The 2018 Ford Transit is a workhorse van that suffers from catastrophic engine failures on the 3.5L EcoBoost and transmission cooling issues across the lineup. High-mileage examples often need major powertrain work that can exceed the vehicle's value.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power with metallic knocking from engine, Oil pressure warning light illuminates, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Engine seizes or requires immediate shutdown
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. This is a known Ford EcoBoost weakness under commercial van loads. Rebuild involves replacing pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft work. 25-35 labor hours for replacement, 40-50 for rebuild.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure / Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifting, Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant mixing), Transmission overheating warnings, Coolant loss with no external leaks
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush or rebuild if contamination severe. Complete flush is 3-4 hours; if transmission damaged, add 12-18 hours for rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,200-6,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud clunk when shifting into drive or reverse, Vibration through floor at idle, Visible transmission sag when inspecting underneath, Driveline shudder during acceleration
Fix: Heavy-duty van loads destroy OEM rubber mounts prematurely. Replacement requires supporting powertrain, typically 2-3 hours labor. Some techs upgrade to polyurethane aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Fuel Filter Clogging (3.5L EcoBoost)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under load or uphill, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0093), Engine stalling at idle after driving
Fix: EcoBoost is sensitive to fuel contamination. Filter is in-tank and labor-intensive to replace. Requires dropping tank, 3-4 hours labor. Ford service interval is too long for commercial use.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Driveshaft U-Joint and Center Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise from underneath during acceleration, Vibration at highway speeds (55-70 mph), Squeaking or grinding sounds when moving from stop, Visible play in driveshaft when inspecting
Fix: Long wheelbase models especially prone to center support bearing failure. U-joints wear from commercial loads. Driveshaft R&R and rebuild is 3-5 hours depending on configuration.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Second-Row Seat Latch Recall Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Second-row seats won't latch properly, Seat moves or tips during driving, Latch mechanism feels loose or doesn't engage, Recall notices for seat retention
Fix: Multiple recalls for seat latches failing to hold properly in crash. Even post-recall, some units have recurring latch problems. Dealer repair typically 1-2 hours, but availability of parts has been spotty.
Estimated cost: $0-300
Backup Camera System Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Black screen or 'camera unavailable' message when shifting to reverse, Intermittent camera operation in cold or wet weather, Distorted or flickering camera image, Camera works but guidelines missing
Fix: Camera module or wiring harness at rear door fails from moisture intrusion. Replacement is 1-2 hours labor. Check wiring grommet at door hinge first before replacing camera.
Estimated cost: $350-700
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 40,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—critical for avoiding cooler contamination damage
EcoBoost owners: use premium fuel and change oil every 5,000 miles with quality synthetic—these engines do not tolerate neglect
Inspect fuel filter and consider replacement at 30,000-40,000 miles on commercial-duty vans
Check transmission and engine mounts annually—these wear fast under cargo loads
Avoid the 3.5L EcoBoost if buying used with unknown maintenance history; the 3.7L V6 is more durable for commercial use
Avoid high-mileage EcoBoost models unless you have full maintenance records and a $10k repair fund—the 3.7L V6 is the safer used buy.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for EcoBoost engine with start-stop technology; battery located under hood
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2015-2019 Ford Transit — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Passenger airbag control; calibration with known weights required after replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 25V572000
2025-09-04
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.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE · 21V631000
2021-08-11
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.
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.
SEATS · 19V333000
2019-04-29
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.
SEATS · 19V329000
2019-04-26
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.
SEATS · 19V313000
2019-04-18
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.
SEATS · 19V247000
2019-03-28
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.
SEATS · 19V252000
2019-03-28
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.
SEATS · 19V238000
2019-03-26
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.
SEATS · 19V229000
2019-03-22
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.
SEATS · 19V205000
2019-03-18
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.
SEATS · 19V332000
2019-03-01
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 19V103000
2019-02-21
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.
SEATS · 18V782000
2018-11-06
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.
Performance
Horsepower
310hp
Torque
400lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
15mpg
Highway
18mpg
Combined
16mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,500lb
Payload
4,650lb
Curb weight
5,500lb
Seating
12seats
EPA class
Vans, Passenger Type
Wiper blades
Same generation as 2015-2025, no changes to wiper specifications.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2018 Ford Transit 3.5L V6 EcoBoost and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.