2018 Ford Transit Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Ford Transit ranks 6th worst out of 12 model years with a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 57 complaints, 14 recalls, and 1 crash, with engine issues the top problem area at 28% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #6 of 12 Transit years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 57
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2018 Ford Transit problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
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 sudden unintended acceleration while maneuvering at low speed, with the brake pedal pressed but the vehicle failing to stop.
- Cargo floor areas near the front seats reportedly reach very high temperatures after the van idles for 10-15 minutes.
- Paint at door-opening joints and roof welds reportedly bubbles, chips, or rubs off within months of ownership.
- Owners describe rodents chewing through vehicle wiring, causing engine starting trouble without any warning light.
- Suspension components on one side reportedly break shortly after purchase, with the same failure later occurring on the other side.
- Owners report water leaking into the engine compartment during rain, damaging components and causing knocking noises after the hood-to-windshield seal separated.
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 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Transit a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th worst among the 12 model years with data. Engine problems are the top complaint category at 28% of reports.
- What problems does the 2018 Ford Transit have?
- Owners most often complained about the engine (28% of complaints, median failure mileage 84,000), transmission and powertrain (21%), and structure and body issues (16%), including cargo area overheating and water leaks.
- Does the 2018 Ford Transit have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Transit, covering issues such as rearview cameras, parking brake cable clearance, glass roof hatches, and Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats on modified vans.
- How does the 2018 Transit compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 55 is lower than 2015 (100), 2016 (91), and 2020 (82), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2019 (18) and 2021 (27), which fared better.