2018 Ford F-150: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · KY

I own a 2018 Ford truck with 77,000 miles. My truck has just experienced the widely recognized cam phaser failure—a known design defect that can cause a catastrophic engine failure to occur. Because this is a known manufacturing defect that Ford addressed with updated parts, TSB 23-2143 (or TSB 21-2119): These are the official internal Technical Service Bulletins that explicitly instruct Ford technicians on how to diagnose and repair the "cold start ticking/tapping or rattle type noise" on 2017–2020 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. It confirms the root cause is a worn Variable Cam Timing (VCT) unit and outlines the procedure to replace all four phasers. [1, 2] Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03: While the prorated financial assistance under this program expired in January 2023, the document itself remains critical. It serves as corporate documentation where Ford explicitly acknowledges a manufacturing/design flaw in the original cam phasers. Ford refuses to replace or reimburse this repair for any vehicle that is out of warranty. This is a known safety issue acknowledged by Ford and it should be addressed as a safety concern and recalled.

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Brakes · 114,089 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the message "Brake Fluid Level Low" was displayed. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work properly. The contact drove to Walmart and purchased brake fluid to add to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact added more brake fluid, but the failure recurred, and the engine made a knocking sound with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 114,089.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine · NC

I purchased my 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor in October 2017. On December 27, 2019, at 27,775 miles, the cam phasers were replaced under warranty using Ford part numbers beginning with HL3Z. In June 2026, at 74,665 miles — fewer than 47,000 miles after that repair — I began experiencing the same cam phaser symptoms (rattle/knock at cold start and idle) that led to the original repair. At no point was I notified by Ford or my dealer that the HL3Z parts used in my 2019 repair were known to have the same defect as the original phasers, despite Ford having since transitioned to an updated part (ML3Z) referenced in its own Customer Satisfaction Program documentation (CSP 21N03 and Supplements #1–4). I contacted Ford Customer Service in July 2026 requesting assistance with the recurrence and was told no help would be provided. I am concerned this failure can progress to loss of engine power or a more serious failure while driving, based on the known failure pattern of this component. The repair is labor- and parts-intensive, creating a significant cost burden for a defect Ford appears to have known was unresolved by the original repair parts. Reference documentation: SSM 48272, TSB 20-2191, TSB 20-2315, CSP 21B10, CSP 21N03 (and Supplements #1–4), TSB 23-2143.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Engine is ticking and whistling. Drive train issues cam phasers was told beginning of the problem

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Engine · WA

rattle or knocking sound from the engine, particularly on startup with only 30,000 miles on it started happening around 20,000 miles now I have my truck jerking when I hit the gas before it is apparently saying this is not on recall even though it should be because this is not my fault and clearly these parts are really bad or they did not have it tuned correctly somehow

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Engine · 139,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to rod bearing failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Engine · TX

Complete engine assembly (including internal bearings), twin turbochargers, and water pump. - Failure Mode: While driving at highway speeds, the engine warning lamp illuminated “Low Engine Oil Level,” followed by an audible ticking noise from the front of the truck. Upon shutting the engine off and attempting restart, the engine locked up and would not turn over. - Availability: The failed engine and associated components remain intact on the vehicle and are available for inspection at my local Ford dealership or by any third-party expert. For safety, loss of power steering and braking assist occurred instantly when the engine warning lamp came on, greatly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision. - The engine seized without warning, stranding me on a busy interstate shoulder and creating a serious hazard to passing motorists and my personal safety. - On June 3rd, Ford‐authorized service technicians at Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco Texas, confirmed complete engine failure, twin‐turbo damage, and a failed water pump. - A written estimate for repairs was provided which the amount was in excess of 20,000$ for a new engine, new turbochargers, and water pump. - Completed on June 3rd, with diagnostic report and repair estimate on file. - Manufacturer Response: I sent a certified letter to Ford Corporate on June 23, no acknowledgment or reply has been received in over 14 business days. - No police, insurance adjuster, or other third parties have yet performed an independent inspection, pending Ford’s response. - Initial Warning: “Low Engine Oil Level” dashboard message appeared at approximately 65 mph on the interstate. - Audible Symptoms: A distinct ticking noise under the hood began immediately after the warning lamp. - No prior oil leaks or dashboard indicators had appeared before this highway incident.

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Engine · 70,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that over time the knocking sound became more frequent, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with defective cam phasers, and an estimate was provided for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · PA · crash

2018 Ford F150 XLT twin turbo 4wd. Since the day I bought it. Nothing but problems with lurching jerking at stops. Clunking when truck is on AND OFF. We have video of it. Pushing gas pedal and truck hesitates before it jumps forward always the transmission been to every ford dealer in our area they refuse to help or say they DONT HEAR the knocking or feel lurching all lies we have had at least 3 close calls avoiding accidents and 2 days ago the truck would not stop the transmission skipped and I hit a deer. My bull bar absorbed most of the impact. The 10 speed transmission is the issue and no one wants to hear it but ford wants $10,000 for a new transmission after I paid $48000 for this truck and it’s been in the shop half the time.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Engine · UT

Even with the update to add more oil pressure the camshaft phasers still failed. Happened up in the mountains on vacation. Very large rattle and jerking when first starting the engine. 71,000 miles. All maintenance has been done on time. No warning signs or build up. Ticking time bomb if continued to be driven

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Engine · 35,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon startup, there was a loud knocking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Engine · 68,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact while parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the valves inside the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.