Total Complaints
70 filings
FORD TRANSIT · model year
70 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2018FORDTRANSIT carries 70 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 16 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 TRANSIT is engine with 13 filings, followed by power train (11) and unknown or other (9). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 14 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2018 TRANSIT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
70 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 7 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
| WHEELS | 4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 1 |
SEATS
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 no
SEATS
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
SEATS
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 no
SEATS
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
SEATS
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
SEATS
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 remai
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.
SEATS
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 rotate
SEATS
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 vehic
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.
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.
SEATS
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
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 distort
SEATS
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 locke
1- THE TURBO HAS FAILED TWICE 2- CURRENTLY The torque converter has failed. The mechanic has claimed this is a common problem and recommends a complete transmission replacement. This is available for inspection right now. The problem was suspected by Dealer but independent center diagnosed. The vehicle made a terrible hum as if it was going to explode. We had it cleaned and it made it stop for 10 miles, then it resumed.
1- THE TURBO HAS FAILED TWICE 2- CURRENTLY The torque converter has failed. The mechanic has claimed this is a common problem and recommends a complete transmission replacement. This is available for inspection right now. The problem was suspected by Dealer but independent center diagnosed. The vehicle made a terrible hum as if it was going to explode. We had it cleaned and it made it stop for 10 miles, then it resumed.
Rear-view camera displayed on rear-view mirror quit working, creating a blind spot behind the vehicle. No accident has yet occurred, but the danger is there. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford has issued a recall for this problem for this year, make, and model vehicle, but Ford says that the recall is not extended to vehicles like mine that were manufactured in a plant not covered by the initial recall #25V270, which has recently been extended. My vehicle has not been inspected by any third party, nor has the problem been confirmed by any local dealer, althought I have spoken to my local dealer, Sarasota Ford, twice about this issue. No warning lamps or messages have been displayed in my vehicle. The camera just goes to a blue screen, especially when the weather is warm or in the heat of the day.
In hot or humid conditions, the 8 inch center display flashes on and off intermittently. This failure makes the backup camera unusable, which is a safety problem. It also makes controlling the navigation or radio very difficult. The dealer has looked at this vehicle problem a few times in the last five years and has been unable to duplicate the problem. I cannot force this to occur at the dealership service department. Because the weather condition needed to duplicate this problem rarely occur near my home getting service for this is very difficult. Once the heat or humidity has subsided via using the air conditioning, the problem goes away after an hour or so.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally and was almost uncontrollable. The contact held the steering wheel tightly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 480,000.
Mileage: 480,000
09/18/25 As per conversation with Ford Customer Service; while the vehicle falls within the Mfg Date (Oct 19 2017) and Mfg Place (Kansas) listed on recall notice 25S89 AKA 25V572000, 25V270, the issue description -"rear view camera distorted or blank" is still not eligible because it falls outside of Fords approved/listed VIN numbers. Ford Customer Support recommended having the issue repaired at local dealer and pay out-of-pocket and 'hope' that Ford acknowledges this VIN as part of a 'possible' future recall. How can I/we/you be assured that Ford will review this particular issue and consider it for recall? Are there other vehicles like mine that have this ongoing issue that Ford has deliberately excluded?
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the Ford dealer for service, the contact was informed that the vehicle was a Lemon vehicle, and that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 33,135; however, upon retrieving the Carfax history report of the vehicle, the Ford dealer informed the contact that the vehicle mileage was 240,000.
Mileage: 240,000
My 2018 Ford Transit 250 experienced a failure of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor in the 6R80 transmissionâs mechatronic lead frame at approximately 60,000 miles. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ford service department, which retrieved DTC codes P0715-00 and P0717-00. These codes indicate that the turbine speed sensor signal is lost, forcing the transmission into limp mode, causing loss of power and erratic shifting. This is a serious safety concern, it can occur suddenly while driving and results in loss of proper gear control. Relation to Recall 19S07 Ford has already acknowledged this same defect in other vehicles using the 6R80 transmission. In Safety Recall 19S07, Ford recalled certain 2011â2013 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator models due to failure of the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor in the 6R80 lead frame. The failure mode, symptoms, and remedy (lead frame replacement and PCM update) are identical. In my case, the failure is of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into another parked vehicle. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. No injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. Also, the vehicle later experienced the same failure. While attempting to park the vehicle again experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, crashing into a second vehicle. During the crash, the two front occupants of the second vehicle had sustained undisclosed injuries that later required medical treatment. No further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the second failure. The contact indicated that the failure had re
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started losing power, after driving over 200 yards, the vehicle became inoperable. The check engine and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road as a ramp was coming up and called AAA. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a timing chain and engine failure. The contact was informed by the dealer of an extended warranty; however, the warranty had expired two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The engine was replaced with a used engine, new timing chain, new gaskets, engine oil, water pump, rear sealant, coolant, and spark plugs. The vehicle was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,206.
Mileage: 156,206
I finance this car 10/ 25/24. I found some papers inside the car that says the car was 300.0 miles. But i purchased to the dealer with 77.0miles, how can I know is was a fraud?
I was driving on a rural highway 55 mph when I heard a pop! I lost control and veered into oncoming traffic! I slowed down by tapping brakes and ended up back on the right side in the shoulder/ditch. The shoulder had new gravel so it slowed me down and grabbed a hold of what was left. Found the wheel out in the ditch a good ways from the car and also three lug nuts with bolts still attached and broken at the base in the stretch from the turn off to where the car stopped. Also found my brake pad near a lug nut in the median! Bolts completely broken at the base with lug nuts still attached. Wheel completely fine just not on car. Inside rim gouged out from riding on it after the bolts broke. Found a recall on Ford Transit for the 2019 version of this vehicle for the exact same problem. But since this is a 2018 Ford will not honor it. Cause appears to be a weakness in the alloy used which warps over time and then without warning causing the bolts to brake at the base and separate
I was driving on a rural highway 55 mph when I heard a pop! I lost control and veered into oncoming traffic! I slowed down by tapping brakes and ended up back on the right side in the shoulder/ditch. The shoulder had new gravel so it slowed me down and grabbed a hold of what was left. Found the wheel out in the ditch a good ways from the car and also three lug nuts with bolts still attached and broken at the base in the stretch from the turn off to where the car stopped. Also found my brake pad near a lug nut in the median! Bolts completely broken at the base with lug nuts still attached. Wheel completely fine just not on car. Inside rim gouged out from riding on it after the bolts broke. Found a recall on Ford Transit for the 2019 version of this vehicle for the exact same problem. But since this is a 2018 Ford will not honor it. Cause appears to be a weakness in the alloy used which warps over time and then without warning causing the bolts to brake at the base and separate
Exhaust manifold warped/broken stud causing exhaust leak.
Randomly down shifts on its own while driving
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squeaking sound would be emitted from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that the sound went away upon the depression of the brake pedal. Since owning the vehicle, the contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, each time, the contact was informed that both the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the clips needed to keep the brake pads in place fractured approximately 20-50 miles after being replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors had been replaced several times due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and acknowledged the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Mileage: 160,000
With this vehicle when driving on highway or interstate once you go past about 40 miles the transmission begins to overheat and when it reaches a temperature of approximately 245° it will kick down into limp mode causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in front of other traffic. You have to get over to the side of the road and let the transmission cool down before you can continue at a safe pace. This vehicle has been taken multiple times the transmission has been replaced twice. They have replaced the transmission cooler, they have an auxiliary cooler, and the problems still persist. This is very dangerous to be operating when it kicks down tent mode and gears down suddenly. It has been in Fords service shop for over seven months now and we just got it back with the new auxiliary cooler on it and it is still having the same problem.
Mileage: 200,593
With this vehicle when driving on highway or interstate once you go past about 40 miles the transmission begins to overheat and when it reaches a temperature of approximately 245° it will kick down into limp mode causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in front of other traffic. You have to get over to the side of the road and let the transmission cool down before you can continue at a safe pace. This vehicle has been taken multiple times the transmission has been replaced twice. They have replaced the transmission cooler, they have an auxiliary cooler, and the problems still persist. This is very dangerous to be operating when it kicks down tent mode and gears down suddenly. It has been in Fords service shop for over seven months now and we just got it back with the new auxiliary cooler on it and it is still having the same problem.
Mileage: 200,593
With this vehicle when driving on highway or interstate once you go past about 40 miles the transmission begins to overheat and when it reaches a temperature of approximately 245° it will kick down into limp mode causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in front of other traffic. You have to get over to the side of the road and let the transmission cool down before you can continue at a safe pace. This vehicle has been taken multiple times the transmission has been replaced twice. They have replaced the transmission cooler, they have an auxiliary cooler, and the problems still persist. This is very dangerous to be operating when it kicks down tent mode and gears down suddenly. It has been in Fords service shop for over seven months now and we just got it back with the new auxiliary cooler on it and it is still having the same problem.
Mileage: 200,593
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whistling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown sensor was replaced, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH with her husband and 5 children in the vehicle, they all started having severe headaches, were dizzy and her daughter 's ears were ringing. The contact stated that she pulled to the side of the road for a moment. Then she rolled down the windows and drove to the residence. The contact stated that her 5 years old and 8 years old vomited upon arriving at the residence. The contact and her family did not seek medical assistance. The contact stated that they were able to recover after 24 hours. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold bolts were frac
Mileage: 110,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.