Last updated: 2026-03-06

RELIABILITY SCORE: 68/100 (GOOD)

2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Reliability Report

Name: 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon
Brand: Ford

The 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 21 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

6.6

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$775

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

STEERING (5)
SERVICE BRAKES (3)
VISIBILITY (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 5)

2018 is year 5 of the Second generation (2012).

Redesigned for the 2014 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2019.
2nd generation Transit-Connect-Wagon (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2014: Second generation (2012) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 5 of the Second generation (2012).

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon?

The 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is year 5 of the Second generation (2012).

With 21 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (5). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2019 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon, which scored 3 points lower.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Complaint rate in line with Van segment average (early data)
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Above-average recall count
−STEERING issues reported (5 complaints)
−SERVICE BRAKES: ABS module (3 complaints)

Compare 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon With

2018 Dodge Grand-Caravan

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2018 Chrysler Pacifica

Reliability: 51/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

STEERING (5)
SERVICE BRAKES (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 6.6

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V2290002019-03-22

SEATS

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.

21V3760002021-05-24

POWER TRAIN

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.

22V4130002022-06-10

POWER TRAIN

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 17.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$775

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Door Lock Cylinder Replacement	$167 – $210
Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement	$221 – $453
Battery Cable Battery Terminal End Service	$37 – $54
Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement	$137 – $178
Engine Oil Filter Adapter Replacement	$443 – $520
Brake System Inspect	$122 – $179
AC Evaporator Replacement	$935 – $1,334
Clutch Cable Replacement	$310 – $373
Coolant Change	$249 – $278
Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid Replacement	$533 – $739

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon.

Inspect power steering system for signs of failure or replacement
Test ABS functionality and check for brake lock-up symptoms
Check for transmission shudder and torque converter issues
Verify rear window integrity, especially if heated glass is installed
Ensure all door locks function properly and engage securely

Buying a 2018 Transit-Connect-Wagon? Check Its History First

Every 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Look Up a VIN

2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Common Problems by Component

21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

STEERING (5)SERVICE BRAKES (3)VISIBILITY (2)POWER TRAIN (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)SEATS (1)Other (4)

STEERING

5 complaints

Owners report frequent power steering failures in the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon, with multiple instances occurring without any prior warning signs or dashboard alerts. Complaints commonly describe the need for replacement of the power steering rack, sometimes multiple times, with failures noted as early as 65,000 miles. The sudden loss of power steering while driving, particularly at highway speeds, is cited as a significant safety risk, potentially endangering both the driver and surrounding vehicles. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of potential steering system issues in this vehicle model.

5 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon's service brakes, particularly involving the ABS module. Complaints frequently mention one or more brakes locking up, sometimes without warning lights, leading to potential vehicle immobility and damage to other components like the brake master cylinder. Symptoms include sluggish acceleration and glowing brake rotors, with one owner noting the risk of fire. Instances of transmission downshifting and fluid leaks are also noted, though less commonly. These issues occur at various mileages, with one report specifically mentioning around 114,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of fire and the potential for loss of control due to brake lock-up.

3 complaints total

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect report issues related to visibility, with two primary concerns emerging. First, some owners mention delays in recall repairs for visibility-related components, citing a lack of available parts and technicians, though they have not experienced failures themselves. Second, there are reports of rear window glass shattering spontaneously, often in colder temperatures with the heat or defrost on, without any visible impact marks. This shattering is described as a loud pop followed by spiderweb-like cracks, with the glass sometimes falling out upon opening the vehicle's sliding door. These issues do not indicate any crashes or loss of control, but they may affect visibility and convenience for owners.

2 complaints total

POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon report issues with the power train primarily involving aggressive gear drops and torque converter failures. Symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly dropping gears and slowing aggressively during braking at higher speeds, which has increased in frequency over time. Another reported issue is the failure of the torque converter, confirmed by dealer service departments, with no prior warning indicators. This issue involves lengthy repair timelines, as one owner noted a three-month wait for parts, during which they were advised to continue driving despite potential transmission damage. These problems typically emerge after a few months of ownership, but specific mileage ranges are not detailed. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to unexpected deceleration, though no crashes or injuries are reported.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon report issues primarily related to the transmission and locking mechanisms. Complaints frequently mention a shuddering problem with the transmission, which some owners associate with the torque converter, occurring shortly after purchase. Additionally, multiple owners describe non-functional locks that emit noise but fail to engage, with one owner noting the issue arose 10 months after the warranty expired and required extensive dealership investigation. These issues do not indicate crashes or loss of control, but the faulty locks may pose a security risk, especially for those using the vehicle for camping. These patterns could be pertinent for potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability and maintenance needs.

2 complaints total

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

2023-07-27

The contact's company owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while an employee was driving at 30 MPH, the rear driver side sliding door unintendedly opened. The employee could not shut the door due to a defective latch. The contact stated that a zip tie was used to secure the door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer nor the dealer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2023-06-27

ABS light comes on as well as loss of traction control and hill assist. Steering is more difficult, and the speed ohmmeter will not work. This is the second time this has happen. First time mechanic replaced bad speed sensor on drivers' side front wheel and everything went back to normal it only had around 6K miles on it. Now it has around 7.5K on it and it has happen again. Have not taken it in for repair yet.

SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint

2023-05-22

hello - this is not a safety issue with my car. for the moment. inputting the VIN it states that there is only 1 row of seats (D/P). this is not accurate. there are 3 seat rows in my van. (front x2, middle x3 and rear seats x2) total of 7 seats. thus this should be corrected for my VIN. if or when i have a complaint about the safety of the seats, belts, head rests etc... it will make sense. i do not have a cargo van. it's a seven passenger seat van.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

2020-12-03

DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT LOW BEAM BULB BURNS OUT CONTINUOUSLY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2020-02-06

LOUD NOISE W/VIBRATION AND FOUL ODOR COMING FROM HEATER BLOWER. DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED A RODENT'S NEST IN THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLOWER MOTOR. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY TO PREVENT RECURRENCE. DEALERSHIP ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FORD ESCAPE HAS A HISTORY OF THE SAME PROBLEM. SEE FORD'S TSB 17-0034, PUBLISHED 3/21/17 RE FORD'S RECOMMENDED PREVENTION: "...INSTALL THE NEW INLET DUCT GASKET WITH SCREEN..." (EMPHASIS ADDED).

When Do 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

65,000–80,000 milesPower steering failure

114,000 milesService brakes issues

Best & Worst Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon year is 2023 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (72/100) and 2021 (69/100).

Top Pick

Good

Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Years to Avoid

No Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon years-to-avoid analysis

Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Reliability Score Trend

Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 73/100 compared to 67/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	68/100	Good
2019	65/100	Good
2020	67/100	Good
2021	69/100	Good
2022	72/100	Good
2023	78/100	Good

Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2023	78/100	+6	Good	0	0
2022	72/100	+3	Good	1	4
2021	69/100	+2	Good	4	5
2020	67/100	+2	Good	8	27
2019	65/100	-3	Good	8	46
2018(selected)	68/100	—	Good	6	21

2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Common Questions

10 questions from 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon owners.

Charging

My very dead battery is on charger and the parking lights are flashing quickly - why?

VisitorMar 5, 2026

Heater wont turn off

Heater wont turn off/display blank Started today

VisitorMar 5, 2026

Oil on the spark plugs underneath the boot

I went to change my spark plugs and there was oil on them when I removed the boot! 1 no oil 2 a little oil 3 more oil & 4 had about half full?! From left to rightist i First time I looked Started today

VisitorMar 4, 2026

Antifreeze leak

My antifreeze keeps leaking out after buying the car 30 day Antifreeze A few days

VisitorMar 2, 2026

2019 ford Explorer

Rough idle when stopping at light More than a month

VisitorMar 1, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon reliable?

The 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 68/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 21 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon include: STEERING (5 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), VISIBILITY (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon have?

The 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 68/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.