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 ↗2018 Ford F-150 electrical problems
severe 106 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
106
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
6crashes
8fires
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 106 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 106 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2126. Reason for update: update the Part List and Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 23-2350 to update the Issue statement and the Service Procedure. Some 2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the transmission solen
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2018 F-150s report a pattern of serious electrical and mechanical failures. Engine shutdowns happen unexpectedly at traffic stops or while driving—sometimes requiring 10–20 restart attempts—triggered by the Auto Start/Stop system or fuel pump control module failures. Dashboard messages read "Auto Start/Stop, Shift to P then Restart Engine," and some owners lose all power, including steering and brakes, forcing emergency stops on highways.
Water intrusion is rampant: it collects in the Body Control Module (mounted in the cabin near front passenger feet), tail light assemblies, rear cabin vents, and door seams, shorting electrical components. One owner traced the root cause to an unsealed seam under the hood documented across F-150 forums. Fire hazards are real—several owners reported fires after airbag deployment and one vehicle spontaneously caught fire while highway driving.
The tailgate opens and closes on its own while driving and parked, sometimes repeatedly, with relay clicking heard in the dashboard. Ford issued a software update that didn't fix it. Transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, and starter failures at low mileage (under 50,000 miles) suggest design issues around the Auto Stop/Start feature. Infotainment systems lag severely or fail outright. Dealers often cannot replicate problems or refuse to warranty them, leaving owners stranded with vehicles in the shop for weeks.
Same Ford F-150 electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start/Stop Unintended Shutdown
Engine shuts down unexpectedly at stops or while driving at low speeds, often with 'Auto Start/Stop, Shift to P then Restart Engine' message on dash. Occurs randomly, sometimes requiring 10-20 restart attempts. Dealer unable to replicate. Happens regardless of feature being enabled or disabled.
When: Occurs at stops or below 1500 RPM; reported from early use (January 2020) through 102,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts off mid-traffic or at stops; Dashboard message 'Auto Start/Stop, Shift to P then Restart Engine'; Chime through speaker system; Engine shuddering before shutdown; Vehicle requires multiple restart attempts; No power steering or brakes during shutdown event; Oil pressure drops to zero with battery discharge light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have turned off Auto Start/Stop feature; some replaced battery, system reboot attempted, starter replaced—without resolution. One owner noted battery monitoring system reset procedure (flash bright lights 5 times, step brake 3 times) resolved initial incident.
Battery Drain & Monitoring System Failure
Battery quickly depletes, and battery monitoring system fails to track charge state correctly. After battery replacement, system triggers false fault codes and warning lights without actual fault. Requires specialized reset procedure to resolve.
When: First occurrence without prior warning; ~13,000–40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All cabin and dashboard lights flashing with chime; Engine will not turn over; Lights flashing even with new battery installed; Vehicle continues to power on after key removed and ignition off; Headlights and taillights flashing rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced at Ford dealer with fully charged OEM unit. Issue persisted until owner performed unauthorized reset: flashed bright lights 5 times and stepped brake 3 times. After reset, vehicle operated normally.
Body Control Module (BCM) Water Damage
Water intrusion into Body Control Module (mounted in cabin by front passenger feet) causes electrical shorts. Root cause is unsealed seam between body panels in engine bay where water leaks onto firewall and onto BCM. Documented on F150 forums as known defect.
When: Can occur anytime; reported from first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency flashers randomly activating; Horn randomly sounding; Truck bed gate dropping open while driving or parked; Entire vehicle shutting down with all issues occurring at once; Power drain on battery; Radio and rearview camera inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced Body Control Module. Owner identified unsealed seam under hood (cowl seam documented on F150forums.com) as source. Reported fix: dealers applying silicone sealant to body seams, but Ford not addressing root cause manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledged water damage and BCM failure at dealer; known issue on F150 forums; manufacturer refusing to address sealing defect.
Tail Light & Rear Light Water Intrusion
Water accumulates inside tail light and rear window assemblies due to design or seal defects, causing electrical malfunction and potential fire hazard. Occurs on vehicles with minimal miles and no accident damage.
When: Low mileage (18,000 miles); can occur early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tail lights stop working; Water visible inside tail light housings; Rear window defroster elements overheating and burning out; Burning smell from electrical components; Rear window vision obstructed by burnt defroster elements
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $3,000 for both tail light replacement; owner found forum posts showing owners draining water and resealing with silicone. Defroster issue denied warranty claim despite no owner misuse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied on defroster; Ford claims no root cause identified. Known issue on F150forum.com (water-in-taillight thread).
Airbag Deployment Fire Hazard
Post-impact fires occur in seat and cabin areas after airbags deploy. Smoke and electrical burning smell; vehicle catches fire after minor collisions. Investigation suggests electrical short from airbag deployment trigger circuit.
When: Immediately after airbag deployment on impact
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from driver seat after airbag deployment; Electrical/plastic burning smell; Fire originating from seat area; Fire at floorboard near driver feet; Thick black smoke in cabin; Flames under hood after remote start
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to dealers; one owner reported police, fire dept., and mechanic (vehicle owner's husband) believed fire caused by airbag electrical defect. Another case: fire extinguisher used on-scene; vehicle total loss from fire damage despite minor impact.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford case filed by owner; manufacturer has inspected but no recall issued. Fire dept. and independent investigation concluded manufacturing defect in airbag or electrical system.
Tailgate Unintended Opening
Tailgate opens and closes spontaneously while driving or parked. Occurs repeatedly even after Ford software update. Relay clicking sounds heard in dashboard. Can occur with bed cover, making driver unaware of open tailgate.
When: During driving at highway speeds and while parked; recurring even after attempted fix
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens while driving; Tailgate opens after parking; Tailgate opens repeatedly after closing; Relay clicking in passenger dashboard area; Cargo potentially falling out at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Ford issued software update after first incident, but problem recurred. Dealer unable to replicate and claims no problem found. Owner suspects faulty key fob, but isolated testing rules that out.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued software update to address issue; update ineffective and problem persists.
Electrical System Complete Failure / Power Loss Events
Total loss of electrical power while driving, eliminating power steering, brakes, and headlights. Vehicle must be pulled off roadway. No diagnostic codes stored. Occurs sporadically; some owners report one-time incident, others multiple occurrences.
When: Various speeds (30–70 mph); highway and local roads; can happen anytime without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all electrical power; No power steering; No power brakes; All dashboard warning lights illuminate; Engine shuts down; Vehicle shudders before shutdown; Warning lights flash on and off unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose; no fault codes stored. Electrician diagnosed corroded ground wires made of nonferrous material. Ground wires disconnected, sanded, and coated with dielectric grease; issue persisted despite repair.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Interference
TPMS errors and false fault codes caused by electromagnetic interference from aftermarket dashcam operating near TPMS frequency (315 MHz). Vehicle TPMS receiver module lacks adequate RF shielding, failing at interference levels within adjacent spectrum band. Issue persists despite sensor replacement.
When: Intermittent; no errors showing for 45 min–1 hour despite missing sensor data
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS fault codes and errors; Tire pressure sensor failures
Repairs/costs cited: Owner identified dashcam (Rexing V1P Pro) operating at 312 MHz causing interference to 315 MHz TPMS sensors. After 2 dealer visits and 2 sensor replacements, issue persisted. Owner measured RF interference on spectrum analyzer (-78 dBm at 1 m from dashcam, only 3 MHz separation).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer/manufacturer refused to investigate interference issue beyond standard sensor replacement.
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure
Engine dies and requires park + restart cycle. Dealership diagnosed fuel pump control module failure. Issue recurs after dealer service.
When: Interstate driving at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly dies while driving; Dashboard message 'Auto Start/Stop Shift to P, then Restart Engine'; Vehicle unresponsive to acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed fuel pump control module failure. Service performed but failure recurred at least twice more post-repair.
Wiring Harness Overheating & Fire
Wiring harness overheats and melts, discoloring and damaging plastic insulation. Evidence of open flame or sparking at failure point. Creates immediate fire hazard and risk of loss of electrical function while driving.
When: Occurs during normal vehicle operation; unclear trigger
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harness becomes extremely hot; Melted plastic and discolored insulation; No warning lamps before failure; Vehicle smoke
Repairs/costs cited: Local mechanic and Ford dealer inspected; Ford confirmed wiring harness melted but claimed 'that's what happens sometimes with 7 year vehicles.' No repair completed; owner considering insurance claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claims cause unclear; states overheating is normal for aged vehicles. No repair or recall offered.
Sync 3 Advanced Program Interface Module (APIM) Failure
Complete failure of Sync 3 infotainment APIM module. Recall available only for 2017 model year; 2018 not included despite identical defect. Multiple functionality failures: firmware will not update, mobile apps will not connect, frozen music playback, lost clock time, random screen blackouts.
When: From first use after purchase (28,000 miles on used vehicle); persists across multiple drives
Symptoms owners cite: Device will not update firmware over Wi-Fi or USB; Ford Sync mobile apps on iPhone will not connect; Music playback frozen on same song after restart; Clock time resets after turning off vehicle; Screen randomly goes black into night mode during daytime driving; Navigation screen shows 'no GPS' and maps stop working; Bluetooth connection drops constantly; USB ports beneath radio frequently inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $1,008 to replace APIM; owner found replacement online for under $300. Issue unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20C03 (Daylight Running Lights reprogramming) available only through 2017 model year; 2018 excluded despite same APIM failure mode.
Infotainment System Lag & Unresponsiveness
Significant lag when steering wheel controls are used or touchscreen is touched. Navigation system displays 'No GPS' and maps stop frequently. Touchscreen goes completely black and unresponsive. Bluetooth drops constantly. Increases driver distraction and road attention demands.
When: Started ~3 months into ownership; persists and worsens
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable lag on steering wheel input changes; Noticeable lag on touchscreen input; Navigation screen shows 'no GPS'; Maps stop working frequently; Touchscreen black and unresponsive; Bluetooth connection connects/disconnects constantly; USB ports below radio frequently inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet inspected by dealer; issue began ~3 months after purchase
MyKey Feature Lock-In & Speedometer Limitation
MyKey feature set up with only one key becomes impossible to disable without purchasing a $400 second key. Speedometer locked at 80 mph, creating unsafe passing situations on highways. Multiple near-miss accidents reported.
When: After MyKey setup in fall 2021; ongoing issue for 15+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer limited to 80 mph maximum; Unable to pass vehicles safely on highway; Unable to exceed 80 mph in emergency situations; Multiple near-miss accidents due to speed limitation
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cannot disable MyKey without second key; Ford requires $400 payment for spare key. MyKey deletion requires both Admin key and standard key present.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated MyKey cannot be disabled without second key; requires purchase of $400 spare key to delete MyKey functions.
Cabin Water Leaks & Interior Damage
Water intrusion into cabin from multiple sources: door seams, rear cabin vents, and rear cab vents. Saturated carpet padding and electrical wiring creates mildew smell and risk of electrical shorts. Multiple repeat occurrences at different locations.
When: Early ownership; first leak noticed by water sloshing sound during braking
Symptoms owners cite: Mildew smell in cabin; Wet carpet padding and carpets; Water sloshing sound when braking; Saturated electrical wiring under door seals
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer removed and reinstalled trim panels with silicone sealant on both front doors. Second leak required removal of truck bed to access rear cabin vents; dealers found carpet insulator behind rear vents causing vent seal warping. Rear vents replaced, bed bolts replaced, bed liner respayed.
Door Lock Freezing in Cold Weather
Door locks freeze in cold weather (below 30°F), preventing door opening or keeping doors from latching securely. Doors have opened while turning corners when thought to be closed. Dealer acknowledges Ford has not developed fix; safety recall exists for some model years but not all VINs.
When: Cold weather below 30°F
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks will not open in cold weather; Door will not latch securely when opened; Doors fly open during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to dealer; attempting to replicate. Dealer stated Ford has not developed a complete fix. Safety recall exists for some models but not this specific VIN.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recall issued for some model years but not applied to all VINs with identical issue.
Starter Premature Failure
Starter fails at 46,000 miles and as early as 27,000 miles. Failure caused by excessive start cycles from Auto Stop/Start feature. Starter not redesigned to handle high-frequency starts despite EPA fuel economy mandate. Early owner posts document similar failures.
When: 27,000–46,000 miles; much earlier than typical 100,000+ mile starter life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not turn over or crank
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced starter. Multiple online posts document similar premature failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford designed Coyote 5.0L engine with Auto Stop/Start feature to meet EPA fuel economy requirements but did not redesign starter motor to handle increased start frequency.
Backup Camera Failure & Malfunction
Backup camera fails intermittently or stops working. Safety feature required by law (FMVSS effective May 1, 2018) is unreliable. Dealers charge thousands to repair. Also affects touchscreen responsiveness for several minutes after backup camera activation.
When: After extended driving or randomly; first signs winter/spring 2022, then worsened
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera on/off intermittently while backing up; Backup camera stops working entirely; Touchscreen unresponsive for several minutes after backup camera use; Trailer warning alerts when not towing
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects APIM module. Not yet repaired; investigating cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford charges consumers thousands for backup camera repairs despite this being a federally mandated safety feature.
Engine Stalling & Unintended Acceleration
Engine stalls unexpectedly at stops or low speeds, triggering 'Auto Start/Stop' message. In separate incidents, vehicle lunges forward uncontrollably after brake release at stop lights, then stalls. Battery replaced but issue recurs.
When: At traffic stops and low speeds; 13,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at stop light; Vehicle lunges forward after releasing brake; Vehicle stalls after lunging; Oil pressure reads zero; Battery discharge light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced (lasted 43 days); third battery installed. Dealer attributed to faulty battery.
Oil Consumption & Engine Knock
Excessive oil consumption requiring 3–5 quarts between 3,000-mile oil changes. Engine knock reported as 'how the motor is' by dealer. Timing belt broke at 30,000 miles on used vehicle. Multiple engine failures and repeated service visits without resolution.
When: From early ownership; timing belt failure at 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking; Excessive oil consumption; Timing belt failure at 30,000 miles; Severe knocking and power loss; Oil-related malfunctions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers blamed owner use; performed multiple repairs including timing belt replacement but issue not fully resolved. Dealership stated '5.0L engines all do this.' Long block replacement attempted, but subsequent issues (head failure, short block failure) followed. Vehicle undrivable for over a year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissed knock as normal; acknowledged multiple service failures but no permanent fix offered or recalled.
Rear Window Defroster Overheating & Element Failure
Rear window defroster elements overheat to point of burnout, with 2 of 3 sections no longer functional. Resistive elements burnt and delaminating from window. Burning electronics smell reported. Warranty claim denied.
When: During vehicle warm-up on Auto-Start, when vehicle stationary
Symptoms owners cite: Defroster overheating; Burning/warm electronics smell; Resistive elements burnt and delaminating; Rear window vision obstructed
Repairs/costs cited: Warranty claim denied despite no owner misuse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied; no explanation provided.
Transmission & Powertrain Failures
Vehicle spent 45+ days at dealership in 18 months for 10 separate repairs including transmission replacement and cylinder head replacements under 75,000 miles. Pattern of repeated failures suggests manufacturing defect.
When: Multiple failures under 75,000 miles within 18-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission malfunction; Cylinder head failure; Oil leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced, cylinder heads replaced, oil leaks repaired across 10 separate service visits.
Vehicle Fire - Spontaneous Combustion
Vehicle spontaneously catches fire while driving on highway with no accident or impact. Vehicle completely engulfed in flames and melted. Smoke and burning smell originated from rear seat passenger floorboards and spread rapidly throughout cabin.
When: April 29, 2024, while highway driving; after 18 months and 45+ days in shop for repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from rear seat passenger floorboard; Burning smell under back seat; Fire fully engulfed vehicle within 45 seconds of smoke detection
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; owner has photos, video, witnesses, and police reports.
Remote Start Fire Hazard
Flames appear under hood when using remote start feature. Fire department called to extinguisher flames. Extensive damage near engine assembly documented by insurance investigator.
When: When using remote auto start feature; ~10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flames visible under hood; Extensive damage near engine assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Fire truck arrived with fire inspector who extinguished flames. Independent investigation called; fire inspection report to be determined.
Daylight Running Light Programming Error & Parking Lamp Violation
Recall 20C03 (Daylight Running Light fix) introduced programming error that activates parking lamps at all times when using Daylight Running Lights. Violates FMVSS No. 108 and California Vehicle Code Section 24800. Ford refuses to correct.
When: After recall 20C03 reprogramming in late 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Parking lamps activated at all times when using Daylight Running Lights; Violation of vehicle lighting standards
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused to correct programming error; owners must disable Daylight Running Lights to avoid traffic violation.
Rodent Damage to Soy-Based Wiring
Rodents damaged soy-based wiring harness, causing tailgate to open spontaneously and windows to fail to open. Issue recurred after initial dealer repair.
When: 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens at 40–60 mph without warning; Windows fail to open while parked; Tailgate fails to open while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified rodent damage to soy-base wiring and repaired. Failure recurred.
Trailer Brake Controller Missing
Trailer brake controller missing from new vehicle at time of purchase. Ford failed to provide part; stated part had not been released to dealer.
When: At purchase; 4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes have limited functionality; Trailer will not stop properly
Repairs/costs cited: Trailer brake controller missing; dealer ordered but Ford stated part not released.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated trailer brake controller part not yet released.
Trailer Towing Battery/Alternator Stress
After towing a trailer, truck has difficulty cranking after shutdown for refueling. Appears to be battery or alternator stress issue but both tested good. Only occurs when towing. Wire overheating suspected by other owners.
When: After several hours of towing
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty cranking after towing and refueling; Appears as battery/alternator failure but both test good
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested good; issue only on towing. Some owners suspect wire overheating.
Vehicle Acceleration Control Malfunction
Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably while parked on driveway, crashing into neighbor's parked car at top of elevated driveway. No foot on accelerator pedal. Child safety risk. Dealer and Ford inspector unable to identify cause despite police report.
When: While parked on residential driveway; 0 mph intended speed
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates despite driver's foot off accelerator; Unintended acceleration at 0 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership and Ford inspector inspected vehicle but found no problem. Multiple similar issues reported online.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford and dealership inspectors found no cause; multiple similar complaints online.
Interior Light Drain & Wiring Harness Fraying
Interior lights remain on draining battery while vehicle parked. Rear driver's door message displayed. Wiring harness to rear door found frayed, likely causing intermittent electrical contact and drain.
When: 38,391 miles; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Interior lights illuminated while parked; Battery drain; Rear driver's door message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner located YouTube article on same issue; neighbor also experienced same failure. Wiring harness fraying identified as cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 106 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph when the vehicle's side air bags on the driver-side, front and rear, suddenly deployed without impact. The contact then noticed that a small fire had sparked on the floorboard near their feet. The contact had pulled over to the side of the road where an observer was able to retrieve a fire extinguisher…
Power door locks would not open. Had to use key to enter vehicle and then physically pull up door locks to open doors. Only happened when temp was freezing twice so far when vehicle was parked outside
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 106 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 48 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 14,102 and 41,000 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,102; a quarter make it past 41,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.