2018 Ford Transit Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Transit, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1523.1%
- Powertrain (other)1116.9%
- Electrical812.3%
- Body & structure812.3%
- Driver assistance46.2%
- Fuel system46.2%
- Other / unspecified46.2%
- Tires & wheels23.1%
- Brakes23.1%
- Seat belts23.1%
- Visibility11.5%
- Interior & seats11.5%
- Steering11.5%
- Suspension11.5%
- Airbags11.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Transit. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase the mileage was 64,000 and at the time when the fraud was discovered the mileage was 364,00.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 recently reoccurred for the third time. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle goes into "limp" mode at random and without warning. The driver loses the ability to accelerate even though the engine remains on. This poses a serious safety risk to the driver, passenger and all other drivers on the highway when the driver has lost mechanical control and has to coast to the side of the road out of traffic. This began happening only after 37,000 miles. The throttle body was replaced, however, this is a reoccurring issue on other vehicles of the same type in my fleet posing a major safety threat to my employees and bystanders.
After two or three hours driving in the high way show in the dashboard panel "TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED" and lose power it means "traction" driving from 60 MPH goes under 40 MPH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 wheel from vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Agilis CrossClimate C-Metric, Tire Size: 235/65R/16C, and DOT Number: 1FK4107CX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23T002000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I ordered 195/75R-16C Cooper Hercules Terra Trac tires for two different vendors on Ebay. Four from one vendor , two from another. The two tires I got from one vendor, had a manufacturer date code of 2622, which is good. The other four tires had NO date of manufacture code anywhere on them!!! Isn't this against the law?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
REAR BRAKES AND TIRES FOR TWO OF OUR 2018 FORD TRANSIT VEHICLES ARE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLES. WE ALSO SEEN THIS OCCUR WITH ONE OF OUR 2016 FORD TRANSIT -- REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN 32,000
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD TRANSIT VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOULDER HARNESS WAS IMPROPERLY MOUNTED TO THE SEAT AN NOT TO THE A-PILLAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DESIGN FAILED TO ALLOW THE PASSENGER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY IN THE LIKELIHOOD THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY. GAUDIN FORD (6625 ROY HORN WAY, LAS VEGAS, NV 89118, (888) 301-4776) CONTACTED THE DESIGNER OF THE CONVERSION VAN AND STATED THE CONTACT'S CONCERN. THE DESIGNER AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. HE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.
1. RAIN SENSING WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY BARELY WHEN DRIVING. TOLD BY SALES MANAGER THAT "THEY WORK BUT IT ISN'T A PERFECT SYSTEM" 2. A.M. LIMITED RECEPTION IN WIDE OPEN AREAS IN MULTIPLE LARGE POPULATION AREAS. SITTING OR DRIVING BOTH. TRIED TO USE FOR 530 A.M. ROAD INFORMATION & WOULDN'T WORK. 3. BODY ROOF SEAL CAME LOOSE FROM ROOF DRIVING HOME IN COLD WEATHER. 4. TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT GOES OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING. 5. SEAT BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT TAB ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FELL OFF. NOT COVERED BY FORD BECAUSE IT IS PLASTIC. 6. CUSTOMER CONNECTION POWER POINT ON DRIVERS SEAT PEDESTAL MISSING A MOUNTING NUT FROM FACTORY. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE POWER POINT IS NOT FACTORY BECAUSE WE CONNECTED INTO THE PORT AS IT WAS DESIGNED FOR. STUD THREADS ARE STILL UNMARKED (NEW). THIS ALLOWS THE LOWER SECTION OF CCP TO BE SLIGHTLY LOOSE. 7. AC VENTS ON MAX BLOWING OUT 65-70 DEGREE AIR AT IDLE IN 80 DEGREE OUTSIDE AMBIENT TEMP. (KNOWN ISSUE) 8. OVERHEAD A/C LOUVERED VENTS ARE BREAKING INTERNALLY WHEN ADJUSTED. ONE ENTIRE VENT FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONTO MY CHILD'S HEAD WHO COULDN'T TOUCH IT. NOT COVERED BECAUSE THEY BROKE BUT THEY AREN'T A MECHANICAL FAILURE. DAUGHTER HAD SCRATCH ON HER FOREHEAD WHERE IT HIT HER. 10. OPENED UP HEADLAMP LENS TO UPGRADE THE LIGHTS AND THE LOW BEAM PIG TAIL ON BOTH LIGHTS ARE ALREADY DETERIORATING FROM THE LENS HEAT. LIGHTLY TOUCHED EACH OF THE LOCKING CLIPS AND WITHOUT LIFTING EITHER ONE AND THEY FELL OFF. HIGH BEAM WHICH ARE USED MUCH LESS HAVE PERFECT LOCKING TABS STILL. REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN CONTINUITY TO THESE LIGHTS. 11. LAST WEEK A PLUG IN THE DRIVERS DOOR THRESHOLD OVER FRAME BOLT TRIPPED ME WHEN IT CAME UP AS I WAS STEPPING OUT. SECOND TO FALL OUT. ALL THIS TOLD TO US UNDER THE 36K BUMPER TO BUMPER YET DEALER IS WILLING TO CHARGE ME FOR THE DEFECTIVE PARTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. RAIN SENSING WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY BARELY WHEN DRIVING. TOLD BY SALES MANAGER THAT "THEY WORK BUT IT ISN'T A PERFECT SYSTEM" 2. A.M. LIMITED RECEPTION IN WIDE OPEN AREAS IN MULTIPLE LARGE POPULATION AREAS. SITTING OR DRIVING BOTH. TRIED TO USE FOR 530 A.M. ROAD INFORMATION & WOULDN'T WORK. 3. BODY ROOF SEAL CAME LOOSE FROM ROOF DRIVING HOME IN COLD WEATHER. 4. TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT GOES OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING. 5. SEAT BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT TAB ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FELL OFF. NOT COVERED BY FORD BECAUSE IT IS PLASTIC. 6. CUSTOMER CONNECTION POWER POINT ON DRIVERS SEAT PEDESTAL MISSING A MOUNTING NUT FROM FACTORY. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE POWER POINT IS NOT FACTORY BECAUSE WE CONNECTED INTO THE PORT AS IT WAS DESIGNED FOR. STUD THREADS ARE STILL UNMARKED (NEW). THIS ALLOWS THE LOWER SECTION OF CCP TO BE SLIGHTLY LOOSE. 7. AC VENTS ON MAX BLOWING OUT 65-70 DEGREE AIR AT IDLE IN 80 DEGREE OUTSIDE AMBIENT TEMP. (KNOWN ISSUE) 8. OVERHEAD A/C LOUVERED VENTS ARE BREAKING INTERNALLY WHEN ADJUSTED. ONE ENTIRE VENT FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONTO MY CHILD'S HEAD WHO COULDN'T TOUCH IT. NOT COVERED BECAUSE THEY BROKE BUT THEY AREN'T A MECHANICAL FAILURE. DAUGHTER HAD SCRATCH ON HER FOREHEAD WHERE IT HIT HER. 10. OPENED UP HEADLAMP LENS TO UPGRADE THE LIGHTS AND THE LOW BEAM PIG TAIL ON BOTH LIGHTS ARE ALREADY DETERIORATING FROM THE LENS HEAT. LIGHTLY TOUCHED EACH OF THE LOCKING CLIPS AND WITHOUT LIFTING EITHER ONE AND THEY FELL OFF. HIGH BEAM WHICH ARE USED MUCH LESS HAVE PERFECT LOCKING TABS STILL. REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN CONTINUITY TO THESE LIGHTS. 11. LAST WEEK A PLUG IN THE DRIVERS DOOR THRESHOLD OVER FRAME BOLT TRIPPED ME WHEN IT CAME UP AS I WAS STEPPING OUT. SECOND TO FALL OUT. ALL THIS TOLD TO US UNDER THE 36K BUMPER TO BUMPER YET DEALER IS WILLING TO CHARGE ME FOR THE DEFECTIVE PARTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2018 FORD TRANSIT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE SLIDING DOOR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD BECOME STUCK. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE SLIDING DOOR ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my vehicle on for am oil change and the mechanic brought to my attention that the front subframe of the vehicle had serious rot and rust. This lower subframe ties the front control arms together and other structural components, which is concerning with how fast this component has degraded. When researching this online, this appears to be a common issue on 2015 and later Transit vans, to the point that an investigation was started towards a class action lawsuit. My vehicle is only 8 years and has 95,000 miles, quite young for this serious of an issue to be found. Ford should be held responsible and a safety recall should be issued as other manufacturers have had similar ones in recent years.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my vehicle on for am oil change and the mechanic brought to my attention that the front subframe of the vehicle had serious rot and rust. This lower subframe ties the front control arms together and other structural components, which is concerning with how fast this component has degraded. When researching this online, this appears to be a common issue on 2015 and later Transit vans, to the point that an investigation was started towards a class action lawsuit. My vehicle is only 8 years and has 95,000 miles, quite young for this serious of an issue to be found. Ford should be held responsible and a safety recall should be issued as other manufacturers have had similar ones in recent years.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLOTH HEADLINER AT SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT STAY UNDERNEATH THE DOOR GASKET.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .