2018 Ford Transit Connect: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Ford Transit Connect: 6 recalls, 22 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #19V229000 · 2019 · 776 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Transitworks has notified owners and instructed them to contact freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V376000 · 2021 · 192,080 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: A damaged or missing bushing May prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle May roll after the driver selects the 'park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V413000 · 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
What's wrong: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: 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. Additionally, the vehicle May roll after the driver selects the 'park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th quarter 2022. Owner…
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #24V294000 · 2024 · 1,315 vehicles
What's wrong: An improper bond May exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Why it matters: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: A software error May cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image May remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse May distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V572000 · 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera May display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Why it matters: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (5): the most common themes are steering problems (5).
- Other / unknown (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect has 22 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 14 Transit Connect model years for complaints (well below the 41 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 46,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (28 complaints, 6 recalls), 2019 (51 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Transit Connect problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (5), steering (5), other / unknown (4).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Ford Transit Connect repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.