Should I buy a 2018 Ford F-150 with documented engine problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented engine issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2018 Ford F-150 engine problems

moderate 363 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

363

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V672000 23/10/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3

Without a proper supply of lubrication, the engine will fail, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford is not aware of any affected vehicles outside of dealer control. Should owner contact subsequently be required, arrangements will be made to transport their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the engine replaced.The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S37.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

engine · filed 12/29/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed cam phasers and that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTS…

engine · filed 12/29/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated, and no repair was performed. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,50…

engine · filed 12/28/2023

While idling at a stop light I could smell an oil burning smell. I continued to monitor the smell the rest of the day and determined an excessive amount of oil dripping from the bottom of the vehicle and also excessive oil puddling near the driver side valve cover in the engine compartment. The amount of oil in the engine compartment is enough to warrant a fire hazard. Diagnosis is a cracked valve…

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 Ford F-150?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 363 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine 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.