Engine rattles or ticks

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the cam phasers (123 reports), the timing chain (16 reports) and the engine (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

3 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 19 recalls on the 2018 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the F-150

None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.

What owners paid

14 of the 195 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,026 to $5,414.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 43,000 and 86,000 miles, from the 141 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Engine is ticking and whistling. Drive train issues cam phasers was told beginning of the problem”

Filed Jan 5, 2026

“rattle or knocking sound from the engine, particularly on startup with only 30,000 miles on it started happening around 20,000 miles now I have my truck jerking when I hit the gas before it is apparently saying this is not on recall even though it should be because this is not my fault and clearly these parts are really bad or they did not have it tuned correctly somehow”

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · 30,000 miles

“Ford is to be aware or rattle on cold star but decline to Repair it and wants us to pay for it. I’ve brought up the concerns to them but no action on their part or solution has been given with a 41,000 miles truck there are many other people with same issues.”

Filed Jul 20, 2024 · 41,000 miles

“Cam phaser rattle then had to replace. 2000 miles outside warranty with no offer of extended warrantey”

Filed Apr 6, 2024 · 2,000 miles

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 519 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 251 reports
• Timing chain or cam phaser rattles 227 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 180 reports
• Doors, latches or locks fail 164 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 119 reports
• Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 114 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 91 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 91 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 89 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 65 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 54 reports
• Tailgate or liftgate will not open or close 48 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 47 reports
• Windshield cracks or distorts 42 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 40 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 38 reports
• Rear window shatters or explodes 38 reports
• Vehicle fire 32 reports
• Loses power when accelerating 30 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 29 reports
• Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 29 reports
• Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 26 reports