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2018 Ford Transit

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Transit do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 37.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

30 reports with mileage · 27 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

57 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2023
Power Train

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 cou…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11504348

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2022
Tires

I ordered 195/75R-16C Cooper Hercules Terra Trac tires for two different vendors on Ebay. Four from one vendor , two from another. The two tires I got from one vendor, had a manufacturer date code of 2622, which is good. The other four tires had NO date of manufacture code anywhere on them!!! Isn't this against the law?

NHTSA ODI #11488396

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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.

NHTSA ODI #11471795

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
Power Train

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11466902

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages

2018 FORD TRANSIT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE SLIDING DOOR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD BECOME STUCK. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE SLIDING DOOR ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY

NHTSA ODI #11458611

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2022
Unknown Or Other

This is the second time this has occurred. The van lost sudden power causing me to almost be hit from behind a second time now. This is only 3 months after the initial occurrence. The Ford manufacturer is aware.

NHTSA ODI #11449526

44,000 miles · Oct 13, 2021
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into limp mode. The vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and rema…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into limp mode. The vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ODI #11436563

26,000 miles · Sep 28, 2021
Back Over Prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the rearview camera would inadvertently turn blue while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall because the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the f…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the rearview camera would inadvertently turn blue while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall because the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while reversing. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11434778

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

After two or three hours driving in the high way show in the dashboard panel "TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED" and lose power it means "traction" driving from 60 MPH goes under 40 MPH

NHTSA ODI #11423584

12,000 miles · Mar 30, 2021
Power Train

MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES AFTER TRAVELING AT FULL SPEED ON US HWY 76AND 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. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE POSSIBLE REOPENING OF THE F150 RECALL AND REA…

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MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES AFTER TRAVELING AT FULL SPEED ON US HWY 76AND 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. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE POSSIBLE REOPENING OF THE F150 RECALL AND READING ABOUT OTHER TRANSIT VANS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, I FELT THAT I SHOULD MAKE YOU AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA ODI #11405673

Official recalls

14

25V572000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 3, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V631000 · Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical:linkage And Cable

Aug 11, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V439000 · Structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit

Jun 11, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V333000 · Seats

Apr 29, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V329000 · Seats

Apr 26, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V313000 · Seats

Apr 18, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V247000 · Seats

Mar 28, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V252000 · Seats

Mar 28, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V238000 · Seats

Mar 26, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V229000 · Seats

Mar 22, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V205000 · Seats

Mar 18, 2019

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V332000 · Seats

Mar 1, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V103000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft; Power Train:driveline:universal Joint

Feb 21, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Consequence: 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.

18V782000 · Seats

Nov 6, 2018

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.