2018 Ford Transit

Routine

Owners filed 57 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 14 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
45,000 milesMedian miles at failure

29 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train9
000
Engine8
007
Structure › Body7
001
Unknown or Other6
000
Electrical System5
010
Wheels3
000
Tires2
000
Seat Belts2
002
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer2
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
102

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera25V572000
Filed Sep 3, 20251,456,417 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk. A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

Parking Brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and Cable21V631000
Filed Aug 11, 202130 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.

Risk. Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.

Structure › Emergency › Escape/Egress/Exit19V439000
Filed Jun 11, 201915 vehiclesLa West Inc.

Defect. LA West Inc. (LA West) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with glass roof hatches. Temperature and vibration stresses may cause the tempered glass roof hatch to shatter.

Risk. If the tempered glass roof hatch shatters, glass fragments may fall onto passengers, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy. LA West will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hatch lids, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2019. Owners may contact LA West customer service at 1-704-498-4940.

Seats19V333000
Filed Apr 29, 2019544 vehiclesNew England Wheels

Defect. New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.

Seats19V329000
Filed Apr 26, 2019360 vehiclesFenton Mobility Products, Inc.

Defect. Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton Mobility) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Fenton Mobility will notify owners, and a Fenton Mobility technician will repair the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014.

Seats19V313000
Filed Apr 18, 20192,080 vehiclesMobility Transportation Services

Defect. Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.

Seats19V247000
Filed Mar 28, 20194 vehiclesCabot Coach Builders Inc Dba Royale

Defect. Cabot Coach Builders, Inc. DBA Royale Limousine (Royale) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit-based mini-coaches equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats recalled under 18E-076. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Royale will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the seat. The recall began June 6, 2019. Owners may contact Royale customer service at 1-800-544-5587.

Seats19V252000
Filed Mar 28, 201915 vehiclesWaldoch Crafts, Inc

Defect. Waldoch Crafts, Inc. (Waldoch) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Transit shuttle vans modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part number 43705. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Waldoch will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began September 25, 2020. Owners may contact Waldoch customer service at 1-651-464-3215.

Seats19V238000
Filed Mar 26, 201912 vehiclesVantage Mobility International, Llc

Defect. Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.

Seats19V229000
Filed Mar 22, 2019776 vehiclesTransitworks

Defect. TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.

Showing 10 of 14 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Sep 2, 202685,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle's differential of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with differential failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2026NY

I took my vehicle on for am oil change and the mechanic brought to my attention that the front subframe of the vehicle had serious rot and rust. This lower subframe ties the front control arms together and other structural components, which is concerning with how fast this component has degraded. When researching this online, this appears to be a common issue on 2015 and later Transit vans, to the point that an investigation was started towards a class action lawsuit. My vehicle is only 8 years and has 95,000 miles, quite young for this serious of an issue to be found. Ford should be held responsible and a safety recall should be issued as other manufacturers have had similar ones in recent years.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 22, 2026OK

Back up camera works only intermittently.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 7, 2026364,000 milesNY

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Transit. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase the mileage was 64,000 and at the time when the fraud was discovered the mileage was 364,00.

Engine
Filed Feb 25, 202690,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 2025CO

1- THE TURBO HAS FAILED TWICE 2- CURRENTLY The torque converter has failed. The mechanic has claimed this is a common problem and recommends a complete transmission replacement. This is available for inspection right now. The problem was suspected by Dealer but independent center diagnosed. The vehicle made a terrible hum as if it was going to explode. We had it cleaned and it made it stop for 10 miles, then it resumed.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 13, 2025FL

Rear-view camera displayed on rear-view mirror quit working, creating a blind spot behind the vehicle. No accident has yet occurred, but the danger is there. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford has issued a recall for this problem for this year, make, and model vehicle, but Ford says that the recall is not extended to vehicles like mine that were manufactured in a plant not covered by the initial recall #25V270, which has recently been extended. My vehicle has not been inspected by any third party, nor has the problem been confirmed by any local dealer, althought I have spoken to my local dealer, Sarasota Ford, twice about this issue. No warning lamps or messages have been displayed in my vehicle. The camera just goes to a blue screen, especially when the weather is warm or in the heat of the day.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2025MI

In hot or humid conditions, the 8 inch center display flashes on and off intermittently. This failure makes the backup camera unusable, which is a safety problem. It also makes controlling the navigation or radio very difficult. The dealer has looked at this vehicle problem a few times in the last five years and has been unable to duplicate the problem. I cannot force this to occur at the dealership service department. Because the weather condition needed to duplicate this problem rarely occur near my home getting service for this is very difficult. Once the heat or humidity has subsided via using the air conditioning, the problem goes away after an hour or so.

Power Train
Filed Sep 29, 2025480,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally and was almost uncontrollable. The contact held the steering wheel tightly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 480,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 18, 2025OR

09/18/25 As per conversation with Ford Customer Service; while the vehicle falls within the Mfg Date (Oct 19 2017) and Mfg Place (Kansas) listed on recall notice 25S89 AKA 25V572000, 25V270, the issue description -"rear view camera distorted or blank" is still not eligible because it falls outside of Fords approved/listed VIN numbers. Ford Customer Support recommended having the issue repaired at local dealer and pay out-of-pocket and 'hope' that Ford acknowledges this VIN as part of a 'possible' future recall. How can I/we/you be assured that Ford will review this particular issue and consider it for recall? Are there other vehicles like mine that have this ongoing issue that Ford has deliberately excluded?

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Sep 2, 2025240,000 milesNJ

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the Ford dealer for service, the contact was informed that the vehicle was a Lemon vehicle, and that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 33,135; however, upon retrieving the Carfax history report of the vehicle, the Ford dealer informed the contact that the vehicle mileage was 240,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2025NV

My 2018 Ford Transit 250 experienced a failure of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor in the 6R80 transmission’s mechatronic lead frame at approximately 60,000 miles. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ford service department, which retrieved DTC codes P0715-00 and P0717-00. These codes indicate that the turbine speed sensor signal is lost, forcing the transmission into limp mode, causing loss of power and erratic shifting. This is a serious safety concern, it can occur suddenly while driving and results in loss of proper gear control. Relation to Recall 19S07 Ford has already acknowledged this same defect in other vehicles using the 6R80 transmission. In Safety Recall 19S07, Ford recalled certain 2011–2013 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator models due to failure of the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor in the 6R80 lead frame. The failure mode, symptoms, and remedy (lead frame replacement and PCM update) are identical. In my case, the failure is of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor rather than the OSS sensor, but both are housed in the same lead frame assembly and both result in sudden sensor failure, limp mode, and unsafe driving conditions. Why Action Is Needed Despite the identical defect, Ford has refused coverage because my VIN is not included in Recall 19S07 and my vehicle is just outside the 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. This exclusion leaves Transit owners unprotected even though we are experiencing the same premature failure Ford already acknowledged. Given t

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Jun 13, 2025IN

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into another parked vehicle. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. No injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. Also, the vehicle later experienced the same failure. While attempting to park the vehicle again experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, crashing into a second vehicle. During the crash, the two front occupants of the second vehicle had sustained undisclosed injuries that later required medical treatment. No further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the second failure. The contact indicated that the failure had recently reoccurred for the third time. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2025156,206 milesCT

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started losing power, after driving over 200 yards, the vehicle became inoperable. The check engine and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road as a ramp was coming up and called AAA. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a timing chain and engine failure. The contact was informed by the dealer of an extended warranty; however, the warranty had expired two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The engine was replaced with a used engine, new timing chain, new gaskets, engine oil, water pump, rear sealant, coolant, and spark plugs. The vehicle was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,206.

Wheels
Filed Nov 3, 2024NY

I finance this car 10/ 25/24. I found some papers inside the car that says the car was 300.0 miles. But i purchased to the dealer with 77.0miles, how can I know is was a fraud?

Wheels
Filed Oct 28, 2024IA

I was driving on a rural highway 55 mph when I heard a pop! I lost control and veered into oncoming traffic! I slowed down by tapping brakes and ended up back on the right side in the shoulder/ditch. The shoulder had new gravel so it slowed me down and grabbed a hold of what was left. Found the wheel out in the ditch a good ways from the car and also three lug nuts with bolts still attached and broken at the base in the stretch from the turn off to where the car stopped. Also found my brake pad near a lug nut in the median! Bolts completely broken at the base with lug nuts still attached. Wheel completely fine just not on car. Inside rim gouged out from riding on it after the bolts broke. Found a recall on Ford Transit for the 2019 version of this vehicle for the exact same problem. But since this is a 2018 Ford will not honor it. Cause appears to be a weakness in the alloy used which warps over time and then without warning causing the bolts to brake at the base and separate wheel from vehicle.

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2024UT

Exhaust manifold warped/broken stud causing exhaust leak.

Power Train
Filed Jun 25, 2024NY

Randomly down shifts on its own while driving

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 7, 2024160,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squeaking sound would be emitted from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that the sound went away upon the depression of the brake pedal. Since owning the vehicle, the contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, each time, the contact was informed that both the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the clips needed to keep the brake pads in place fractured approximately 20-50 miles after being replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors had been replaced several times due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and acknowledged the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 26, 2024200,593 milesTN

With this vehicle when driving on highway or interstate once you go past about 40 miles the transmission begins to overheat and when it reaches a temperature of approximately 245° it will kick down into limp mode causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in front of other traffic. You have to get over to the side of the road and let the transmission cool down before you can continue at a safe pace. This vehicle has been taken multiple times the transmission has been replaced twice. They have replaced the transmission cooler, they have an auxiliary cooler, and the problems still persist. This is very dangerous to be operating when it kicks down tent mode and gears down suddenly. It has been in Fords service shop for over seven months now and we just got it back with the new auxiliary cooler on it and it is still having the same problem.

20 of 57 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
20265100Routine
20253400Do not drive
2024281020Routine
2023561800Routine
2022381600Routine
202123400Routine
202083930Routine
201937900Routine
2018 — this page571410Routine
2017981820Routine
20161552141Fatalities reported
20151922619Fatalities reported
20143300Routine
20011000Routine

Compare every Transit year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 3, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.