2018 Ford F-550 problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
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Common 2018 Ford F-550 problems
Common Problems with the Ford F-550 2018
The Ford F-550 2018 has been reported to have several issues, including transmission torque converter damper plate defects, exhaust problems, tailgate malfunctions, audio system issues, door lock failures, rear parking sensor problems, and engine issues.
Transmission Torque Converter Damper Plate Defects
Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-550 diesel trucks due to an issue with the model's transmission torque converter damper plates. The plates were not appropriately tempered, which could cause engine stalls. This defect is particularly concerning as a brittle damper plate can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, leading to a dangerous and potentially fatal situation.
Exhaust Problems
The owner comments on the 2018 Ford F-150 indicate that exhaust problems are a common issue. Some of the reported problems include muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, and heat exchanger issues. These problems can lead to poor vehicle performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential safety hazards.
Tailgate Malfunctions
Tailgate malfunctions have been reported by several owners of the 2018 Ford F-150. The tailgate can inadvertently open, causing it to crash down on a trailer jack and dent the tailgate. This issue can occur on two separate occasions, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
Audio System Issues
Audio system issues have been reported by some owners of the 2018 Ford F-150. The audio system may not work correctly, leading to poor sound quality, intermittent audio, or complete system failure. This issue can be frustrating for drivers and passengers, especially during long trips.
Door Lock Failures
Door lock failures have been reported by some owners of the 2018 Ford F-150. The door locks may freeze when it's cold, making it difficult to open or close the doors. This issue can lead to safety hazards, especially during emergency situations.
Rear Parking Sensor Problems
Rear parking sensor problems have been reported by some owners of the 2018 Ford F-150. The rear parking sensor may not work correctly when it rains, leading to potential safety hazards when reversing or parking the vehicle. This issue can be frustrating for drivers, especially in congested traffic or tight parking spaces.
Engine Issues
Engine issues have been reported by some owners of the 2018 Ford F-150. The engine may overheat when towing a trailer in mountainous areas, despite having a maximum tow package. This issue can lead to potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Additionally, some engines may use oil and have leaks, leading to potential engine damage and reduced vehicle performance.
In summary, the Ford F-550 2018 has several reported issues, including transmission torque converter damper plate defects, exhaust problems, tailgate malfunctions, audio system issues, door lock failures, rear parking sensor problems, and engine issues. These problems can lead to potential safety hazards, reduced vehicle performance, and costly repairs. If you own a Ford F-550 2018 and are experiencing any of these issues, it is recommended that you contact a Ford dealership or a legal professional to discuss your options.
What engine is in a 2018 Ford F-550?
At least this one sounded the part, equipped with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 making 750-lb-ft and good for 9,750 pounds of scrap, dirt, rocks or mulch. The 2018 Ford F-550 chassis cab comes with the option of a 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine or a 6.7-liter diesel.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford F-550 get?
Luckily, the 2019 Ford Super Duty F-550 DRW XL is widely praised for its fuel economy and is a common reason why many people around Jacksonville prefer to buy this vehicle over the competition. It offers a highway miles per gallon of 24 as well as a city miles per gallon of 17.0.
What is an F-550 rated for?
The F-550 Super Duty has a maximum tow rating of 34,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 12,770 pounds. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is 19,500 pounds at its highest. Primarily used for commercial purposes, the F-650 Super Duty elevates the GVWR to a whole new level.
What is the towing capacity of the 2018 Ford F-550?
With a maximum towing capability of 31,900 lbs. for 5th-wheel trailers and 18,500 lbs. for conventional trailers, Super Duty is designed to conquer even the most challenging jobs. CNG/Propane Gaseous Engine Prep Package Available on F-350 with 6.2L V8 Gas Engine and on F-450 & F-550 with 6.8L V10 Gas Engine.
Is the 2018 6.7 Power Stroke a good engine?
The "six-seven" has proven itself to be a good engine in the near-decade it has been around. There are three generations of the powerplant: 2011-2014 (First), 2015-2019 (Second), and the Third-gen torque monster (1,050 lb-ft) found in 2020-2021 F-Series trucks.
What is the biggest problem with 6.7 Power Stroke?
6.7s are infamous for cracked manifolds. Cracks in the manifold can cause exhaust leaks, leading to poor performance and increased emissions. Ticking noise during acceleration, poor engine performance, and a check engine light with DTC codes P0420 or P0430.
What engine is in a 2018 Ford F-550?
At least this one sounded the part, equipped with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 making 750-lb-ft and good for 9,750 pounds of scrap, dirt, rocks or mulch. The 2018 Ford F-550 chassis cab comes with the option of a 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine or a 6.7-liter diesel.
What is the fuel problem with the 6.7 Power Stroke?
When the CP4 pump fails, it will shed tiny particles of metal throughout the entire high pressure fuel system, causing a number of serious 6.7 Powerstroke problems. The only cure in this case is to replace everything in the high pressure fuel system - CP4 pump, fuel injectors, injection lines, fuel rails, etc.
2018 Ford F-550 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F-550 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Ford F-550 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Ford F-550 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Ford F-550.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT8JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the subframe suddenly fractured in half. The contact stated that the fracture occurred near the rear cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 268,967.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-17
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT6JE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed a humming sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT4JE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact's company owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while an employee was driving at 55 MPH, the service vehicle soon warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the turbocharger to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced failure a second time on July 28, 2023. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the turbocharger to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,265.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-15
- VIN: 1FD0W5HT4JE
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHCILE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY FROM FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEARTLAND FORD (5979 WEST, US HWY 136, COVINGTON, IN 47932, (765)793-2233) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE STEERING DAMPER, 3 BALL JOINTS, AND TRACK BAR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO LAFAYETTE FORD (2051 SAGAMORE PKWY S, LAFAYETTE, IN 47905, (765) 447-9444) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. ## VIN PASSED ## FORD F550 2018 ##
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-11
- VIN: 1FDUF5HYXJE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING THEIR VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER LEFT OR RIGHT ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (DORSCH FORD LINCOLN KIA 2641 EATON RD, GREEN BAY, WI 54311; (920) 469-3000) WHO REPLACED THE STEERING BOX, A FEW TIE RODS, AND A FEW WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. THE FAILURE STILL PERSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. ## VIN PASSED ## 2018 FORD F550 ##
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-16
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT6JD
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHAKES ON VEHICLE ABOVE 45MPH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. BEEN TO DEALER 2X FOR ISSUE WITH NO RESOLVE
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-02
- VIN: 1FDAF5GY9JD
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAG COVERING HAS FAILED ALONG THE SEAMS.*DT*JB *DT *TR
2018 Ford F-550 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 2018 Ford F-550.
- Manufacturer: Farber Specialty Vehicles
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which can cause the camera image to be reversed.
- Consequence: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Farber will notify owners, and dealers will add a harness relay capacitor module, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188 or ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400.
- Manufacturer: LGE Coachworks Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
- Consequence: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
- Manufacturer: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
- Consequence: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
- Manufacturer: Unruh Fire, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
- Manufacturer: Taylor Made Ambulances
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
- Manufacturer: Weis Fire & Safety
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: Weis Fire & Safety is recalling one 2018 Emergency vehicle built on a Ford F-550 4x4 Crew Cab chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Weis Fire & Safety has already notified the owner, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Weis Fire & Safety customer service at 1-785-825-9526.
- Manufacturer: Fire Equipment Sales & Service
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: Fire Equipment Sales & Service (FES) is recalling one Super C Brush emergency vehicle and one Tanker emergency vehicle equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: FES has already notified owners, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. Owners may contact FES customer service at 1-803-494-6000 or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331.
- Manufacturer: Blanchat Mfg., Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a Ford F-550 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
- Manufacturer: Excellance, Inc
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. 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."
- Consequence: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
- Consequence: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Ford F-550 problems:
Common AC Problems in Ford F550 Diesels - Q&A
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F550 6.7 problems | Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
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