Is the 2018 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

The 2018 Ford F-350 SD has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford F-350 SD?

Top problems: ENGINE (3 complaints, avg repair $500); TIRES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Ford F-350 SD?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, STEERING, TIRES, ENGINE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Ford F-350 SD?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Ford F-350 SD is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Ford F-350 SD

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2018 Ford F-350 SD has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is engine problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: at ~ 1200 miles i noticed an oil leak around upper oil pan gasket. after cleaning then driving another 3000 miles the same leak is back.. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

3 complaints

50%

• AT ~ 1200 MILES I NOTICED AN OIL LEAK AROUND UPPER OIL PAN GASKET. AFTER CLEANING THEN DRIVING ANOTHER 3000 MILES THE SAME LEAK IS BACK.
• The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Code: P24AF (Particulate Matter Sensor Circuit Range/Performance has been detected). The contact state
• The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Code: P24AF (Particulate Matter Sensor Circuit Range/Performance has been detected). The contact state

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“AT ~ 1200 MILES I NOTICED AN OIL LEAK AROUND UPPER OIL PAN GASKET. AFTER CLEANING THEN DRIVING ANOTHER 3000 MILES THE SAME LEAK IS BACK.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (10)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS12/11/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Ford F-350 SD

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-350 SD Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2018 F-350 SD, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: AT ~ 1200 MILES I NOTICED AN OIL LEAK AROUND UPPER OIL PAN GASKET. AFTER CLEANING THEN DRIVING ANOTHER 3000 MILES THE SAME LEAK IS BACK.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PHIL LONG FORD OF DENVER (7887 W TUFTS AVENUE, DENVER, CO 80123) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DUAL EX
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND PULLING A 40 FOOT FIFTH WHEEL, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER AN EXPANSION JOINT ON THE ROAD. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN OSCILLATING SEVERELY, BOUNCING ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE TAILGATE OPEN BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB CAN BE EASILY ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED TWICE WHILE CARRYING IT IN YOUR POCKET THUS CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO OPEN. SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE PARKED NEXT TO SOMETHING OR A CHILD STANDING OR RIDING A BIKE COULD BE INJURED BY THE OPENING TAILGATE, THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)