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2018 Ford Transit transmission problems

12 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 87,000.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
87,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Driveline: differential unit
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Transit transmission problems in other years

20142015201620172018201920202021202220232024

Related recalls

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

What 2018 Ford Transit owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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 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.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Transmission · NV

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 the safety implications, I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate whether Recall 19S07 should be expanded to include Ford Transit vehicles equipped with the 6R80 transmission. Summary Vehicle: 2018 Ford Transit 250, 60,000 miles DTCs: P0715-00, P0717-00 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor failure) Component: 6R80 mechatronic lead frame (same part as in Recall 19S07) Symptoms: Limp mode, loss of shifting, unsafe drivability Ford refuses coverage despite identical failure acknowledged in other model

Filed Jun 25, 2024 · Transmission · NY

Randomly down shifts on its own while driving

Filed Mar 26, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · 200,593 miles · TN

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.

Filed May 11, 2023 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving into the driveway, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure was mileage 87,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Transmission · CO

This is an update on the same problem I reported a year ago...January 2022, it started to shudder during acceleration but it was intermittent. February 2022, it started to occur more. March 2022, it started to do it while cruising at a higher speed on the freeway. Then going up a steep hill one day, it started to shudder and could not exceed more than 30 mph up a very steep hill. The transmission is progressively getting worse...It seems to stay in 1st gear and then jump to 6th gear...and now I smell some burning...There is a recall on the Ford Focus transmission for the same reason...Although it may be a different transmission, the problem is a carbon copy of my Ford transmission...This should be a RECALL ISSUE because it is happening a lot in other documented cases. Please inform us of the steps to get this issue INVESTIGATED and RECALLED.

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TX

While I am driving, the battery warning light come up first, then the break system warning light come up, then transmission warning coming up. if I keep vehicle moving after while will get back normal. only when I stop the vehicle then vehicle will shut off can not start. Only when I jump start and will running for while.

Filed Jun 1, 2022 · Transmission · CO

Multiple occurrences after traveling on the highway and then slowing down or when coming to a stop, the vehicle autonomously makes one or more very hard downshifts. It is enough to unexpectedly propel the occupants forward in their seats/seatbelts. ...while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into limp mode. The shuddering and vibrations along with the slipping of gears and the inability to go uphill before it goes into limp mode...The vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. There's a recall on the Ford Focus and the problem is a carbon copy. Reading about other Transit vans having the same problem, I felt that I should make you aware of the issue.

Questions about the 2018 Ford Transit transmission

Does the 2018 Ford Transit have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the transmission of the 2018 Ford Transit, 21% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Transit transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 87,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Ford Transit transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 19V103000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Transit have bad transmission?

The Ford Transit model years with the most transmission complaints are 2015 (78 complaints), 2016 (60 complaints) and 2017 (40 complaints).

Other 2018 Ford Transit problems

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

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