2018 Ford Transit ConnectProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2018 Ford Transit Connect, most often about the steering. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-229 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.

2018 Ford Transit Connect

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2018 Ford Transit Connect has problems

22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering50
Service brakes50
Power train30
Electrical system20
Vehicle speed control20
Visibility20
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Exterior lighting10
Structure10
6 other systems60

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2018 Ford Transit Connect recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

21%repaired · 2026 Q3

Sensing system: camera

Recall 25V-572 · Sep 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles · 307,410 repaired

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

59%repaired · 2026 Q3

Back over prevention: software

Recall 25V-442 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles · 117,599 repaired

Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

34%repaired · 2026 Q1

Visibility: fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly

Recall 24V-294 · Apr 26, 2024 · 1,315 vehicles · 451 repaired

Risk. A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2024 Q3

Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 22V-413 · Jun 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles · 1,905,069 repaired

Risk. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
53%repaired · 2023 Q1

Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 21V-376 · May 24, 2021 · 192,080 vehicles · 102,476 repaired

Risk. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

3%repaired · 2023 Q4

Seats

Recall 19V-229 · Mar 22, 2019 · 776 vehicles · 20 repaired

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

2018 vs. every other Transit Connect year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Transit Connect median. How we score

'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2018 Ford Transit Connect safety ratings

2018 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Transit Connect owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Power steering failed without warning. Rack and pinion had to be replaced. You now have 5 complaints on this but still no investigation open. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. $2,700 to fix. Vehicle only had 65,000 miles on it when it failed.
Complaint 11639976 · Jan 31, 2025
Power steering failed without warning while vehicle was being driven at highway speeds. Vehicle required replacement of power steering rack. This is the 4th time this has happened with my Ford Transit Connect vans
Complaint 11467735 · Jun 6, 2022
Steering system failed while driving put driver at risk of crash. The problem still exists. It appears that the power steering rack has failed for the second time and will need to be replaced. There was no warning prior to failure
Complaint 11467730 · Jun 6, 2022

Own a 2018 Transit Connect?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.