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moderate 159 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Among the 17 model years of Ford F-150 in our records for body problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Owners have filed 159 body complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 159 complaints per campaign.
If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2025 F-150 and 2018-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a tailgate step may exhibit a step assembly that binds/will not open or opens/pops up while driving. This could be due to an incorrect adjustment of the tailgate step assembly. Before replacing any components for this concern, follow the revised Tailgate Step Adjustment procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-04.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2023 F-150, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles may exhibit dust ingress into the cabin through the doors or air extractors. This may be due to the climate control system being in recirculation mode as a result of the recirculation button being on or automatic strategies for heating/cooling efficiency. To minimize dust ingress when driving in off-road or secondary road conditions, make sure that all doors and windows are fully closed and the climate control system is switched to defrost on and the instrument panel and footwell air vents are switched to off. Temperature and fan settings may be adjusted as desired. Alternatively, max defrost can be activated which w
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2022 F-150 and 2017-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles may experience issues with the tailgate center step moulding. If there is an issue with the center molding (warped, damaged condition, loose, or if the molding is missing), the trim cover is now available separately. It is no longer necessary to replace the entire rear step assembly (402A48).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2018 F-150 has serious issues owners say Ford has not fixed. The door-latch freezing problem is the dominant complaint. In below-freezing weather (27°F and colder), doors won't latch shut after opening, or won't open when frozen. Owners have driven miles holding doors closed or used heat guns to thaw latches before driving to work. Some report doors swinging open while turning on highways—dangerous with kids in car seats. Ford issued TSB 18N03 and recall 19N06 for this issue, which affected 2015–2017 models, but owners say the same problem persists on 2018s and the fix fails within days or weeks. Dealers report a 50% success rate and tell owners further work is out-of-pocket.
Owners also report a rear window that shattered spontaneously while parked with no impact, tailgates opening while driving at speed (spilling cargo onto roads), sunroof brackets fracturing, and door hinges separating. One owner found the trailer hitch labeled Class 3 (5,000 lb capacity) but marketed as Class 4, creating confusion about safe towing limits. Another reported mold growing in the cab from an evaporator drain leak that Ford's TSB did not fix. Owners across forums and online communities confirm the door-latch problem is widespread and persist across model years despite Ford's claimed repairs.
Same Ford F-150 body reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Door latches freeze solid in below-freezing temperatures, preventing doors from closing securely or opening at all. Owners report doors either won't latch shut after being opened or won't open when frozen closed. The problem is widespread across 2015–2018 F-150s and affects front and rear doors.
When: Below freezing (27°F and lower); occurs after overnight parking or periods of cold exposure; some owners report the issue repeatedly every winter for multiple years
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not latch closed after opening in cold temperatures; Door bounces open when closing attempt is made; Door swings open while vehicle is in motion, especially during turns; Door will not open when frozen shut; Door requires 5–15 minutes of heat gun warming or prolonged running with heat on high before latching functions; Lock and unlock buttons ineffective until door warms
Repairs/costs cited: Ford TSB 18N03 (also listed as TSB 16-0155 for 2015–2017 models) involves removal of door panel, removal of frozen moisture, and lubrication of latch mechanism. Dealers report 50% success rate, with some owners stating the fix failed within days to weeks. Some owners report door latch replacement performed but problem recurred following winter. Owners required to hold doors closed while driving or use heat guns to thaw latches manually.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued multiple TSBs (18N03, 16-0155) and recalls (19N06) for 2015–2017 models; 2018 models allegedly not covered by effective recall despite same issue. Ford corporate states some vehicles with this issue fall outside warranty support post-recall. Dealers informed owners that recall 19N06 is a 'one-time' fix and additional work is out-of-pocket. Owners report Ford claims the aluminum body design is not suited to cold climates despite the issue persisting across all climates.
Rear glass window panels have shattered without impact or external cause while vehicles are parked. The glass separates from the roof seam and buckles, with pieces falling into the truck bed. One owner reported this on a two-year-old vehicle with minimal mileage.
When: While vehicle parked in driveway; one instance approximately 30 minutes after returning from gas station in warm weather
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window glass shatters spontaneously; Glass separates from roof seam; Rear glass appears buckled; Top corners of exterior glass shattered; Glass pieces fall into truck bed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had not yet pursued repair at time of complaint; cost not cited. Owner states glass replacement should not be owner's responsibility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued according to owner complaint. Owner states this problem is 'heavily documented' online and puts lives at risk.
Electric tailgate latch fails to hold, causing tailgate to open while vehicle is in motion at both city and highway speeds. Items in bed can fall out, creating road hazards. One owner reported the tailgate opening while parked as well.
When: While driving at various speeds; also while parked in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens while vehicle in motion; Tailgate opens while parked; Items fall from truck bed onto road; Alarm system triggered (horn and lights flash randomly) in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Owners did not cite specific repair procedures or costs; vehicles were not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stated VINs were not included in recalls. Manufacturer referred customers to NHTSA. One owner notes Canada has ordered recall for this issue.
Door hinges have weakened or failed, causing a gap between door and door frame. One owner reported driver's side door detaching when opened at 15,000 miles.
When: 15,000 miles on one vehicle; detachment occurred when door was opened while vehicle was being driven
Symptoms owners cite: Gap between door and door frame while driving; Door detaches when opened; No warning lights illuminated prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed that door hinges needed replacement; parts were on back order and vehicle was not repaired at time of complaint.
Sunroof brackets have fractured and detached from the vehicle. In one case, the bracket fractured when dealer attempted to open the sunroof during an unrelated service visit. Additionally, sunroof becomes misaligned with track, creating excessive noise and potential for leaks.
When: 39,500 miles at time of bracket failure; misalignment began prior to April 2021 and continues to recur after dealership service
Symptoms owners cite: One sunroof bracket fractured and detached; Sunroof randomly becomes misaligned with track; Excessive noise from misaligned sunroof; Potential exposed areas or leaks when misaligned
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced sunroof bracket; dealership attempted fix for misalignment but issue continues to recur. Owner suspects issue with bracket alignment, track, or mounting brackets.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed owner that VIN was not included in any recall and referred to NHTSA complaint process.
Hood latch has failed, triggering security system alarm. Failure occurs while driving and during temperature changes.
When: Multiple occurrences while driving and during temperature transitions
Symptoms owners cite: Hood latch fails; Security system alarm triggered when hood latch fails
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states other F-150, F-250, and Expedition owners have reported similar failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified by owner; owner notes ford has not recalled despite safety hazard.
Trailer hitch labeled and rated as Class 3 (5,000 lbs max) but represented on option package and window sticker as Class 4. Owners concerned about towing capacity discrepancy and legal compliance. Two separate trucks examined by owner and dealer both had the same mismatch.
When: Discovered upon purchase and swap in April 2019; appears to be a common issue across multiple trucks on dealer lot
Symptoms owners cite: Hitch label shows Class 3 rating (5,000 lbs); Option package and window sticker indicate Class 4 hitch; Conflicting information from Ford and dealer regarding actual towing capacity; Owner unable to tow 7,000 lb trailer without exceeding labeled limit
Repairs/costs cited: Ford refuses to supply correct Class 4 hitch for installation. Owner has not towed trailer over 5,000 lb rating for over 4 months due to safety and legal concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refuses to send proper hitch for installation. Gives conflicting answers regarding towing capacity and why window sticker does not match hitch label.
Condensation from evaporator drain leaks into the vehicle cab, creating mold growth on carpet and exposing occupants, including children, to mold-related health hazards.
When: Issue reported; TSB 19-2345 issued but ineffective
Symptoms owners cite: Condensation leaking from evaporator drain; Mold growth in cab; Moldy carpet exposed to vehicle occupants
Repairs/costs cited: Ford issued TSB 19-2345 but it does not resolve the issue. Ford refuses to replace molded carpet under field service action, leaving repair costs to owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSB 19-2345 but declined to provide permanent fix or carpet replacement under warranty/service action.
Main horn has failed on the vehicle. Owner notes other F-150, F-250, and Expedition owners have reported similar failures, suggesting a systemic issue.
When: Multiple reports on similar Ford models and years
Symptoms owners cite: Main horn fails to function; Horn may also randomly activate (noted in tailgate complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states this is a known issue across similar Ford trucks but no recall identified.
Synthesized from 159 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 159 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 86 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 5,000 and 20,000 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 20,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.