When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start or no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. For Lincoln vehicles, this information is now listed in the Technical Inspection and Post Road Test Sections of ePDI on the PTS website. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford F-350 electrical problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
2injuries
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2018 F-350s in this cluster report four categories of electrical issues. The SYNC infotainment system fails intermittently, with the screen going completely black and disabling the rear camera display and 360-degree blind-spot views—a safety problem owners say Ford acknowledges on some Explorer years but refuses to recall for the F-Series. Ford has applied software updates and owners have completed factory resets without fixing it; repair costs run around $1,000.
Tailgates open randomly and repeatedly, even after Ford issued a recall for moisture-related opening. Owners say the key fob button can activate the tailgate mechanism by accident when the key is in a pocket, and vibration from releasing the parking brake on hills also triggers it. Multiple owners report securing tailgates with bungee cords and absorbing damage to trailers.
Alternators fail cyclically—one owner had four replacements in two years, with failures occurring roughly every six months. When the alternator quits, all engine warning lights flash, the radio and AC shut off, and the truck cycles power on and off at highway speeds.
One complaint describes a rapid fire originating near the fuel system area with no warning lights beforehand—the truck was fully engulfed in 1.5 minutes and destroyed a 5th-wheel trailer as well.
Same Ford F-350 electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
SYNC infotainment display failure / APIM module malfunction
SYNC radio screen goes black, disabling 360-degree camera display and blind-spot visibility. Affects rear camera and backup display. Described as faulty APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) modules that cause screens to lose image, sound, and handsfree safety features. Repair costs owners report around $1000+ in parts and labor.
When: Intermittent; occurs after software updates (3.4 version mentioned); persists despite multiple reset attempts and module installations
Symptoms owners cite: SYNC screen black / no image display; Loss of rear camera feed; Loss of blind-spot / 360-degree camera views; Audio loss on radio; Handsfree safety features disabled; Issue remains after software updates and factory reset procedures
Repairs/costs cited: Suburban Ford of Waterford quoted ~$1000+ for parts and labor to replace APIM module or display unit; customer reports this is a known issue on Ford forums but only recalled for some Explorer model years, not F-Series trucks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledges rear camera recall (foggy camera) for certain Explorer years; does not recognize APIM display failure as a safety recall for F-Series trucks; customer completed all available software updates and factory reset options without resolution
Tailgate unwanted opening / latch failure
Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving, parked, or backing up. Issue persists after Ford recall repair. Appears to be triggered by key fob button proximity / accidental activation (button can be pressed by items in pocket during normal movement), vibration from parking brake release, or internal latch sensor malfunction. Has caused damage to trailers and tailgates.
When: Intermittent; can occur while driving, backing up, parked on hills, or during routine movement with key fob in pocket. One complaint reports 18 months of recurring occurrences.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens on its own while driving; Tailgate opens while backing up; Tailgate opens when parked (especially on inclines); Tailgate opens after parking brake is released on hills; Tailgate opens from accidental key fob button press (two button presses sufficient to open); Tailgate opens while walking near truck with key fob in pocket; Bungee cord required to secure tailgate
Repairs/costs cited: Customers report $525–$450+ in damage to trailers and tailgate from openings; Ford recall was applied for moisture sensor / tailgate opening issue but has not resolved the random opening problem; dealers unable to find diagnostic codes in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued a recall to correct tailgate opening caused by moisture in sensor; recall has been applied to vehicles but does not resolve the ongoing random opening issue, particularly when triggered by key fob proximity or parking brake vibration
Alternator failure / charging system malfunction
Charging system fails intermittently, causing loss of electrical power and repeated warning light cycles. Alternator requires replacement approximately every 6 months, causing cascading electrical failures and loss of vehicle control features.
When: Recurring approximately every 6 months; one owner reports 4 failures in 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple engine warning lights flashing simultaneously; Loss of all auxiliary components (radio, AC, interior lighting); Electrical system cycling on and off during driving; Occurs at highway speeds (75 mph reported); All warning lights extinguish when auxiliary power is cut
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required; one customer reports fourth alternator replacement in 2 years after recurring 6-month failure cycles
Undetermined electrical/fuel system fire
Vehicle caught fire while traveling on Interstate at highway speed. Fire started near fuel system / back of firewall on driver's side and spread extremely rapidly (fully engulfed in 1.5 minutes). Fire completely destroyed the F-350, attached 5th-wheel trailer, and nearby vehicle. No warning lights or gauges indicated malfunction before ignition.
When: While traveling on Interstate 15 at highway speed; vehicle had normal gauge readings and no warning indicators prior to fire
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke detected (30–45 seconds warning before flames); Rapid fire spread (fully engulfed 1.5 minutes); No warning lights prior to fire; All gauges read normal before failure; Fire originated near fuel system / firewall area (driver's side)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle reduced to rubble; frame is all that remains; vehicle was not inspected by manufacturer
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Ford F-350?
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-350?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 14,265 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 $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-350.
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.