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2018 Ford Transit

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Transit do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 37.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

30 reports with mileage · 27 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Structure complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2023
StructureUnknown Or Other

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.

NHTSA ODI #11525723

62,000 miles · Jan 2, 2021
Structure

THIS VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH TWO WENT OPENING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE HOOD. THIS WENT OPENINGS ARE FOR HEAT SYSTEM TO SUCK THE AIR IN FOR HEATING OR DEFROSTING. PROBLEM WITH THIS OPENINGS THEY ARE GETTING BLOCKED WITH SNOW OR ICE IN SNOWY WEATHER AND AREN'T ALLOWING ENOUGH AIR TO ENTER IN TO A VEHICLE TO HEAT IT. YOU CAN SOLVE THI…

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THIS VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH TWO WENT OPENING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE HOOD. THIS WENT OPENINGS ARE FOR HEAT SYSTEM TO SUCK THE AIR IN FOR HEATING OR DEFROSTING. PROBLEM WITH THIS OPENINGS THEY ARE GETTING BLOCKED WITH SNOW OR ICE IN SNOWY WEATHER AND AREN'T ALLOWING ENOUGH AIR TO ENTER IN TO A VEHICLE TO HEAT IT. YOU CAN SOLVE THIS TURNING THE SWITCH TO INTERIOR CIRCULATION BUT AT THAT TIME ON THIS OPTION DEFROST FUTURE GOING OUT AND THERE IS NO WAY TO DEFROST WINDOWS BASICALLY IF THE WENT OUTSIDE ON TOP OF THE HOOD FROZEN OR BLOCKED WITH SNOW. THIS CREATES DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. I REALIZE THIS IN THE LAST BIG SNOW STORM ON NORTHEAST WHERE WE GOT LOT OF SNOW. COMPANY LIKE FORD MOTOR SHOULD NOT MISSED SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

NHTSA ODI #11386170

44,640 miles · Dec 15, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructure

FUEL DOOR BROKEN AT UPPER HINGE. VERY COMMON PART FAILURE FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE.

NHTSA ODI #11383558

45,000 miles · Nov 26, 2020
Structure

SLIDING DOOR SENSOR INDICATING DOOR OPEN IS MALFUNCTIONING I STARTED MOVING VEHICLE NOT KNOWING DOOR IS OPEN

NHTSA ODI #11376453

32,000 miles · Aug 5, 2019
EngineStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD TRANSIT. WHEN IT RAINED, WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DAMAGED THE COMPONENTS. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SEPARATOR FROM THE TOP OF THE HOOD TO THE WINDSHIELD HAD SEPARATED, ALLOWING WATER TO FLOW I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD TRANSIT. WHEN IT RAINED, WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DAMAGED THE COMPONENTS. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SEPARATOR FROM THE TOP OF THE HOOD TO THE WINDSHIELD HAD SEPARATED, ALLOWING WATER TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT EVEN NOTICED THAT THE ROOF INSIDE THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS WET AND THERE WAS WATER ON THE FLOOR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ODI #11241703

3,000 miles · Mar 27, 2019
Structure

AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS OF 75 MPH WITH A 30 DEGREE CROSSWIND AND GUSTS EXCEEDING 40 MPH, THE FRONT DOOR ON THE LEE SIDE FLEXES AND THE TOP OF THE DOOR OPENS. THIS DEFORMATION OF THE DOOR INDICATES A POTENTIAL FOR THE WARPING OF DOORS OVER TIME OR IN THE WORSE CASE, THE DOOR COMPLETELY OPENING TO THE DETRIMENT OF DRIVER AND PASSENG…

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AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS OF 75 MPH WITH A 30 DEGREE CROSSWIND AND GUSTS EXCEEDING 40 MPH, THE FRONT DOOR ON THE LEE SIDE FLEXES AND THE TOP OF THE DOOR OPENS. THIS DEFORMATION OF THE DOOR INDICATES A POTENTIAL FOR THE WARPING OF DOORS OVER TIME OR IN THE WORSE CASE, THE DOOR COMPLETELY OPENING TO THE DETRIMENT OF DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. TRAVELING NORTH WITH GUSTY WINDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR FLEXED OPEN AND TRAVELING SOUTH WITH A GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS THE DRIVER DOOR FLEXED OPEN. (OCCURRED FEBRUARY 2019 ON A SUNDAY)

NHTSA ODI #11191973

4,500 miles · Sep 5, 2018
Structure

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 CHIPPING GOING ON AFTER ONLY A…

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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 CHIPPING GOING ON AFTER ONLY A FEW MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI #11124467

2,500 miles · Jun 29, 2018
StructureInjury

WHEN THE VAN IS STATIONARY AND RUNNING FOR 10-15 MINUTES, HALF OF THE CARGO FLOOR (BEHIND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS) REACHES A TEMPERATURE OF 125-130 DEGREES. A TEMP GUN WAS USED TO DEMONSTRATE THIS SAFETY HAZARD. I MADE MENTION OF THIS TO AN AUTOBODY SHOP WHO SUGGESTED HAVING THE DEALERSHIP TAKE A LOOK SINCE THAT DOESN'T…

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WHEN THE VAN IS STATIONARY AND RUNNING FOR 10-15 MINUTES, HALF OF THE CARGO FLOOR (BEHIND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS) REACHES A TEMPERATURE OF 125-130 DEGREES. A TEMP GUN WAS USED TO DEMONSTRATE THIS SAFETY HAZARD. I MADE MENTION OF THIS TO AN AUTOBODY SHOP WHO SUGGESTED HAVING THE DEALERSHIP TAKE A LOOK SINCE THAT DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP IN WEST PALM BEACH (AL PACKER, 561-689-6550) LOOKED OVER THIS, THEY STATED THIS IS AS DESIGNED AND IT MATCHES A FEW OTHER FORD TRANSITS THEY CHECKED. THEY SAID NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO ASSIST ME EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY HAZARD AS A TEMPERATURE OF 130 DEGREES CAN CAUSE FIRST DEGREE BURN IF IN CONTACT FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS (SEE ATTACHED IMAGE REFERENCES). WHEN I SPOKE TO FORD MOTORS (800-392-3673), THEY SAID IT'S UP TO THE DEALERSHIPS TO SPEAK WITH THE ENGINEERING DEPT IN ORDER TO INVESTIGATE INTO ANYTHING AND THAT THEY ALSO CANT DO ANYTHING BESIDES ADD COMMENTS TO MY CASE NUMBER (15138348) WHICH WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE SERVICE DELIVERY MANAGER I ALREADY WORKED WITH (STEVEN THOMAS). THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE (2500 MILES SO FAR) AND I'VE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF ANY WHERE IT'S EXPECTED TO WORK WITH A FLOOR SPACE THAT GETS 130 DEGREES HOT. I'M LOOKING TO GET FORD TO AGREE TO A SAFETY RECALL TO ADDRESS THE INSUFFICIENT HEAT SHIELDING WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

NHTSA ODI #11104751

Official recalls

14

25V572000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 3, 2025

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 & remedy

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.

21V631000 · Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical:linkage And Cable

Aug 11, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

19V439000 · Structure:emergency:escape/egress/exit

Jun 11, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V333000 · Seats

Apr 29, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V329000 · Seats

Apr 26, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V313000 · Seats

Apr 18, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V247000 · Seats

Mar 28, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V252000 · Seats

Mar 28, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V238000 · Seats

Mar 26, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V229000 · Seats

Mar 22, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V205000 · Seats

Mar 18, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V332000 · Seats

Mar 1, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

19V103000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft; Power Train:driveline:universal Joint

Feb 21, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

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.

Power Train:driveline:universal Joint

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.

18V782000 · Seats

Nov 6, 2018

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.