2018 Raptor - What should I know before buying?

Looking at a 2018 Raptor and trying to do my homework before making the leap. What are the common issues I should be aware of? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Check the sunroof and test drive it to make sure there are no transmission issues. An extended warranty is a must. I had a 2018 and ended up trading it for a 2014.

Westin said:
Check the sunroof and test drive it to make sure there are no transmission issues. An extended warranty is a must. I had a 2018 and ended up trading it for a 2014.

I’ve got a 2018 with 50k miles. Recently had to fix a stuck sunroof, transmission issues, and cam phasers. Really glad I got the extended warranty.

Cam phasers are a big issue with these Ecoboost engines. I know someone with a 2017 Raptor who had them replaced twice before switching to a 2014 Roush Raptor. They’re much happier now.

Cade said:
Cam phasers are a big issue with these Ecoboost engines. I know someone with a 2017 Raptor who had them replaced twice before switching to a 2014 Roush Raptor. They’re much happier now.

How much did it cost you to get the phasers done?

@Merrick
I took mine to the dealer, and it was around $4,000.

@Merrick
Had mine replaced last week, but the timing chain snapped the next day, and the engine got wrecked. Now waiting on a new motor.

Raven said:
@Merrick
Had mine replaced last week, but the timing chain snapped the next day, and the engine got wrecked. Now waiting on a new motor.

A snapped timing chain right after replacement? Sounds like Ford owes you a new engine.

Make sure to ask if the cam phasers have been replaced and whether the shocks have been rebuilt. If possible, get an extended warranty.

I bought a 2019 recently and within three weeks it was in the shop for cam phasers and timing chains. Luckily, my extended warranty covered it.

I’ve got a 2017 with 71k miles. So far, I’ve replaced the cam phasers, my sunroof is broken, needed a new transmission at 69k, and had an oil leak from the camshaft seal. Just got the front passenger hub replaced too.

@Sidney
Sounds like a lot of issues. Do you think it’s still worth owning?

Merrick said:
@Sidney
Sounds like a lot of issues. Do you think it’s still worth owning?

Honestly, I drive mine hard and take it off-road often. It’s part of the deal with a performance truck. Just know that at some point you’ll need to rebuild or replace the shocks too.

Merrick said:
@Sidney
Sounds like a lot of issues. Do you think it’s still worth owning?

If it’s not for you, the good news is Raptors hold their value well. You probably won’t lose much money if you sell it after a few months.

Definitely get an extended warranty. Cam phasers and the sunroof are the big issues to watch for.

Get the extended warranty, even if you need to finance it. My cam phaser issue was fixed for just $100 because of it.

Check if the exhaust manifolds or turbos have been replaced. At our dealership, F150s often come in for these issues, along with cam phasers and sunroof problems. An extended warranty is worth every penny.

@Vesper
The sunroof issue might be covered under TSB 20-2092.

Thanks for asking this. I was thinking about getting a Gen 2 Raptor, but now I’m having second thoughts.

Keaton said:
Thanks for asking this. I was thinking about getting a Gen 2 Raptor, but now I’m having second thoughts.

Same here. This thread is making me appreciate my Tacoma even more.