2018 Ford Transit Connect Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Ford Transit Connect ranks 11th out of 14 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 23 and a Best verdict. It has 22 NHTSA complaints and 6 recall campaigns, with brakes as the top problem area at 27% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 23/100
- #11 of 14 Transit Connect years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2018 Ford Transit Connect problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report repeated brake pad and tire wear along with front-wheel clicking noises that dealers could not diagnose.
- Several owners describe sudden power steering failure at highway speed with no warning lights, sometimes requiring the steering rack to be replaced more than once.
- A rodent nest in the climate control blower motor caused loud noise, vibration, and a foul odor from the heater.
- One owner reported the torque converter failed with no warning indicators, repaired under warranty.
- A rear window reportedly shattered on its own while driving with no visible impact.
- ABS light, loss of traction control, and hill assist warnings appeared alongside a failed speed sensor, recurring after an earlier repair.
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?
- Among Transit Connect model years, 2018 has one of the lowest complaint counts, with a complaint index of 23 and a Best verdict, ranking 11th out of 14 years from worst to best.
- What problems does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2018 model year are led by brakes (27% of complaints) and steering (23%), followed by smaller numbers involving electrical, engine, structure, transmission, and visibility issues.
- Does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns tied to the 2018 model year, covering rearview cameras, a panoramic roof bonding issue, shifter cable bushings, and a third-party seating recall.
- How does the 2018 Transit Connect compare to other years?
- The 2018 model has a much lower complaint index (23) than years like 2014 (100), 2016 (92), and 2019 (77), which are rated Avoid, making 2018 one of the better years for reported problems.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect?
- EPA rates the 2018 Transit Connect at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.