VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford Transit problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 74 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Transit year — the 2018 model ranks #5 of 14 Transit years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (16), transmission (11), and other (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

74

NHTSA complaints

14

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Transit years?

Transit NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted267 complaints2001: 1 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 267 complaints2016: 208 complaints2017: 130 complaints2018: 74 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 105 complaints2021: 32 complaints2022: 52 complaints2023: 74 complaints2024: 35 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Transit NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Transit years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ford Transit problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1622%
Transmission1115%
Other1014%
Body & Structure811%
Electrical System811%
Tires & Wheels68%
Fuel System45%
Brakes23%
Seat Belts23%
Speed Control23%
Driver Assistance23%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Latches & Locks11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2018 Ford Transit have recalls?

14 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V572000Driver AssistanceSeptember 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 units

Defect

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

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.

21V631000BrakesAugust 11, 2021 · 30 units

Defect

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

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.

19V439000Body & StructureJune 11, 2019 · 15 units

Defect

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

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.

19V333000SeatsApril 29, 2019 · 544 units

Defect

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

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.

19V329000SeatsApril 26, 2019 · 360 units

Defect

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

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.

19V313000SeatsApril 18, 2019 · 2,080 units

Defect

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

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.

19V247000SeatsMarch 28, 2019 · 4 units

Defect

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

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.

19V252000SeatsMarch 28, 2019 · 15 units

Defect

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

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.

19V238000SeatsMarch 26, 2019 · 12 units

Defect

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

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.

19V229000SeatsMarch 22, 2019 · 776 units

Defect

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

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.

19V205000SeatsMarch 18, 2019 · 471 units

Defect

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

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.

19V332000SeatsMarch 1, 2019 · 90 units

Defect

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

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.

19V103000TransmissionFebruary 21, 2019 · 174 units

Defect

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.

18V782000SeatsNovember 6, 2018 · 475 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

DIESEL ENGINE FAILS CATASTROPHICALLY ON HIGHWAY IN MOTION--FIRST A BLOWN PISTON AT 78K MILES, TURBO FAILED WITHIN 5K MILES OF ENGINE. PRIOR TO THESE FAILURES, BOTH THIS TRUCK AND IT'S TWIN(BOUGHT IDENTICALLY TOGETHER) DEVELOPED LEAKS IN THE RADIATORS...SAME LOCATION. THE SISTER TRUCK IS NOW AT A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 5, 2020

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 11, 2023

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 6, 2023

On March 7, 2023, at approximately 1:45 PM, Bus 437 had caught fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle while sitting in the parking lot. The bus had just came off of a route minutes before & the driver had reported the dash tell tale (warning) lights had come on. The Operator switched the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2023 · fire

SEVERAL SPOTS ARE OCCURRING AT JOINTS OF DOOR OPENINGS AND ALSO ON THE ROOF WHERE THE PAINT IS NOT ADHERING PROPERLY OR IS ACTUALLY BEING RUBBED OFF WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED AND THE VEHICLE IS AN OPERATION. THE PAINT JOB ON THE CEILING WELDS IS NOT SMOOTH. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS SOME BUBBLING OR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2018

2018 Ford Transit — common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Transit reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 74 complaints put the 2018 model at #5 of 14 Transit years. It is one of the Transit years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Transit problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), other (10 complaints).

Does the 2018 Ford Transit have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Transit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Transit years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Transit years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2018, 2023. The cleanest record among Transit years belongs to 2001.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.