Is the 2018 Ford F-550 reliable?

The 2018 Ford F-550 has 9 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford F-550?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (2 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Ford F-550?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. 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-550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Ford F-550 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-550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2018 Ford F-550 has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 17. The most common issue is suspension problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: front end violently shakes on vehicle above 45mph city and highway driving. been to dealer 2x for issue with no resolve. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

22%

• FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHAKES ON VEHICLE ABOVE 45MPH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. BEEN TO DEALER 2X FOR ISSUE WITH NO RESOLVE
• 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)

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

“FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHAKES ON VEHICLE ABOVE 45MPH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. BEEN TO DEALER 2X FOR ISSUE WITH NO RESOLVE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (10)

ENGINE18/12/2018

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Ford F-550

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-550 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-550, 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

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHAKES ON VEHICLE ABOVE 45MPH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. BEEN TO DEALER 2X FOR ISSUE WITH NO RESOLVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: 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 EATO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: 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 deter
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: THE AIR BAG COVERING HAS FAILED ALONG THE SEAMS.*DT*JB *DT *TR
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)