2018 FORD F-150

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud rattling/knocking on cold start that fades after 5-10 seconds, Check engine light with P0017/P0018 cam position codes, Reduced power and rough idle, Metal shavings in oil

Fix: Requires removing front covers, replacing both cam phasers, timing chains, guides, and tensioners. Ford updated parts multiple times. 12-16 hours labor. Some engines suffer valve-to-piston contact if chains skip, requiring complete engine rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 for phasers/chains; $8,000-12,000 for engine replacement if internal damage

Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic engine failure with no warning, Loud knocking followed by immediate loss of power, Hole blown through block in severe cases, Metal debris throughout oil system

Fix: LSPI causes detonation that destroys pistons, rings, and cylinder walls under light load/low RPM acceleration. No repair—complete engine replacement required. TSB 18-2180 acknowledged issue. Ford extended warranty to 72k/6yr on some VINs but many owners outside coverage. 18-24 hours labor for engine swap.

Estimated cost: $9,000-15,000

Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Vibration/shudder during 3-5 mph acceleration or 25-40 mph cruise, Hard downshifts when slowing, Hunting between gears on slight grades, Clunk when shifting into reverse

Fix: Ford issued multiple TSBs (19-2116, 20-2083) with adaptive learning resets and fluid changes using Mercon ULV. Torque converter replacement needed in persistent cases. Software updates help some units. 3-4 hours for fluid service, 10-12 hours for converter replacement.

Estimated cost: $400-800 for fluid service and adaptive reset; $2,200-3,500 for torque converter

Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping from radiator area or under truck, Low transmission fluid warning, Pink or red fluid puddles, Burnt transmission smell if fluid level drops

Fix: Quick-connect fittings at radiator and hard lines fail due to vibration and corrosion. Replace both cooler lines and fittings as a pair—they'll fail together. 2-3 hours labor including fluid refill and air purge.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Driveline shudder during acceleration, Visible cracks or separation in rubber mount

Fix: Rear transmission mount (crossmember mount) tears from engine torque, especially on EcoBoost models. Upgraded polyurethane mounts available. 1.5-2 hours labor—need to support transmission to remove.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Symptoms: Tailgate won't latch or close securely, Tailgate opens while driving, Latch feels loose or doesn't engage, Can't lock tailgate

Fix: Pawl spring clip can disengage, allowing tailgate to open unexpectedly. Ford recall replaces latch assembly. 1 hour labor. Check if your VIN is covered—free repair if recall applies.

Estimated cost: $0 if recall; $300-500 if out-of-pocket

Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Ticking noise from engine bay at idle and light throttle, Exhaust smell in cabin, Reduced power under load, Check engine light with lean codes

Fix: Exhaust manifold bolts stretch and crack manifolds, especially passenger side. Requires manifold replacement with updated bolts. 4-6 hours labor. Not a grenading issue but annoying and fails emissions if leaking badly.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400