles egr cooler rubbing on wire harness on firewall staffing wires ro short out fuel injection this is a manufacturer defect.why would egr cooler and electrical wire harness be placed so close is a big safety and fire hazard ....cost of repairs at ford dealer in Columbia Tennessee $800 for repairs

The panoramic vista sunroof began allowing air while driving. Then the mechanism began not working properly. This all resulted in the track breaking and caused the entire system to stop working. While driving on highway or freeways, the glass would open and could not be secured properly. Could have caused the glass to become a projectile object. Upon researching this issue, I found several complaints for the panoramic vista sunroof for Ford/Lincoln's from 2017 to 2019. TSB # 18-2374. We have a 2018. To be clear; this was a progressive issue that started in 2021 and simply thought it to be the windy conditions outside the vehicle. Then the issue became worse even after being regularly serviced and repaired. By 2024, the track broke completely. Resulting in a complete replacement.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled in the middle to the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had exploded, causing metal shavings intrusion in the fuel system. The dealer determined that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission shifted hard into gear, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. Additionally, the engine overheated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown component that failed. Suspicion, the fuel system located at the back of the fire wall on drivers side. The fire started in that location and was extremely hot and fast moving. The truck was fully engulfed within 1.5 minutes then burnt the attached 5th wheel trailer and contents. It was a total loss of 3 vehicles 2018 Ford F350, 2021 Dutchman Voltage 5th wheel trailer, and a 2013 Polaris RZR side by side UTV. All was reduced to rubble within 15 Min. Our safety and lives were at risk, we had 30-45 seconds from smelling and seeing smoke to flames. We were traveling on Interstate 15 at highway speeds and had to stop as safe as possible on the shoulder of the road. The vehicle has not been inspected as far as I know, the frame is all what is left. There were no warning lights and all gauges read normal,

Fire 2 injured

Unknown component that failed. Suspicion, the fuel system located at the back of the fire wall on drivers side. The fire started in that location and was extremely hot and fast moving. The truck was fully engulfed within 1.5 minutes then burnt the attached 5th wheel trailer and contents. It was a total loss of 3 vehicles 2018 Ford F350, 2021 Dutchman Voltage 5th wheel trailer, and a 2013 Polaris RZR side by side UTV. All was reduced to rubble within 15 Min. Our safety and lives were at risk, we had 30-45 seconds from smelling and seeing smoke to flames. We were traveling on Interstate 15 at highway speeds and had to stop as safe as possible on the shoulder of the road. The vehicle has not been inspected as far as I know, the frame is all what is left. There were no warning lights and all gauges read normal,

Fire 2 injured

Unknown component that failed. Suspicion, the fuel system located at the back of the fire wall on drivers side. The fire started in that location and was extremely hot and fast moving. The truck was fully engulfed within 1.5 minutes then burnt the attached 5th wheel trailer and contents. It was a total loss of 3 vehicles 2018 Ford F350, 2021 Dutchman Voltage 5th wheel trailer, and a 2013 Polaris RZR side by side UTV. All was reduced to rubble within 15 Min. Our safety and lives were at risk, we had 30-45 seconds from smelling and seeing smoke to flames. We were traveling on Interstate 15 at highway speeds and had to stop as safe as possible on the shoulder of the road. The vehicle has not been inspected as far as I know, the frame is all what is left. There were no warning lights and all gauges read normal,

Fire 2 injured

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and driving over a bump on the road, the steering wheel started vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred approximately twelve times. The contact stated that an independent mechanic and a dealer were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering dampener needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering dampener, the pitman arm, and the inner and outer drag links needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the death wobble. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the inner and outer drag link and pitman's arm were worn and that only the steering dampener replacement would be covered. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Engine Power reduced" message was displayed on the instrument panel before the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously towed on several occasions for the failure and the fuel system was replaced. The vehicle was recently towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a "death wobble". The contact then received notification for Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N04 (Steering Linkage Damper Extended Coverage). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the repair was performed; however, the failure recurred approximately 5,000 miles after the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,320.

Sync screen has gone black on radio causing all blind spots to be invisible while parking a large vehicle. I was told by ford tech support this is a recall in certain year ford explorers but not in the F series trucks! I looked up the issue on many of ford forums and it is an unresolved issue. If the rear camera is a recall the image projecting device “SYNC Radio” which is a brain to truck should be as well I would imagine. The laborer and parts for the repair are costly to the company and I’m extremely concerned with how I was treated when this is a known issue with ford. I paid 62000 for a vehicle that now has a recall for a foggy camera but no recall for the device to visually see 360 degrees around vehicle. Suburban Ford of Waterford wants to charge me upwards around 1000.00 for parts and laborer to fix a KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. All attempts to update have been completed and any ford provided reset and install options have been performed. Downloaded the 3.4 update onto thumb drive in the right format and just black screen of death it’s now been named in forums. They push it off as an update but the years being monitored have faulty APIM modules. Causing screens to have no image, sound, and HANDSFREE safety features. Please help me resolve this concern! Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that it was due for a software update and the code was reset. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light illuminated on the way back to the residence. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust system and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,600.

Violent front end shimmy (death wobble) at highway speeds. Seems to be worsening. Happened in Interstate traffic near Atlanta Georgia. Extreme concern as I was among multiple vehicles with many behind me as well, all moving at highway speeds. I could not stop the problem until I had slowed to about 20 miles per hour.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver as well as it was no longer centered. The adaptive steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was diagnosed as the steering effort control module (SECM) was not communicating and the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The steering wheel was not replaced however, the dealer attempted to reprogram the SECM and the failure continued. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10222258 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the Manufacturer's Communication Number due to the plant assembly location. A case was not opened with the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

Vehicle steering began shuddering violently while driving at around 50MPH. I had to slow to around 25MPH to get the shuddering to stop. It happened again around 50MPH any time I hit a bump or pothole. At this point the vehicle is unable to be driven at highway speeds.

I was changing lanes at 75 MPH on the interstate in Chicago and hit a bump in the road. The steering wheel and the truck started shaking violently (Death Wobble). The only way that I could get it to stop was to come to a complete stop. Luckily there wasn't a ton of traffic and I was able to change lanes easily. I was on my way home with 300 miles of travel left. This happened again 2 more times on the way home. I had to travel at a reduced rate of speed to try and keep the issue from happening again. Luckily I had just dropped of my 42ft 5th wheel camper. If this had happened while pulling my camper I don't think I would of been able to control the vehicle. I have ordered $1,000 of aftermarket and replacement parts to fix the issue . I will not drive the vehicle again until I have this repaired.

Ongoing problem originally reported 4/12/18, NHTSA ID 11084859. Originally reported failure of one aluminum wheel/valve stem causing loss of air pressure. Since then, all four outer aluminum wheels/valve stems have been subject to ongoing air loss. Ford has replaced all the valve stems because of air loss/leaking 3 times! They have also replaced all four outer aluminum wheels because of air loss/leaking. Truck is out of warranty now and I have had an independent tire seal leaking valve stems on multiple occasions and add air to tires frequently because of this ongoing SAFETY PROBLEM.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking excessively. The contact had to reduce the speed to stop the vehicle from shaking. In addition, the steering wheel was shaking, and the contact stated it felt like the wheels were also shaking. The contact stated that the failure recurred while exceeding 40 MPH. The vehicle was safely driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was unofficially diagnosed as steering isolation. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back-up camera had a glossy covering that developed over time and prevented a clear image. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V401000 (Equipment) however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while reversing, he became aware that the rear-view camera display failed to display an image. As a result of the failure, the contact reversed into a tree. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

This issue is connected with the 6.7L diesel engine. When sitting and idling it starts to idle really fast and the exhaust has an odor and strong fumes. It did not use to do this. I took to my Ford dealership and they say it's normal and there is nothing wrong. I have talked with other people that own the Ford diesel and they have experienced the same issue and been told the same thing by their dealership. No warnings or anything come up when the vehicle does this. If you enter the vehicle and touch the brake or accelerator it will then idle back down.

Lost all Brake pressure, the Pedal went to the floor while driving. This could have lead to a serious injury or death while driving.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the back over prevention screen displayed a black screen, with the “Camera Unavailable” message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear-view camera failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,692. Frontier Ford charged the contact $183.37 for 2 bad batteries, but when paying the bill they charged $292.17. stated no charge for the backup camera, but charging $108.80 for labor to install the camera.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the back-up camera was blurry. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of a failure with the back over prevention system. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was not repaired; however, the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Experienced the "Death Wobble" multiple times while on vacation March and April 2023 while towing a 30 foot 5th wheel RV. When traveling interstate highways between 55 and 65 MPH we experienced extreme violent shaking of the front end whenever going over rough pavement. Immediate slowing to below 50 MPH ended the violent shaking. We do not tow the RV at speeds above 65 MPH. We reported the issue to Kendall Ford of Meridian, 250 East Overland Road, Meridian Idaho 83642, 208-888-4403 on April 24, 2023. Kendall Ford acknowledged the issue and we are "in line" for the parts that supposedly fix the issue. Once the parts arrive, Kendall Ford will schedule the repair.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated that the cameras on the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The camera images were foggy and cloudy; except the rear facing camera. The failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the rearview camera was displaying a blurry image while reversing. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that he would be charged to repair the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and two other unknown dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention), however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was significantly blurry. The contact stated that the failure had worsened. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N04 (Steering Linkage Damper Extended Coverage) was performed; however, the failure recurred while the contact was driving 35 MPH. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,175.

Twice while driving between 65-70 mph when hitting a bump or groove the front end began shaking violently and I had to pull over to make it stop. Luckily I was in an outside lane and did not hit another car. This sounds like the "death wobble" problem that many others have reported. I have contacted the dealer and am waiting to get a call back. This was terrifying and I don't feel safe driving my truck on the highway now.

The fuel filter under the engine began leaking diesel fuel on the hot engine which ignited a fire.

Fire

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of diesel fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the diesel fuel was leaking from the fuel filter inside the engine compartment and onto the ground. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V64400 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was inoperable and displayed a blank image. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Suspension and or steering goes into a violent shaking and vibrating motion that will stop only when hitting the brakes and or significantly slowing down. Safety of the driver, passengers, and others around may be significantly injured if loss of control should occur. There are numerous complaints to the NHTSA, and lawsuits regarding this exact issue, known as the "death wobble". There are no warnings to when this may occur, and usually starts with a bump in the road. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request.