The 2018 Ford F-150 lasts around 250,000 miles with some average oil consumption and transmission software issues. At $27,545 to $64,079, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a very reliable truck with a high towing capacity.
Is the 2018 Ford F-150 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Ford F-150 since it combines good reliability with excellent performance, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the high towing capacity, upscale interior, as well as the 4WD system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a large truck, the seats are comfortable on long trips, there are also three bed lengths offered.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major mechanical problems on the 2018 Ford F-150. In general models from 2011–2021 are decent choices with good reliability ratings.
- Performance 9/10 – Performance is okay from the base engines, while the V8 as well as the high-output EcoBoost V6 are very quick for a truck.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 F-150 is a safe truck, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety tech includes a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include pre-collision assist, pedestrian detection, 360-degree camera, lane keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 25 MPG, giving 650 miles of range from the 26 gallon tank. Gas costs are $59 cheaper than average, at $240 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Ford F-150 is an expensive truck, yet it holds its value well, making it a good long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford F-150?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Ford F-150 offers a nice mix of efficiency and performance with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Ford F-150 at 3.9/5, praising the excellent safety tech, but doesn’t like the rough suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Ford F-150 a 4.6/5, enjoying the powerful engine choices, but owners don’t like the expensive purchase price.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Ford F-150 Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Ford F-150 include excessive oil consumption, slipping while changing gears, as well as damaged door latches. Overall, these problems are similar to other full size trucks, while the repair bills are lower as the trucks age.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Ford F-150 from owners at around 25,000 miles. There are some known issues with the PCV valve, as well as the engine management software. Replacing the PCV and updating the software costs $80 to $150, depending on local labor rates.
Slipping while changing gears has also been reported on some F-150 models with the ten-speed automatic transmission at around 5,000 miles. There are software updates for the transmission control module which improve the reliability of the transmission. Most dealerships will install software updates for free, while some may charge around $100.
Damaged door latches are an issue mentioned by owners in colder climates in the first 10,000 miles. In freezing temperatures, the latch assembly is known to freeze over, and cannot be opened. Using a hair dryer or heat gun can melt the ice on the latch to let you back into the truck. Some owners have also reported having a new latch installed by Ford which has a revised design which doesn’t freeze as easily.
There are 15 recalls on the 2018 Ford F-150, which is more than many other trucks. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump assembly welds, which can lead to fuel loss. Ford will replace the fuel pump and accessories on affected models for free. Many other recalls cover issues including lights, the tailgate, as well as tires which are less of a mechanical concern.
How Long Will the 2018 Ford F-150 Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Ford F-150 can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than the top-rated Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than many other full size trucks, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $398 per year.
As a used 2018 Ford F-150 reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the intake manifold gasket for $700, a door lock actuator costing $200, as well as the mass airflow sensor, which costs $300.
I have not had any significant problems. I have had the radio/back up panel go out randomly but found a way to reset it on youtube.
I have not had any problems I have had it for one year now. So far it appears that I will get many more years of life from this vehicle.
We have not had any problems with it. Very reliable which is why we bought this ford pick up, trading in out 2011 ford for this one. I love the keyless entry system, now that I know how it works.
No issues, it is a very reliable truck. I have driven it to Florida on vacation last year. Put 50,000 miles on it so far and will go up.
No problems whatsoever just normal wear and tear it is normal and it is reliable and easy to take of.
I bought it brand new and never had any problems. It is the best truck I have ever owned. I can carry a very heavy load.
The lariat is very reliable. I have not had any problems with it since we have purchased it. I have not encountered any problems.
I have not experienced any problems with it yet. I have only had to have schedule maintenance performed on it (oil changes, tire rotation, etc.).
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the 2018 Ford F-150 since it comes with standard features including 4.2-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety technology is better than many other trucks with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane keep assist, blind spot information system, active park assist, front and rear parking sensors, inflatable rear seatbelts along with a 360-degree camera system.
Is the 2018 Ford F-150 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Ford F-150 is a good value since it offers very good reliability and a high towing capacity for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,545 to $64,709, making it more expensive than a Chevy Silverado 1500 or Ram 1500. When new, the price range was $27,705 to $64,785. Depreciation is better than other trucks in current market conditions, only losing around 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford F-150?
There are seven models of the Ford F-150 offered in 2018, from the base XL model all the way up to the high-performance Raptor. It’s also available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on the model.
XL is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Manual Mirrors and Windows
- Vinyl Flooring
- Rearview Camera
- 2-Inch Central Display Screen
- Four-Speaker Stereo System
XLT is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keypad Entry System
- Foglights
- Chrome Bumpers
- Carpeting
- Seat Lumbar Adjustments
Lariat is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Power-Adjustable Pedals
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Sync 3
- 11-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Audio System
King Ranch adds features such as:
- Western Style Theming
- Dual-Tone Exterior Paint
- Unique Leather Interior
Platinum has more items, including:
- 20-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Power Running Boards
- Wood & Aluminum Interior Trim
Limited is a luxury truck model with:
- 22-Inch Wheels
- Premium Leather Seating
- Monotone Paint Scheme
- Full Safety Package
Raptor is the off-road focused model which has:
- 17-Inch Forged Wheels
- Off-Road Tires
- Upgraded Long-Travel Suspension
- Flared Fenders
- Skid Plates
- Special Leather & Cloth Seating
- Torsen Limited-Slip Differential
What Engines Come In the Ford F-150?
- The base engine comes with an average 3.3L V6 which makes 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 22 MPG. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 7,400 pounds.
- There’s a more powerful 2.7L EcoBoost V6 which generates 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque with better fuel economy at 22 MPG. This and all other engines have a ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine can tow up to 9,000 pounds.
- Next up is the strong 5.0L V8, which produces 395 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque while getting 19 MPG. It can haul up to 11,600 pounds.
- Available is a more efficient 3.5L EcoBoost V6 which makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 21 MPG. This has the highest towing capacity at 13,200 pounds.
- The Raptor model has a very strong 3.5L EcoBoost V6 High Output which produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque while getting 19 MPG. It’s the fastest model, going from 0-60 MPH in 5.1 seconds.
- An efficient option is a 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel which generates 250 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 25 MPG. It can pull up to 11,400 pounds.
What Colors Does the Ford F-150 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford F-150?
The 2018 Ford F-150 is a very comfortable full size truck with seating for up to six passengers depending on the configuration. There are three cabin choices including a two-door regular cab, four-door SuperCab, and larger four-door SuperCrew. Seating is nice on all of the models, offering excellent cushioning.
Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with enough legroom for taller adults in the rear seats of both the SuperCab and SuperCrew models.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford F-150 Have?
There are three bed lengths also offered on the 2018 Ford F-150. They include a 5-foot-6-inch short bed, a 6-foot-6-inch standard bed, as well as a full 8-foot long bed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 13th generation of the Ford F-150 was launched in 2015, and was updated with the 14th generation in 2021.
2015: Fully redesigned for the 13th generation with new exterior styling and engines.
2016: Sync 3 infotainment system now offered, Pro Trailer Backup Assist system added.
2017: Redesigned turbocharged 3.5L V6, Raptor model reintroduced.
2018: New engine choices available, updated 10-speed automatic transmission, minor exterior styling changes.
2019: Diesel engine offered, available 36 gallon gas tank on Limited and Raptor models, standard forward collision warning with emergency braking.
2020: Advanced driver aids added to some models, new exterior trim on XL, XLT and Lariat.
2021: Fully redesigned for the 14th generation, new hybrid model offered, upgraded stereo system.
How Does the Ford F-150 Compare to the Competition?
The Ford F-150 is one of the best full size trucks offered in 2018 since it has excellent performance, a high towing capacity, and good reliability ratings.
The Toyota Tundra is another full size truck which starts at around $4,000 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Tundra, while the Ford F-150 offers better towing and off-road performance. We recommend the Toyota Tundra as a used truck since there are less mechanical issues, although both are great trucks worth testing out.
The Ram 1500 is a competitor available for around $3,000 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Ram 1500, while the Ford F-150 has a higher towing capacity. We recommend the Ford F-150 since they are more affordable to own long-term, and have a better history of reliability.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford F-150?
Yes. This is my first one. I have had it a little over a year and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a little rough riding compared to my previous autos but very versatile.
Yes it is, the quantity is great. I like the bucket seats in the front. Apple carplay and large display screen.
Yes it is very comfortable, and has some great features. If you haven't had a new vehicle in the past 5 years or so it will take you awhile to learn the new technology but once you figure out the nuances it is easy. I love that not only are the front seats heated, they are also air conditioned.
Yes it is a very good truck. I love my ford f-150. It is the best truck I have owned so far. I would buy another one.
Yes I love the room the gas mileage the comfortableness of the vehicle the bed of the truck is wonderful I wouldn't have another vehicle.
Very good, I use it every day with no problem. It ride very good for a truck. Only thing I do not like is the auto stop feature.
Very good vehicle. We always use it. Very spacious for my family and I. The ride is very smooth. I do not have a step to get in.
It is a good vehicle. It is comfortable, has plenty of power and gets reasonable mpg for it is size.