NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve service brakes (5) and steering (5). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Component Affected: Service Brakes / ABS Module / Hydraulic Braking System Description of Safety Defect: There is an active, intermittent, catastrophic failure in the front braking system/ABS module causing the front brakes to completely lock up mid-transit while operating at high speeds (60+ MPH). First Incident (April 24, 2026): During operation on a busy interstate at over 60 MPH, the front braking system experienced a sudden, catastrophic thermal lock-up. This caused violent vehicle shuddering, extreme friction heat, and heavy, thick, acrid smoke. The vehicle was brought to a dealer shop for repair. Second Incident (April 29, 2026): Four days after delivery, the identical catastrophic brake lock-up recurred mid-transit, creating an immediate fire hazard due to friction heat and smoke. An independent repair facility diagnosed the failure and replaced the ABS module. Third Incident (June 4, 2026): The identical component failure recurred while traveling at over 60 MPH on Interstate 694 with a minor child in the vehicle. The front brakes fully locked up mid-transit, creating an immediate risk of a high-speed collision, severe thermal friction, and heavy…”
“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.”
“Driving at higher speeds when going to brake, the vehicle drops gears and slows agressively. It started to do this occasionally a couple of month ago, now it happens every other day.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Van 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 392 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 392 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FFV Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (5), steering (5), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Ford Transit Connect at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Ford Transit Connect 5 out of 5 stars overall.