Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2018 Ford F-550: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford F-550, most recently filed June 2019. Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
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Recalls (10)

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford F-550. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V414000 Filed Jun 5, 2019

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which can cause the camera image to be reversed.
Consequence
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Farber will notify owners, and dealers will add a harness relay capacitor module, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188 or ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400.
0% repairedof 4 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V414000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V398000 Filed May 29, 2019

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Consequence
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
100% repairedof 13 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V398000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V401000 Filed May 29, 2019

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

Equipment
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Consequence
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
Repair progress not yet reported22 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V401000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V358000 Filed May 13, 2019

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
100% repairedof 4 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V358000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V342000 Filed May 3, 2019

Brake Light May Randomly Illuminate

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
Repair progress not yet reported17 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V342000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V269000 Filed Apr 3, 2019

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Weis Fire & Safety is recalling one 2018 Emergency vehicle built on a Ford F-550 4x4 Crew Cab chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Weis Fire & Safety has already notified the owner, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Weis Fire & Safety customer service at 1-785-825-9526.
Repair progress not yet reported1 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V269000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V251000 Filed Mar 28, 2019

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Fire Equipment Sales & Service (FES) is recalling one Super C Brush emergency vehicle and one Tanker emergency vehicle equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FES has already notified owners, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. Owners may contact FES customer service at 1-803-494-6000 or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331.
100% repairedof 2 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V251000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V254000 Filed Mar 28, 2019

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a Ford F-550 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
100% repairedof 1 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V254000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V236000 Filed Mar 26, 2019

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. 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."
Consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
88.9% repairedof 36 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V236000
Listed for 2018 Ford F-550. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V894000 Filed Dec 18, 2018

Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
78.7% repairedof 410,289 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V894000

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Owner complaints (8)

8 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

0involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford F-550, by component (top 6). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 8.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2018 compares with other F-550 years

Best and worst F-550 years →
12 13 6 2 9 13 8 14 17
201120122013201420162017201820192020
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2018 F-550 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-550 years

Where to next

2018 Ford F-550 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford F-550 have?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 19V414000 (equipment), 19V398000 (equipment), 19V401000 (equipment), 19V358000 (brake), 19V342000 (brake), 19V269000 (brake), 19V251000 (brake), 19V254000 (brake), 19V236000 (brake), 18V894000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

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

Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (2), Structure (2), Suspension (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2018 F-550 compare with other years?

Among the 2011–2020 Ford F-550 model years at least five years old, the 2014 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 2020 the most (17). The 2018 drew 8. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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