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2018 Ford Transit problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Ford Transit has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 14safety recalls
- 58owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 24%fail the UK MOT
58 complaints, against an average of 61 for the other 12 Ford Transit model years.
Every Ford Transit model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2018 Ford Transit? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2018 Ford Transit?
The components named most often in the 58 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Ford Transit owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 58 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Ford Transit stall, lose power or shut off while driving?5 owners · 8.6%
- Why does my 2018 Ford Transit transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?4 owners · 6.9%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2018 Ford Transit?4 owners · 6.9% · Recall 25V572000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Ford Transit?3 owners · 5.2%
- Has the 2018 Ford Transit had engine failures?3 owners · 5.2%
Fault codes 2018 Ford Transit owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2018 Ford Transit been recalled?
14 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2018 Ford Transit 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 DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSAThe run on water pump may overheat
Risk: The Run On Water Pump (ROWP) fitted to Transit and Transit Custom vehicles may overheat
Fix: Replacing the 15 Amp fuse with a 7.5 Amp fuse to prevent the possibility for the ROWP to overheat.
UK DVSAIncorrectly torqued left hand seatbelt to seatbelt shoulder height adjuster bolt
Risk: An incorrectly torqued left hand seatbelt to seatbelt shoulder height adjuster bolt.
Fix: Replace the left hand seatbelt and shoulder height adjuster with new parts.
EU Safety GateThe fuse for the electronic Run On Water Pump (ROWP) is inadequate and will not prevent it from overheating in case of failure.This will lead to the melting of the pump body and wiring, increasing the risk of fire.
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: 26/06/2020
EU Safety GateThe shoulder height adjuster bolt on the driver-side's front seatbelt may be incorrectly torqued.As a result, in the event of an accident, the seatbelt anchorage bolt may separate from the seatbelt shoulder height adjuster, leading to injuries.
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: 08/02/2019
How often does the 2018 Ford Transit 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 owners report?
12 of the 58 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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I finance this car 10/ 25/24. I found some papers inside the car that says the car was 300.0 miles. But i purchased to the dealer with 77.0miles, how can I know is was a fraud?
The contact's company owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the tow company mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion in the engine had caused the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. Additionally, the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The vehicle goes into "limp" mode at random and without warning. The driver loses the ability to accelerate even though the engine remains on. This poses a serious safety risk to the driver, passenger and all other drivers on the highway when the driver has lost mechanical control and has to coast to the side of the road out of traffic. This began happening only after 37,000 miles. The throttle body was replaced, however, this is a reoccurring issue on other vehicles of the same type in my fleet posing a major safety threat to my employees and bystanders.
Hi, I bought this Ford 150 transit brand new back in 2018. About 6 months ago my rear camera is not working properly, sometimes the screen is dark or the view is real fuzzy hard to see cars when backing up. I called Ford corporation to see if this has a recall , but no such luck. They did file a complaint form of the issue. Will let me know when there is a recall. I'm worried that someday i'm going to back up and hit a car or a person, Also i do use this van for work to transport people. Its hard to see with a large full size transit van. I think this should be a recall for these transit vans…
The right side passenger door opens when driving. The door will not stay latched even when locked. I close the door, pull on it to ensure it is latched, but when I start driving, the door slides open. This is my family vehicle used to transport our children, and is a very dangerous situation.
THIS VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH TWO WENT OPENING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE HOOD. THIS WENT OPENINGS ARE FOR HEAT SYSTEM TO SUCK THE AIR IN FOR HEATING OR DEFROSTING. PROBLEM WITH THIS OPENINGS THEY ARE GETTING BLOCKED WITH SNOW OR ICE IN SNOWY WEATHER AND AREN'T ALLOWING ENOUGH AIR TO ENTER IN TO A VEHICLE TO HEAT IT. YOU CAN SOLVE THIS TURNING THE SWITCH TO INTERIOR CIRCULATION BUT AT THAT TIME ON THIS OPTION DEFROST FUTURE GOING OUT AND THERE IS NO WAY TO DEFROST WINDOWS BASICALLY IF THE WENT OUTSIDE ON TOP OF THE HOOD FROZEN OR BLOCKED WITH SNOW. THIS CREATES DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. I REALIZE…
2018 Ford Transit: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Ford Transit reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Transit; the most common categories were engine (14, 24.1%), power train (12, 20.7%), electrical system (9, 15.5%). There are 14 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 12 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Transit?
Across 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (24.1% of complaints), power train (20.7% of complaints), electrical system (15.5% of complaints), structure (13.8% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (6.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Ford Transit have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2018 Ford Transit; 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 does my 2018 Ford Transit stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 58 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit (8.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11466902, June 2022). 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 my 2018 Ford Transit transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
4 of the 58 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit (6.9%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11466902, June 2022). 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 backup camera not work on my 2018 Ford Transit?
4 of the 58 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit (6.9%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. A related recall exists: campaign 25V572000 (back over prevention: sensing system: camera). The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11769897, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Ford Transit?
3 of the 58 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit (5.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light turned on and ended up being malfunctioning catylytic converter. ford transit ecoboost 3.5 350xlt 21000 miles approx. not sure why or how but ford dealership replacing parts." (NHTSA complaint 11232547, July 2019). 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.
Has the 2018 Ford Transit had engine failures?
3 of the 58 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Transit (5.2%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Diesel engine fails catastrophically on highway in motion--first a blown piston at 78k miles, turbo failed within 5k miles of engine." (NHTSA complaint 11385232, December 2020). 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
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; combines NHTSA's entries for TRANSIT, TRANSIT HIGH ROOF 15 PASS, TRANSIT HIGH ROOF(8,10,12) PASS, TRANSIT LOW ROOF 15 PASS, TRANSIT LOW ROOF(8,10,12) PASS, TRANSIT MEDIUM ROOF 15 PASS and TRANSIT MEDIUM ROOF(8,10,12) PASS. How these reports are made.