2015-2020 Ford F-150 Fitment: What the 2018 Refresh Changed for Bumpers, Brackets, and Headlights
Ford built the 13th-generation F-150 from 2015 through 2020, and the truck looks like one generation. It isn't, at least from the front. If you're shopping for a 2018 F-150 front bumper or anything near it, the 2018 refresh is the line that decides what fits.
Quick answer:
- 2015–2017 and 2018–2020 are two different front ends. The bumper, grille, and headlights do not swap across that line.
- Front bumpers come in several configurations, including one-piece and center-plus-end-cap setups, in chrome, painted or primed, and textured finishes, depending on trim.
- Brackets are separate parts, with left and right sides and different positions, and they're often ordered with the bumper.
- Some parts carry over the whole run, such as mirror covers and many mirrors, but verify by feature and OEM number.
The 13th-Gen Split: 2015–2017 vs. 2018–2020 Front End
The 13th-generation F-150 ran from 2015 to 2020, and Ford refreshed the front end for 2018. The grille, headlights, and bumper shape all changed, and the refresh also brought new sensor positions for driver-assist features.
| 2015–2017 | 2018–2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front bumper | Original design | Redesigned bumper geometry |
| Grille | Original design | New grille |
| Headlights | Original shape | New shape and grille interface |
| Swaps across the line? | No | No |
Within each half, parts generally interchange. A 2015 bumper and a 2017 bumper are commonly listed for the same trucks, and the same goes for 2018 through 2020. Rear bumpers cross the refresh more easily than fronts, since the frame and bed mounts didn't change.
These parts commonly fit within a listed year range — always confirm against your vehicle's exact trim and engine and the product's fitment data before buying.
For grilles, see our F-150 grille guides [link to 07-20 F-150 grille guide] and [link to 08-03 F-150 grille guide].
The 2018 line is the one that matters. Know which side of it your truck is on.
2018 F-150 Front Bumper: One-Piece vs. Three-Piece, and Chrome vs. Painted vs. Textured
Two choices decide which front bumper you need: how it's built and how it's finished.
Build. Some trucks have a one-piece face bar. Others use a center bar with separate end caps, so the bumper is effectively three pieces. Parts catalogs list bumpers "with end cap molding" and "without," and which one your truck has depends on trim and package.
Finish. Listings show three common finishes:
| Finish | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Common on higher trims. Can pit or peel with road salt over time |
| Painted or primed | Body color, or primed and ready for paint. See our bumper cover finish guide [link to primed bumper cover finish guide] |
| Textured or unpainted | Common on lower trims and work-oriented trucks. No paint to match |
Also check these variants:
- Fog lamps or no fog lamps. Listings distinguish the two, and the openings differ.
- Tow hook cutouts. Some trucks have them, and the matching bumper trim differs.
- Sensor provisions. The 2018 refresh added new driver-assist sensor positions, so check what your truck has.
Bumpers are part of the vehicle's crash structure. If you're unsure about fit or installation, consult a professional mechanic or body shop, especially if the truck has sensors.
Match the build (one-piece or end caps), the finish, and the fog lamp and tow hook options to your truck.
Bumper Brackets: Driver vs. Passenger, Inner vs. Outer
The bumper bolts to the truck through brackets, and they're sold as their own parts.
What to know:
- Left and right are different parts. Left is the driver side in the US.
- Positions differ. Catalogs list upper brackets, side or outer brackets, and mount plates, and some are sold in pairs.
- Brackets are year-range specific. Catalogs list them for the 2018–2020 bumper, so don't assume 2015–2017 brackets match, even if an owner says some hardware crossed over.
Why buyers order them with the bumper: a front hit often bends or crushes the brackets, even when the bumper looks fixable. A new bumper bolted to a bent bracket can sit crooked or leave uneven gaps. If the truck was in a real collision, have a body shop check the mounting area, since damage can go deeper than the visible parts.
Check the brackets before you order the bumper. It's cheaper than discovering the mismatch after it's painted.
Headlights: Halogen vs. LED vs. LED With Signal, by Trim and Year
Headlights follow the same 2018 split. 2015–2017 and 2018–2020 headlights are not interchangeable.
Within each range, technology varies by trim:
| Type | What It Means | Typically Found On |
|---|---|---|
| Halogen | Replaceable bulbs | Lower trims such as XL and XLT, according to parts retailer guides |
| LED | Sealed LED assembly, no serviceable bulbs | Higher trims such as Limited and Platinum, per the same guides |
| LED with signal | LED headlight with additional lighting features integrated | Check your listing, since versions vary by trim and year |
Trim assignments can vary with packages, so confirm what your truck has rather than assuming by trim name. A sealed LED headlight means replacing the whole assembly. There's no bulb to swap.
Headlights are safety equipment. If you're not sure about wiring or aiming, a professional can handle the installation, and our aiming guide covers the final step [link to Aug 31 headlight-aiming Install Guide].
These parts commonly fit within a listed year range and trim — always confirm against your vehicle's exact trim and engine and the product's fitment data before buying, including halogen vs. LED.
What Carries Over the Whole Run: Mirror Covers and Most Mirrors
Not everything changed in 2018. Mirror covers and many mirrors are commonly listed across 2015–2020. Mirrors don't share the front fascia, so the refresh didn't have to touch them.
Check by feature, not just year:
- Power, heated, or power-folding
- Turn signal, blind-spot indicator, or puddle lamp
- Telescoping tow mirrors if your truck has them
- Cover finish. Paintable (primed), chrome, or textured
Mirrors with turn signals or blind-spot lights are safety-relevant. If you're not confident with the wiring, a professional should do it.
Treat "carries over the whole run" as a starting point, and verify against the OEM number and the listing's fitment data. Our mirror buying guide shows what to check [link to side mirror replacement guide].
How to Confirm F-150 Fitment by OEM Part Number
The OEM number is the most specific check, and it's what ends a year-range debate.
- Find the number on the old part or from a dealer parts diagram using your VIN.
- Search it on partsdistrict.com. Our guide to finding the right part by OEM part number explains where to look and what superseded numbers mean.
- Check the year range, trim, side, and position on the listing.
- Compare the new part to the old one before installing.
Quality tiers: bumpers are one of the part categories independent CAPA certification covers. Our CAPA guide explains what the seal does and doesn't mean [link to CAPA Certified vs Standard Aftermarket vs OEM guide].
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 2017 F-150 front bumper fit a 2018?
Generally no. The 2018 refresh changed the bumper geometry, so 2015–2017 front bumpers don't fit 2018–2020 trucks. Confirm the year range on the listing.
Do F-150 headlights change in 2018?
Yes. 2015–2017 and 2018–2020 headlights are different parts, and each range also splits by halogen and LED depending on trim.
Do I need new brackets with a new F-150 bumper?
Often, if the old ones are bent or damaged. Brackets are sold separately and are year-range specific, so check before you order.
Do F-150 mirrors fit the whole 2015–2020 run?
Many are commonly listed that way, but features such as heating, power folding, signals, and tow mirrors vary. Verify by feature and OEM number.
Is a 2018 F-150 front bumper one piece?
It depends on the truck. Some use a one-piece face bar and others use a center bar with end caps, so check your trim and the listing.
Shop Ford F-150 Parts
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