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2018 Ford F-350 SD problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Ford F-350 SD is steering, typically around 25,000 miles. It has 1.7 times the complaints of a typical F-350 SD model year.

Typical year1.7x the typical complaints
Year score
51/100
Owner complaints
205
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
256
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2018 Ford F-350 SD problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ford F-350 SD

Backup camera 9Fuel pump 6Power steering loss 6Check engine light 5

Recalls 9

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported September 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk
A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 8, 2025.

Recall number 25V572000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported November 29, 2022 · 18,808 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 4x4 vehicles. A radial damper inside the driveshaft may move out of position over time, which can cause a driveshaft imbalance and result in a fracture.
Risk
A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power. Additionally, a vehicle rollaway could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S74.

Recall number 22V880000 · Recall details

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported August 26, 2022 · 277,040 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
Risk
Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.

Recall number 22V644000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and members: underbody shieldsReported February 16, 2022 · 247,445 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Risk
A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

Recall number 22V087000 · Recall details

TiresReported March 10, 2021 · 15,769 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Risk
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S10.

Recall number 21V155000 · Recall details

Seat belts: pretensionerReported December 11, 2019 · 490,574 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCrew Cab vehicles with carpet flooring. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
Risk
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply heat resistant tape to the carpet and its insulation, and modify the B-Pillar insulation as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S52.

Recall number 19V880000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latchReported December 4, 2019 · 231,664 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks equipped with an electric tailgate latch release switch mounted in the tailgate handle. Water may enter the electrical wiring system and cause a short circuit, activating the switch and releasing the tailgate latches.
Risk
Unintended tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate/frame wiring harnesses by adding jumper pigtails to isolate the tailgate release control circuits and will install a new tailgate handle release switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S48.

Recall number 19V864000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported November 12, 2019 · 86,296 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2019 F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty trucks. The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may not dim when the headlight switch is moved into the "On" position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module (BCM) software, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C10.

Recall number 19V808000 · Recall details

EngineReported April 8, 2019 · 131,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Risk
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.

Recall number 19V278000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 2018 Ford F-350 SD

Defect investigations

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter LeakOpened May 9, 2024, still open

The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE24014

Power Tailgate Release SystemsOpened January 15, 2021, closed January 10, 2024

In January 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ21-001) to assess allegations of post-recall remedy uncommanded tailgate openings in model year (MY) 2017-2019 F-250/350/450 Ford trucks. Besides the recall remedy launched in January 2020, Ford also implemented a production update in November 2019. At the time of the RQ opening, ODI had received eleven (11) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Ford in February 2021. In numerous meetings after receiving their IR response, Ford highlighted the drop in claims since the recall and production update and communicated how they were unable to verify the owners’ complaints or replicate the concern. Despite this, Ford began developing ways to prevent uncommanded tailgate openings from various human, mechanical or electrical causes. Based on testing, Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction program, 21M05-S1/S2/S3, to further address the potential of unintended tailgate openings. This work was applied to vehicles being produced as of December 20, 2021. The program began for already delivered vehicles on July 22, 2022. The covered models include 2017-2022 F-250, 350, 450, 550, 650 and 750 Super Duty and 2020-2022 F-600 Super Duty trucks. ODI has received 39 VOQs between February 24, 2020, and December 15, 2023, alleging uncommanded tailgate openings. In a detailed analysis, none of the vehicles in the VOQs were found to have received the Customer Satisfaction update. Since ODI has not received any complaints of post-Customer Satisfaction program tailgate openings, this office is closing this Recall Query. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ21001

Power tailgate opens unintendedOpened October 12, 2018, closed December 12, 2019

By letter dated December 4, 2019, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a safety defect that may exist in model years (MY) 2017 through 2019 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 vehicles equipped with an electric tailgate. Following the receipt of five consumer complaints alleging unintended tailgate opening without vehicle operator knowledge, while the vehicles were in motion, the federal safety agency opened this investigation to assess the manufacturer's data including warranty claims, field reports, design changes, etc.In vehicles equipped with an electric tailgate, water can enter the electrical wiring system and may cause a short circuit resulting in the unintended activation and release of the tailgate latch. This could allow unintended opening of the tailgate while the vehicle is in motion.Analysis of the data provided by Ford found that the frequency of a tailgate opening unintended was high in vehicles equipped with electric tailgates. Unintended tailgate opening without vehicle operator knowledge may result in loss of unrestrained cargo, increasing the risk of a crash. In response to this investigation, Ford decided to conduct recall 19V‑864.Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer to modify the tailgate/frame wiring harnesses by adding jumper pigtails to isolate the tailgate release control circuits, and will install a new tailgate handle release switch. With recall action 19V‑864 taken by Ford Motor Company this investigation is closed. Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist on other model or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference using the following complaint identification numbers: 10984283,11004227,11082643,11090089,11104638,11115381,11140680,11141071, 11141075,11141174,11141200,11141331,11141447,11141547,11141548,11142572, 11142618,11142657,11153541,11153959,11157225,11160936,11165124,11165590, 11166199,11166802,11170049,11171409,11171509,11171685,11180009,11182035, 11186146,11191151,11191353,11193045,11194958,11203615,11206443,11209199, 11229482,11230768,11233349,11233436,11255126,11265643.

PE18011

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Ford F-350 SD 256

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 256 bulletins for the 2018 Ford F-350 SD

What 2018 Ford F-350 SD owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Tailgate opens while driving with out me pushing the button. Puts people at risk by stuff in back of the truck falling out on the highway. Second the side view cameras are blurry can’t see anything. Put the people on the side of the truck at risk of being hit.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Tires · LA

I was traveling eastbound on highway 10 and around 10am near Gramercy Louisiana I was traveling approximately 70 mph and a slight wobble was felt in my steering wheel, I reduced my speed to about 60 mph to see if the wobble would go away. It was at this moment that the front passenger tire completely failed. I pulled my F350 to the side of the highway to access the situation. I have photos showing that the complete tread to the tire had separated from the belt for the full circumference of the tire. My truck had Cosmo LT285/70R17 installed by Lake Charles 2 Tire in the Spring/summer of 2024. I can confirm I had under 20,000 driven miles on the tires. The tire seperation , caused significant damage to my truck, ripping off the passenger side step, and damaging my fender. I believe it to be a catastrophic belt seperation .

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Fuel system · WI

I request that the federal safety agency investigate potential safety risks associated with the Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pump in the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine used in my 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty. My truck has approximately 148,000 miles. I purchased it used and am concerned about potential catastrophic pump failure, sudden engine power loss, fuel-system contamination, and substantial repair costs. A CP4 pump failure can release metal debris into the fuel system, potentially damaging injectors, fuel rails, lines, and other components and requiring extensive repairs. Sudden engine power loss while driving or towing could create a serious safety hazard, particularly on highways. I understand that certain vehicles from Ford and other manufacturers have been subject to recalls or safety actions involving CP4 high-pressure fuel pumps. I ask the federal safety agency to determine whether those actions involve the same or substantially similar pump design and failure mechanism as the pump installed in my 2018 F-350. Please review available failure data for 2018 Ford F-350 trucks equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, evaluate the risks of fuel-system contamination and sudden power loss, and determine whether existing investigations or recalls should be expanded to include this model year or other affected vehicles. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this potential defect presents an unreasonable safety risk and require appropriate corrective action if a safety defect is identified. Owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous failure and extensive fuel-system damage before this concern receives adequate investigation. Vehicle: 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke diesel Approximate mileage: 148,000 miles Pump status: No confirmed pump failure reported. Thank you for reviewing this safety concern.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · FL

Going 60 to 70 miles per hour on I81 front end experienced uncontrollable wobbling not able to control truck had to slow down to stop vibrations. Occurred 3 times in a row almost rear ended by tractor trailer trucks as they could not tell we were having problems as we slowed down. Placing our flashing lights on was not enough notice to the large trucks

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine · 150,000 miles · SC · fire

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway of their residence, the DPF regeneration process activated and completed, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact exited the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact discovered flames coming from under the hood. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was not determined. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · CO

Ford Motor Company deployed an over-the-air software update to my 2018 Ford F350 that corrupted the Body Control Module. The software error permanently locked the vehicle into a speed-restricted 'MyKey' safety mode, leaving me with an altered vehicle and no admin access to bypass it. Ford Corporate is refusing to fix the corrupted software deployment. I do not and never have had a second key and they are now saying I must purchase this and pay for my truck to be reset.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

Our 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty diesel with the 6.7L Power Stroke engine has a well-known, massive fuel system concern involving the Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump. This pump failed and it sheds metal shavings throughout the entire fuel system. Repair cost $13k. Per other consumer and google results: The CP4 Fuel Pump Issue. The Defect: The Bosch CP4 pump is designed for European diesel fuel, which has more lubrication than American diesel. When it lacks sufficient lubrication, it can score itself and self-destruct. The Damage: Metal debris floods the fuel rails, lines, and injectors, requiring a complete replacement of the fuel system components.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

My wife reported a strong smell fuel in the passenger compartment of my 2018 F350 6.7L Diesel vehicle while returning home from work. Upon inspection under the hood when power was turned on I discovered a strong stream of fuel from the filter cap.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · MD

My truck's tailgate has started opening on its own while driving, again. Previous recalls on this issue were performed when parts were available. This is a safety hazard to anyone behind me if anything falls out of the truck bed while driving. Today, 2/3/2026, it opened again. A bucket fell out of the truck bed. Fortunately no one was behind me. My truck is available for inspection. I have not contacted the dealer yet for their inspection/diagnosis. There are no warnings when this happens. It has forced me to strap the tailgate so it can't open unexpectedly.

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · WA

Steering Effort Control Module failed. This is a known concern with these vehicles. Many Super Duty's have this happen. It is a very expensive repair. The steering effort changes, the vehicle becomes out of alignment and other things like cruise control, wipers, etc may fail as part of this issue.

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Questions about the 2018 Ford F-350 SD

Is the 2018 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

Owners have filed 205 complaints about the 2018 Ford F-350 SD, 1.7 times a typical F-350 SD model year.

What is the 2018 Ford F-350 SD year score?

The 2018 Ford F-350 SD scores 51 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-350 SD: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford F-350 SD?

Steering, with 102 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles. Next is suspension (78).

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford F-350 SD have?

9 recalls, covering back over prevention, power train and structure.

What year does the Ford F-350 SD have bad steering?

The Ford F-350 SD model years with the most steering complaints are 2017 (292 complaints), 2019 (266 complaints) and 2018 (102 complaints).

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