2018 Ford TRANSIT: complaints, problems and recalls

WHEN THE VAN IS STATIONARY AND RUNNING FOR 10-15 MINUTES, HALF OF THE CARGO FLOOR (BEHIND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS) REACHES A TEMPERATURE OF 125-130 DEGREES. A TEMP GUN WAS USED TO DEMONSTRATE THIS SAFETY HAZARD. I MADE MENTION OF THIS TO AN AUTOBODY SHOP WHO SUGGESTED HAVING THE DEALERSHIP TAKE A LOOK SINCE THAT DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP IN WEST PALM BEACH (AL PACKER, [phone removed]) LOOKED OVER THIS, THEY STATED THIS IS AS DESIGNED AND IT MATCHES A FEW OTHER FORD TRANSITS THEY CHECKED. THEY SAID NOTHING CAN BE DONE T…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11104751 at NHTSA ↗

SEVERAL SPOTS ARE OCCURRING AT JOINTS OF DOOR OPENINGS AND ALSO ON THE ROOF WHERE THE PAINT IS NOT ADHERING PROPERLY OR IS ACTUALLY BEING RUBBED OFF WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED AND THE VEHICLE IS AN OPERATION. THE PAINT JOB ON THE CEILING WELDS IS NOT SMOOTH. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS SOME BUBBLING OR CHIPPING GOING ON AFTER ONLY A FEW MONTHS.

Owner-reported narrative. 4,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11124467 at NHTSA ↗

CLOTH HEADLINER AT SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT STAY UNDERNEATH THE DOOR GASKET.

Owner-reported narrative. 4,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11124468 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD TRANSIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WIRING WAS WORN AND BEING EATEN BY RATS. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE HAD TROUBLE STARTING, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD STILL BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAIRLANE FORD (14585 MICHIGAN AVE, DEARBORN, MI 48126, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRES WERE MADE OUT OF SOY AND ORGANIC BIO PLASTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…

Owner-reported narrative. 67,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11171383 at NHTSA ↗

BATTERY KEPT DRAINING-FOUND OUT 2 BATTERIES UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND THE FUEL IS PUT IN AT THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOOR. THE DOOR MUST STAY OPENED DURING FUELING. ALSO, THE BATTERY DRAINING AND NUMEROUS REPLACEMENTS FOUND DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING AGAIN. THIS IS A CONVERSION VAN BY EXPLORER, AND WE'VE ALREADY HAD ANTIFREEZE LEAKAGE WHICH IS STILL A PROBLEM WITH THE SMELL. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT REPAIR SHOP IN MILLERSVILLE FOR ANOTHER MONTH. MVA INVESTIGATOR KEVIN CHUBB DIRECTED US TO INVESTIGATE THIS FUEL SYSTEM AND BATTERY SYSTEM PLACEMENT FOR INS…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11181999 at NHTSA ↗

I OWN THIS CAR 3 MONTHS, AND 2 WEEKS AGO MY WILL HAB IN RATE SAIDE WAS BROKE AND AFTER 2 WEEKS MY LEFT SIDE BROKE, SO DENGER IF IS WILL GO OUT IN ROAD . PROBLEM IS MY TOO FRIEND HAVE SAME TROUBLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 20 miles reported. Look up ODI 11185097 at NHTSA ↗

AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS OF 75 MPH WITH A 30 DEGREE CROSSWIND AND GUSTS EXCEEDING 40 MPH, THE FRONT DOOR ON THE LEE SIDE FLEXES AND THE TOP OF THE DOOR OPENS. THIS DEFORMATION OF THE DOOR INDICATES A POTENTIAL FOR THE WARPING OF DOORS OVER TIME OR IN THE WORSE CASE, THE DOOR COMPLETELY OPENING TO THE DETRIMENT OF DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. TRAVELING NORTH WITH GUSTY WINDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR FLEXED OPEN AND TRAVELING SOUTH WITH A GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS THE DRIVER DOOR FLEXED OPEN. (OCCURRED FEBRUARY 2019 ON A SUNDAY)

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11191973 at NHTSA ↗

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

Owner-reported narrative. 9,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11207448 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2018-11-06 (November 6, 2018)

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.

Reported: 2019-02-21 (February 21, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-03-18 (March 18, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-03-22 (March 22, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-03-26 (March 26, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-03-28 (March 28, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-03-28 (March 28, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-04-18 (April 18, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-04-26 (April 26, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-03-01 (March 1, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-04-29 (April 29, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2019-06-11 (June 11, 2019)

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.

Reported: 2021-08-11 (August 11, 2021)

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.

Reported: 2025-09-03 (September 3, 2025)

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.