2018 Ford Transit Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
55/100
#6 most-complained of 12 Transit years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Ford Transit has 57 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 55 out of 100 — #6 highest of 12 Transit model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (16 complaints, 28% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash, 1 fire, and 12 injuries.
- Complaints
- 57
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 18 hwy
Top 2018 Ford Transit problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine16 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (21%)
- Other11 (19%)
- Structure & Body9 (16%)
- Electrical System8 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (12%)
- Fuel System4 (7%)
- Brakes2 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (4%)
- Seat Belts2 (4%)
2018 Ford Transit recalls
14 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 21V631000Aug 11, 2021Brakes30 vehicles
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.
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.
- NHTSA 19V439000Jun 11, 2019Structure & Body15 vehicles
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.
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.
2018 Ford Transit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford Transit a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 Ford Transit ranks #6 of 12 among Transit model years (Complaint Index 55/100, verdict: Caution). It has 57 complaints and 14 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Transit?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (16 complaints), transmission & powertrain (12 complaints), and structure & body (9 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 44,820 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford Transit have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Transit, most recently reported 2025, covering collision avoidance & cameras, brakes, structure & body, and transmission & powertrain.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Ford Transit?
- EPA rates the 2018 Ford Transit at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,050. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.