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2018 Ford Transit Connect problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Ford Transit Connect has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 22owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 25%fail the UK MOT
22 complaints, against an average of 48 for the other 10 Ford Transit Connect model years.
Every Ford Transit Connect model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2018 Ford Transit Connect? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
The components named most often in the 22 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Ford Transit Connect owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 22 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Ford Transit Connect been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: 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.
Back Over Prevention: Software Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Visibility: Fixed Panaramic Roof/Sky Light Assembly Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Risk: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S29.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2018 Ford Transit Connect recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAMvl: rear-view camera distorted and/or loss of image
Risk: Affected vehicles may have an issue with the rear-view camera. Drivers may experience a distorted or loss of image.
Fix: Check vehicle and replace camera as required.
UK DVSA25C74 Transit Connect Tourneo Connect - Position Lights Not Operating Correctly
Risk: Affected vehicles may not have the remedy for recall 22C32 installed correctly. These vehicles may still have the incorrect configuration loaded onto the Body Control Module which may prevent the position lights from functioning as intended.
Fix: Update the Daytime Running Lamps configuration and perform a software verification procedure.
UK DVSATransit Connect Panoramic Roof
Risk: Transit Connect vehicles fitted with glass panoramic roofs may be subject to wind noise water leak and in rare cases separation from the vehicle.
Fix: Remove and re-install glass roof.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles an incorrect configuration was loaded onto the Body Control Module (BCM).
Risk: On certain vehicles an incorrect configuration was loaded onto the Body Control Module (BCM).
Fix: Update the Daytime Running Lamps software configuration.
UK DVSAVehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
Risk: A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel Wrench light and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
EU Safety GateThe diesel particulate filter (DPF) may be cracked on 2.0 l EcoBlue Diesel and 1.5 l EcoBlue vehicles.This could cause the vehicles to fail the legally required roadworthiness test, as exhaust emissions of soot may be above the authorised limit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateImproper cleaning of the components during primer application can leave contaminants like silicone, which weakens the adhesion of the…Improper cleaning of the components during primer application can leave contaminants like silicone, which weakens the adhesion of the glass roof plate. This may cause wind noise, water leaks, and potential detachment of the roof from the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe selector lever may malfunction, leading to unintentional movements of the vehicle.These movements of the vehicle will increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.This may result in reduced vehicle performance.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/12/2018
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, propulsion may be lost.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Ford Transit Connect owners report?
12 of the 22 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Component Affected: Service Brakes / ABS Module / Hydraulic Braking System Description of Safety Defect: There is an active, intermittent, catastrophic failure in the front braking system/ABS module causing the front brakes to completely lock up mid-transit while operating at high speeds (60+ MPH). First Incident (April 24, 2026): During operation on a busy interstate at over 60 MPH, the front braking system experienced a sudden, catastrophic thermal lock-up. This caused violent vehicle shuddering, extreme friction heat, and heavy, thick, acrid smoke. The vehicle was brought to a dealer shop…
One tire locks up gradually and then completely preventing the vehicle from being driven and causing damage to the other tires. The inability to drive the vehicle on the open road is very dangerous. There are no warning lamps. The vehicle may seem sluggish to accelerate. After towing to a service station, the ABS module failed and this caused damage to the brake master cylinder which had to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V294000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that two dealers were made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there were no technicians at the dealer capable of performing the recall repair. The contact was promised a call back once a technician was able to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of…
Power steering failed without warning. Rack and pinion had to be replaced. You now have 5 complaints on this but still no investigation open. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. $2,700 to fix. Vehicle only had 65,000 miles on it when it failed.
Driving at higher speeds when going to brake, the vehicle drops gears and slows agressively. It started to do this occasionally a couple of month ago, now it happens every other day.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the traction and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that transmission fluid was leaking from the transmission. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. The VIN was…
The transmission is having a shuddering issue, and looking online there on tons and tons of people having the same issue and stating it’s the torque converter and this is over many different years and variants of my vehicle… how is this not a recall yet?? People are having this issue right after purchase?
ABS light comes on as well as loss of traction control and hill assist. Steering is more difficult, and the speed ohmmeter will not work. This is the second time this has happen. First time mechanic replaced bad speed sensor on drivers' side front wheel and everything went back to normal it only had around 6K miles on it. Now it has around 7.5K on it and it has happen again. Have not taken it in for repair yet.
Steering system failed while driving put driver at risk of crash. The problem still exists. It appears that the power steering rack has failed for the second time and will need to be replaced. There was no warning prior to failure
I had been driving my car for a few minutes when I heard a loud pop and my rear window glass shattered. Covered in spider glass cracks and only held in place by the tint. No point of impact visible to show that it had been hit by an object. It was chilly, 43 F, and I had the heat/defrost on. Unfortunately, when arriving to work, I opened my sliding door look at the damage from the inside and doing so caused glass to fall out, so I have no picture of just the glass the way it was when it broke. A quick search shows this has happened to other vehicles including transit connects like mine, and…
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT LOW BEAM BULB BURNS OUT CONTINUOUSLY
LOUD NOISE W/VIBRATION AND FOUL ODOR COMING FROM HEATER BLOWER. DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED A RODENT'S NEST IN THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLOWER MOTOR. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY TO PREVENT RECURRENCE. DEALERSHIP ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FORD ESCAPE HAS A HISTORY OF THE SAME PROBLEM. SEE FORD'S TSB 17-0034, PUBLISHED 3/21/17 RE FORD'S RECOMMENDED PREVENTION: "...INSTALL THE NEW INLET DUCT GASKET WITH SCREEN..." (EMPHASIS ADDED).
2018 Ford Transit Connect: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Transit Connect; the most common categories were service brakes (6, 27.3%), steering (5, 22.7%), power train (3, 13.6%). There are 6 safety recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
Across 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (27.3% of complaints), steering (22.7% of complaints), power train (13.6% of complaints), electrical system (9.1% of complaints), vehicle speed control (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect; the most recent (campaign 25V572000, 2025-09-04) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
4 of the 22 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect (18.2%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "One tire locks up gradually and then completely preventing the vehicle from being driven and causing damage to the other tires. The inability to drive the vehicle on the open road is very dangerous. There are no warning lamps." (NHTSA complaint 11713637, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
4 of the 22 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect (18.2%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "Power steering failed without warning. Rack and pinion had to be replaced. You now have 5 complaints on this but still no investigation open. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. $2,700 to fix. Vehicle only had 65,000 miles on it when it failed." (NHTSA complaint 11639976, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Transit Connect
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2018 only. How these reports are made.