2018 Ford Transit problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Transit, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 14 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
46
Recalls
14
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
9
Median mileage
87,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 12 of 46 complaints (26%).
  • Engine (12) and electrical system (7) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 87,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 9 injuries.
  • The 2018 Ford Transit has 14 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 3rd of 12 Ford Transit model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 30% fewer complaints than the 2017 model year (66).

2018 Ford Transit problems by category

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    12 complaints
  • Engine
    12 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    9 complaints
  • Electrical System
    7 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    4 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Power train11
Engine11
Unknown or other9
Electrical system5
Fuel/propulsion system4
Structure:body3
Engine and engine cooling2
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer2

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k210k–30k330k–60k660k–100k1100k–150k6150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2018 Ford Transit complaints that list mileage.

2018 Ford Transit recalls (14)

  • Recall 25V572000Sep 3, 20251,456,417 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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.

  • Recall 21V631000Aug 11, 202130 vehicles
    PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

    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.

  • Recall 19V439000Jun 11, 201915 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

    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.

  • Recall 19V333000Apr 29, 2019544 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V329000Apr 26, 2019360 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V313000Apr 18, 20192,080 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V252000Mar 28, 201915 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V247000Mar 28, 20194 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V238000Mar 26, 201912 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V229000Mar 22, 2019776 vehicles
    SEATS

    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.

  • Recall 19V205000Mar 18, 2019471 vehicles
    SEATS

    Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

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

    Remedy: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.

  • Recall 19V332000Mar 1, 201990 vehicles
    SEATS

    Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats. When the seat back 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: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles has notified owners, and Freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.

  • Recall 19V103000Feb 21, 2019174 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT

    XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.

    Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.

    Remedy: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.

  • Recall 18V782000Nov 6, 2018475 vehicles
    SEATS

    National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

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

    Remedy: National Van will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1-508-222-2272.

Recent 2018 Ford Transit complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 8, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    The rearview camera is not working. On a vehicle of this size, a functioning rearview camera is especially important for helping to prevent backing incidents. The issue occurs every time the vehicle is driven, and the display shows, “Rear View Camera not available.” Dealers have advised that they will not inspect the vehicle unless we pay a diagnostic fee. In June 2026, we purchased a used 2018 Ford Transit 150 van with 68,000 miles from a Ford dealership. Two days after the…
    NHTSA complaint #11769897 · source
  2. Filed Sep 2, 202685,000 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11761603 · source
  3. Filed Aug 5, 2026NYOther / UnknownSteeringSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11755008 · source
  4. Filed May 7, 2026364,000 miNYElectrical System
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11736268 · source
  5. Filed Feb 25, 202690,000 miWAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11720498 · source
  6. Filed Dec 5, 2025COEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11703242 · source
  7. Filed Oct 13, 2025FLOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11693073 · source
  8. Filed Oct 11, 2025MIElectrical System
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11692745 · source

Compare the 2018 Ford Transit with another vehicle →

Other 2018 Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology