2018 Ford F-250 SD Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Ford F-250 SD, 2% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The AC line fitting overheated causing it to explode and arc which in turn melted the primary wiring harness for the engine. This also resulted in the wire catching fire and causing burn damage to the firewall. The vehicle was going through a car wash when the incident occurred. I have been told by my mechanic that the water from the car wash prevented further fire damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11321731, filed 2020-04, 66,100 miles“Upon starting the engine, no dash displays came on. I left the engine running and opened the hood to look for wiring issues, found no damage. Went back to drivers seat and dash lights were all on along with a service required warning light. Shortly after, the warning light went off and the truck appears normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11405952, filed 2021-04, 33,000 miles“Between 60 to 75 MPH when hitting certain bumps the steering starts violently shaking and will not stop till slow down to about 25 MPH. This started at around 24k and has happened 10+ times. Also at 37k sync 3 radio no longer will come on and wiring issues cannot get trailer braking to connect to the truck. Lights work fine but always shows trailer disconnected so braking doesn't work. You can also start the truck in neutral and put it in any gear without having your foot on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #11176103, filed 2019-02, 24,000 miles“In a Ford software update late in 2019 the profile of how the in car sync system operates with an android phone hard wired into the sync system usb port. When the phone and the sync system are paired sync uses the GPS, phone and other apps so they can be controlled by the sync system with simple icons. Before the update mentioned the system was seamless. Since the update when the radio is turned off the phone disconnects for the sync system. This requires a driver to reselect android auto on the sync screen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11302377, filed 2020-01, 18,000 miles“2018 f250 with snowplow prep package. Lose of power during plowing. Dimming of dash lights, and voltage errors on salter. The worst part is that the truck has lost complete power twice! Stalling while driving in parking lots lose of steering, and breaks!!! The dealership, and Ford themselves are aware of the problem, but no actions have been made. Going on 2 years. Other trucks have been brought to the dealership with the same issues. Ford is just giving us the run around!!!!!! This is no small issue and the dealership agrees.”
NHTSA complaint #11296861, filed 2020-01, 3,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V278000Apr 8, 2019Ford 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…Covers: Ford F-250 SD 2017–2019, F-150 2015–2019, F-350 SD 2017–2019 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 11031792Apr 29, 2026Harvest Program 25H05 – Supplement #1 Certain 2011-2021 Model Year Vehicles Software Verification Harvest Program
- 11031781Apr 20, 2026Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15 - Supplement #1 Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For One-Time Replacement
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing…
- 11025837Nov 26, 2025This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns…
- 11026013Nov 19, 2025This is a proactive investigation program by Ford Motor Company to inspect a limited number of affected vehicles that are customer-owned. Ford is voluntarily conducting this…
- 10248992Jan 9, 2024Some 2017-2019 F-Super Duty pick-up vehicles may require the additional KC3Z-14A411-C kit if there is a service need to replace the 14405 main body harness or 14A412 tailgate…
- 10243652Sep 27, 2023Some 2015-2019 F-Super Duty and 2015-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles may require replacement of the powertrain control module (PCM) for various reasons. While performing a…
- 10241627Aug 2, 2023In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it…
- 10236685May 23, 2023Some 2018-2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine, 2016-2022 F-650/F-750 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine, and 2017-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a…
- 10226945Nov 22, 2022Certain 2017-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with a Power Release Tailgate - Unintended Tailgate Opening REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Technical Information: Updated…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 44% |
| 2025 | 2 | 12% |
| 2024 | 10 | 25% |
| 2023 | 14 | 32% |
| 2022 | 19 | 15% |
| 2021 | 18 | 11% |
| 2020 | 27 | 10% |
| 2019 | 33 | 3% |
| 2018 | 9 | 2% |
| 2017 | 54 | 5% |
| 2016 | 25 | 9% |
| 2015 | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 4% |
| 2013 | 3 | 14% |
| 2012 | 10 | 18% |
| 2011 | 6 | 5% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 32 | 11% |
| 2004 | 56 | 22% |
| 2003 | 14 | 8% |
| 2002 | 29 | 12% |
| 2001 | 39 | 14% |
| 2000 | 23 | 10% |
| 1999 | 34 | 14% |
| 1997 | 6 | 15% |
| 1996 | 1 | 9% |
| 1995 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2018 Ford F-250 SD
252 complaintsSuspension
198 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsWheels
29 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Ford F-250 SD
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology