2018 SCrew Experience Update

Purchased a new 2018 SCrew in March, 2018 with most options (but no sunroof). Prior to purchase, I did some extensive research on this forum and also consulted other online resources. In some ways, this was a mistake as it induced a severe case of RPA (Raptor Problem Anxiety) due to all the problems reported by Raptor owners. I am not yet cured of this malady, but it has become much less severe with the passage of time, mainly because as I approach 25,000 miles on the odo, I am unable to complain about a single problem or other disappointment. The only downer I can report in the first 25,000 miles is a flat tire due to a large triangular chunk of metal which penetrated the center of the tread on the right rear tire. I was at 23,000 miles when this happened, so decided just to put on new tires all around rather than mixing old and new. This is certainly not a problem that can be attributed to Ford or the Raptor.

One of the concerns which kept coming up in my research was that of less than expert maintenance by Ford dealers. For convenience, I elected to try the closest dealer to my shop even though the online reviews for this dealer were less than stellar. So far, no complaints. Three oil changes without a hitch, but you’d kind of expect this for such a simple task.

So, happy camper here so far. Raptor is my first Ford and first vehicle from a U.S. headquartered manufacturer. Admittedly, I don’t stress my truck significantly. My gravel driveway is as close to off road as I want to get. The truck is my daily driver and reliability is paramount. So far, so good, but RPA still lurks in the background.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a problem free Raptor, myself included. Lucky for you.

People with problems tend to be more vocal and go complain on forums. Happy owners not so much. I personally know 3 raptor owners who own 2017 models and not a single one has any problems or complaints. (including one buddy who has a Raptor from the 1st month of production in 2017).

But if you just lurk on this forum, I think you get a skewed perspective.

That's good to hear as I'm in the same boat. I have the same misgivings on the reliability of the EcoBoost engines. I really like this truck and find that it's amazing in every way. I knew I was taking a chance when I bought it but figured I'd try it. If I have trouble within the warranty period, I'll trade it before the warranty is up. Ford's generally have a good reputation so I'm thinking most won't have issues. We'll see!

13 months and 22,*** on my 2018. Have not even driven by the dealer to wave. My truck is dare i say, perfect. (knocks on every wood I can see)

There are problems with every single auto manufacturer. The people who report problems are a good source in case you are one of the unlucky few. The vast vast vast majority don't have any issues. The nature of a forum is to ask questions/seek answers and complain. Not many people look for positive experiences on a forum so take it for what it's worth. Consumer reports came out with their top ten least reliable vehicles and the venerable Tacoma was listed while the F150 was not. Chevy and Fiat/Dodge/Ram are always over represented on the least reliable list. I only have about 10k on my 19' without a single issue and I love everything about it. One thing to possibly diminish your RPA is to search other car makers forums for problems...I'm sure you will see many more examples of issues and no matter what brand make model you search issues will be reported.

I have 15K on my 18' without a single problem.

I also suffer from RPA along with Squirrel phobia. Those little bastards are everywhere around my yard. As with you, this is my first Ford and the dealership has been sub-par in the past when I've taken company cars there for service. All that said, I have only managed 2600 miles in 11 months and performed my own oil change.

Nothing bad to say yet.

Other than a fuel pump, my Raptor has been trouble free. Never owned any other truck but a ford. All manufacturers have issues, and I mean all of them. I have had a couple of dodge and ford cars that I run into the ground due to the mileage I put on for work miles and I generally dump them at 200K.

Do I worry about what I read on this forum? Yes and No, I will say that there is a wealth of information that people provide from their own experiences. I find that to be the most helpful with my own truck.

df4801 said:

People with problems tend to be more vocal and go complain on forums. Happy owners not so much. I personally know 3 raptor owners who own 2017 models and not a single one has any problems or complaints. (including one buddy who has a Raptor from the 1st month of production in 2017).

But if you just lurk on this forum, I think you get a skewed perspective.

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It’s almost like a train wreck, or staring at the sun. I love lurking the forums but it is a double edge sword. I’m now changing my oil every 2500 miles and checking the oil level each week as the cam phaser issues have gotten in my head. My truck has never ticked or made any noise ever, but I still think about it every start. I still love reading the forums, I can’t stop myself!