The Lemon IndexAll carsFordTransit Connect2018
201720192nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: wipers & visibility
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
6 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Ram ProMaster 382018 Chevrolet Express 92018 Ford E-Series 14
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V572000 (back over prevention), 25V442000 (back over prevention) and 24V294000 (visibility) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Ford sent dealers 63 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Ford's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 6 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 9.4M views · 2014–2023 Ford Transit Connect
- Transmission & shifter136K views
How to drain and refill transmission fluid on a 2020 Ford Transit Connect (the small Ford Transit)In Your Driveway Auto · 55K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical116K views
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2014-2019 Ford Transit Connect Cargo XLT LWB Upfit - HVAC, plumber, electrician service truckFox Air And Heat Inc · 48K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring62K views
Ford Transit connect service light reset 2021 modelKennedy’s garage · 62K views
Show 4 more
- Windows, doors & mirrors50K views
2017 Ford Transit Connect drivers door latch replacementTCCustoms · 22K views · 3 videos - Steering & suspension44K views
2014 + FORD TRANSIT CONNECT STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTPANDYDIY · 24K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS42K views
2019 Ford Transit Connect rear brake pads and rotors replacementJabo The Mechanic · 35K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service30K views
2019 & 2020 Ford Transit Connect Oil Change 2.0LBent and Broken · 22K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
![Ford Transit Connect Recalls and Problems | 2nd Generation, 2014-2023 [Buyers + Owners BEWARE]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KIGvfmciE44/mqdefault.jpg)
Ford Transit Connect Recalls and Problems | 2nd Generation, 2014-2023 [Buyers + Owners BEWARE]CashedOutCars · 114K views
2022 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT Buyers Guide and InfoINFINITI of Tacoma at Fife · 25K views
2015 Ram ProMaster City vs Ford Transit Connect vs Nissan NV200 Matchup Van ReviewThe Fast Lane Truck · 512K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2018 is the same generation.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 63 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
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.
- Visibility · recall issued 2024
An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Show all 6 recalls
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2022
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2021 2.5L engines only
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Seats · recall issued 2019
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Ford Transit Connect recall, all years · All Ford recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit VAN FWD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | not rated | not rated |
| Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,600–$2,750 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
Every Ford Transit Connect year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 11 Ford Transit Connect years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/ford-transit-connect/?y=2018" title="Ford Transit Connect reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="468" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/ford-transit-connect/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Ford Transit Connect reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 18; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Ford Transit Connect problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (17%), suspension (17%) and wheels (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have?
6 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Ford Transit Connect safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 to $2,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Ford Transit Connect have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Ford Transit Connect year than the 2018?
Not nearby: the 2018 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Ford Transit Connect years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works