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2018 Ford Transit problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Ford Transit is engine and cooling, typically around 90,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Transit model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
66/100
Owner complaints
58
Recalls
14
Service bulletins
192
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
16mpg

The worst 2018 Ford Transit problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    15
  • Transmission
    12
  • Electrical
    9
  • Body
    8
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Wheels
    4
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ford Transit

Backup camera 6

Recalls 14

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported September 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 the federal safety agency recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 8, 2025.

Recall number 25V572000 · Recall details

Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cableReported August 11, 2021 · 30 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 21V631000 · Recall details

Structure: emergency: escape/egress/exitReported June 11, 2019 · 15 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V439000 · Recall details

SeatsReported April 29, 2019 · 544 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V333000 · Recall details

SeatsReported April 26, 2019 · 360 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V329000 · Recall details

SeatsReported April 18, 2019 · 2,080 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V313000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 28, 2019 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V247000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 28, 2019 · 15 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V252000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 26, 2019 · 12 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V238000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 22, 2019 · 776 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V229000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 18, 2019 · 471 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V205000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 1, 2019 · 90 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V332000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported February 21, 2019 · 174 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 19V103000 · Recall details

SeatsReported November 6, 2018 · 475 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 18V782000 · Recall details

See all 14 recalls for the 2018 Ford Transit

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Transit 192

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 192 bulletins for the 2018 Ford Transit

2018 Ford Transit fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylRWD151816
3.7L 6‑cylRWD141816

What 2018 Ford Transit owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Electrical · CA

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 purchase, we discovered that the backup camera stops working when the temperature rises. Now that it is midsummer and temperatures are consistently warm, the camera no longer works. Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 appears to apply to this vehicle, but I have been told that our specific VIN is not included. However, the program notice specifically lists 2015–2025 Transit vehicles built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · NY

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.

Filed May 22, 2026 · OK

Back up camera works only intermittently.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Electrical · 364,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine · 90,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CO

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.

Filed Oct 13, 2025 · FL

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.

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Electrical · MI

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.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Transmission · 480,000 miles · PA

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.

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Questions about the 2018 Ford Transit

Is the 2018 Ford Transit reliable?

Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 2018 Ford Transit, close to a typical Transit model year.

What is the 2018 Ford Transit year score?

The 2018 Ford Transit scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Transit: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Transit?

Engine and cooling, with 15 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is transmission (12).

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Transit have?

14 recalls, covering back over prevention, parking brake and structure.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Transit get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Ford Transit range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 18 highway.

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