Some 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost and 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 and/or P0430 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to high sulfur content in the fuel. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to de-sulfate the catalytic converters.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford F-150 fuel system problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
| Model year | fuel system complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 F-150 | 7 |
| 2015 F-150 | 5 |
| 2016 F-150 | 10 |
| 2018 F-150 (this page) | 6 |
| 2019 F-150 | 3 |
| 2021 F-150 | 30 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system 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.
Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 3.3L, 3.5L EcoBoost, or 5.0L engines may exhibit stalling, lack of power, low fuel rail pressure and/or DTCs P0087 or P008A after a repair was made that required the removal of the fuel line that connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the port injection rail, such as injector replacements or base engine repairs. This line must be installed in the correct orientation as it has an internal one-way check valve. To determine if the fuel line has been installed improperly, look at the position of the Oetiker clamp (stainless band clamped around the black fuel line). The clamp holds the one-way check valve in place and should be located close
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2011-2020 F-Super Duty, 2015-2019 Transit, 2016-2021 F-650/F-750 and 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L, 3.2L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P207F, P20EE, P229F, P2201 and/or P24AE. This may be a result of using aftermarket cleaning liquids or tools for the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler or intake. Ford does not recommend the cleaning of diesel intakes or EGR coolers using any aftermarket tool that injects a cleaning foam or liquid substance into the EGR cooler or intake. Using these types of fluids can result in sodium poisoning of the NOx and particulate matter (PM) sensors resulting in degraded operation and perma
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2020 Model year vehicles equipped with 3.3L, 3.5L EcoBoost, or 5.0L engines may exhibit stalling, lack of power, low fuel rail pressure and/or DTCs P0087 or P008A after a repair was made that required the removal of the fuel line that connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the port injection rail, such as injector replacements or base engine repairs. This line must be installed in the correct orientation as it has an internal one-way check valve. To determine if the fuel line has been installed improperly, look at the position of the Oetiker clamp (stainless band clamped around the black fuel line). The clamp holds the one-way check valve in place and should be located closest to
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2019 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine may exhibit fuel spit back, a stuck fuel nozzle and/or damaged fuel tank filler pipe. This may be due to some fuel stations using larger than standard filler nozzle sizes. The F-150 fuel tank filler pipe has been designed for use with a standard automotive diesel nozzle which is 23.6 mm (0.929 inch) to 25.5 mm (1.004 inch) in diameter. The fuel filler pipe is not compatible with larger diameter or commercial style fuel filler nozzles used by some fuel stations. Fuel spit back, slow fill, stuck fuel nozzles, or damage resulting from larger diameter fuel nozzles is not a warrantable defect. Do not submit a claim for this conditio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2018 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, fuel system issues most often appear around 81,870 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system 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.