This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford F-150 wheels problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford F-150 have filed 37 NHTSA complaints about the wheels, typically surfacing around 18,000 miles at roughly $400 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See wheels across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$400
| Model year | wheels complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 F-150 | 18 |
| 2015 F-150 | 31 |
| 2016 F-150 | 49 |
| 2017 F-150 | 38 |
| 2018 F-150 (this page) | 37 |
| 2019 F-150 | 4 |
| 2020 F-150 | 4 |
| 2021 F-150 | 13 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 wheels 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.
Among the 17 model years of Ford F-150 in our records for wheels problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering wheels 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 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise while driving in 2-wheel drive (2WD) mode most commonly on acceleration. This may be due to a loss of vacuum to the integrated wheel end (IWE) actuators and/or wear of the IWE components. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2018 F-150/Expedition/Navigator 4x4 vehicles may exhibit an intermittent grinding noise coming from the right front or left front wheel area while accelerating in 2WD mode. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07, Diagnosis and Testing Symptom Chart - NVH > The front axle makes noise in 2H mode only and generally under heavy throttle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The overwhelming complaint in this cluster centers on the OEM two-piece lug nuts, which swell or deform between 5,000 and 98,000 miles, making them impossible to remove with the factory socket wrench or standard 21mm socket. Owners describe the outer chrome or stainless-steel casing expanding, sometimes after tire rotations or exposure to moisture under the cap. Mechanics resort to hammering or impact wrenches to remove them, forcing replacement with aftermarket single-piece nuts at $35–$150+ per set. Ford acknowledges this as a known issue but refuses to recall or warranty the defect, classifying lug nuts as wearables—despite no maintenance interval guidance in the owner's manual. One dealer service manager openly stated there should be a recall.
A handful of complaints describe secondary issues: a 2018 F-150 Platinum developed Hankook DynaPro HTM tire sidewall bulges at 5,000 and 7,500 miles with finger-pointing between Hankook and the dealer over warranty responsibility. One owner reported a rear rim fracturing in half at 98,000 miles without warning. Another documented intermittent tire pressure warning lights that self-clear without code retention. A final complaint involves 4WD hubs engaging when parked and grinding/vibration at any speed, unresolved despite hub and IWE valve replacement.
Most lug-nut complaints reference online forums and class-action litigation awareness.
Same Ford F-150 wheels reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Swollen/Deformed Lug Nuts
OEM two-piece lug nuts with chrome or stainless-steel caps swell and deform over time, making them impossible to remove with the factory socket wrench or standard 21mm socket. The outer casing expands, sometimes stretching or warping after tire rotations or exposure to moisture trapped under the cap.
When: Occurs between 5,000 and 98,000 miles; most commonly reported during tire rotations at dealerships or service shops. One owner reported the issue at 10,572 miles; another at 56,354 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Lug nut wrench does not fit or seat on lug nuts; Standard socket will not fit swollen lug nuts; Outer casing or cap visibly swollen or distorted; Lug nuts require hammering or excessive force to remove; Impossible to change a tire with factory-supplied tools
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and tire shops remove swollen lug nuts using impact wrenches, large hammers, or drilling. Owners report paying $35–$150+ per set to replace with aftermarket solid-steel single-piece lug nuts. Dealerships explicitly refuse to replace with OEM two-piece nuts due to known repeat failure. One owner paid $130 for rear lug nuts and $141 later for front lug nuts within one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledges the issue is known but does not issue recalls. Dealers confirm in multiple narratives that this is a widespread, known problem. One dealer service manager stated, 'No, but there should be.' One owner was told Ford is in class-action litigation and will not comment on recalls or free replacements. Ford will sell redesigned solid-steel replacement lug nuts for over $140 per set of 24, but does not cover the defect under warranty, classifying lug nuts as wearables despite the lack of maintenance schedule guidance.
Hankook DynaPro HTM Tire Sidewall Bulges
Sidewall bulges or deformations appeared in OEM Hankook DynaPro HTM tires supplied with 2018 F-150 Platinum, approximately 3 inches long and 3/4 inch wide, developing at low mileage without prior damage.
When: At 5,000 miles (rear driver tire) and 7,500 miles (front driver tire)
Symptoms owners cite: Visible bulge or deformation on tire sidewall; Bulge approximately 3 inches long and 3/4 inch wide
Repairs/costs cited: Owner sought warranty coverage. Hankook referred the matter to the dealer; dealer service (Frontier Ford, Santa Clara, CA) referred it back to Hankook. No resolution recorded. Owner reports multiple online complaints of similar Hankook sidewall and tread defects.
Intermittent Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
Tire pressure warning light illuminates randomly at any time during driving, in both highway and surface-street conditions. Codes clear themselves after a time period without retention, preventing diagnosis.
When: Issue present since new vehicle delivery; no specific mileage mentioned
Symptoms owners cite: Random low tire pressure alert while driving; Alerts occur at any time, in any driving condition; Codes self-clear and are not retained by the truck
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer (Crest Ford) reported no codes retained when vehicle checked. No repair offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford opened case CAS17681018 but did not respond or offer a fix.
Rear Rim Fracture
Rear OEM passenger-side rim fractured in half while driving without prior warning or visible damage history.
When: At approximately 98,000 miles; occurred while driving at 60 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Rim fractured in half without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owner was able to place spare tire on vehicle. No diagnosis or repair performed.
4WD Hub Engagement Issues
4WD hubs engage themselves when vehicle is parked. Issue persists across multiple repair attempts and shops despite replacement of hubs and IWE valve.
When: Ongoing issue; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Hubs engage when vehicle is parked; Intermittent grinding and vibration from front of vehicle at any speed; Suspect 4WD system trying to engage on highway and in town
Repairs/costs cited: Hubs replaced; 4WD IWE valve replaced. Problem continues despite multiple shop attempts.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had wheels 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 wheels problem on the 2018 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $400 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most wheels failures cluster between 7,675 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 18,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,675; a quarter make it past 65,000. 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 $400 for wheels 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 wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels 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.