2018 Ford Transit Connect Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
31/100
#10 most-complained of 14 Transit Connect years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect has 22 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 31, and 6 recalls, ranking 10th of 14 model years with a "Good" verdict. Brakes are the top problem area at 27% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
Top 2018 Ford Transit Connect problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes6 (27%)
- Steering5 (23%)
- Other4 (18%)
- Electrical System3 (14%)
- Engine3 (14%)
- Structure & Body3 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (14%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report repeated brake pad replacement along with a clicking noise from the front driver's side wheel despite dealer inspections finding nothing wrong.
- Some describe unexpected power steering failure while driving, with no warning lights, and multiple owners of separate vans reported the same failure including repeated power steering rack replacements.
- One owner reported ABS light activation with loss of traction control and hill assist, plus a speed sensor failure that recurred after an initial repair.
- Another owner described a torque converter failure with no warning indicators, confirmed and repaired by the dealer under warranty.
- A rear window reportedly shattered on its own while driving with no sign of impact, cracking into spider-web pattern glass.
- An electrical complaint described a rodent nest in the heater blower motor causing noise, vibration, and odor, with no permanent fix offered.
2018 Ford Transit Connect recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles
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 driverâs 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.
- NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 24V294000Apr 26, 2024Visibility & Wipers1,315 vehicles
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.
Remedy: 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.
2018 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Transit Connect years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
- Relative to other Transit Connect model years, 2018 is rated "Good," with a complaint index of 31 and 22 NHTSA complaints, ranking 10th out of 14 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 61,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Transit Connect, covering collision avoidance/rearview cameras, a panoramic roof bonding issue, a shifter cable bushing defect, and a Freedman Seating seat modification recall.
- How does the 2018 model compare to other Transit Connect years?
- 2018 has a lower complaint index (31) than 2014, 2015, and 2016, which are rated "Avoid" with indexes of 100, 85, and 92 respectively, making 2018 a comparatively better year.
- Are there steering problems on the 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
- Steering complaints make up 23% of reports for this year, including power steering failures while driving with no warning, described in multiple sample complaints.