Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2018 Ford Transit: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Transit, most recently filed September 2025. Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
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Recalls (14)

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Transit. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V572000 Filed Sep 3, 2025

Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
15.4% repairedof 1,456,417 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V572000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V631000 Filed Aug 11, 2021

Parking Brake Cable May Fail

Parking brake · conventional · mechanical · linkage and cable
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
76.7% repairedof 30 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V631000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V439000 Filed Jun 11, 2019

Roof Hatch Glass may Shatter

Structure · emergency · escape/egress/exit
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
33.3% repairedof 15 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V439000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V333000 Filed Apr 29, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported544 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V333000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V329000 Filed Apr 26, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported360 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V329000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V313000 Filed Apr 18, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported2,080 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V313000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V247000 Filed Mar 28, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
100% repairedof 4 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V247000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V252000 Filed Mar 28, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
100% repairedof 15 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V252000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V238000 Filed Mar 26, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
16.7% repairedof 12 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V238000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V229000 Filed Mar 22, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
2.6% repairedof 776 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V229000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V205000 Filed Mar 18, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright/FMVSS 207

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
5.9% repairedof 471 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V205000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V332000 Filed Mar 1, 2019

Seat Back may not Stay Upright

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
100% repairedof 90 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V332000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V103000 Filed Feb 21, 2019

U-Joint May Fail and Front Driveshaft may Detach

Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
82.2% repairedof 174 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V103000
Listed for 2018 Ford Transit. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V782000 Filed Nov 6, 2018

Seat Back may not Stay Upright/FMVSS 207

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
1.5% repairedof 475 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V782000

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Owner complaints (57)

57 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

1involved a crash
1involved a fire
12injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Transit, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 57.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2018 compares with other Transit years

Best and worst Transit years →
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
This year (2018)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

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Looking at a 2018 Transit for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

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Where to next

2018 Ford Transit FAQ

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Transit have?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns: 25V572000 (rear camera), 21V631000 (brake), 19V439000 (structure), 19V333000 (seat), 19V329000 (seat), 19V313000 (seat), 19V247000 (seat), 19V252000 (seat), 19V238000 (seat), 19V229000 (seat), 19V205000 (seat), 19V332000 (seat), 19V103000 (power train), 18V782000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2018 Ford Transit problems?

Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (14), Power train (12), Unknown or other (11) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2018 Transit compare with other years?

Among the 2014–2021 Ford Transit model years at least five years old, the 2014 drew the fewest complaints (3) and the 2015 the most (193). The 2018 drew 57. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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