2018 Ford Transit

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
2.5L I4
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Wheel Torque
150
ft-lbs

The 2018 Ford Transit maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Ford Transit.

For oil changes, the 2018 Ford Transit takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Motorcraft Gold (OAT), and transmission fluid is Mercon LV. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Ford Transit, torque the lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2018 Ford Transit have reported 5 common issues including "10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting", "HVAC Controls Inoperative (Recall)" and "Instrument Panel Cluster Failure (Recall)". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 14 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Ford Transit. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2018 Ford Transit uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 150 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2018 Ford Transit Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5 qt
Lug Nut Torque150 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMotorcraft Gold (OAT)
Transmission FluidMercon LV
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Mercon LV
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Motorcraft Gold (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Ford Transit. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Motorcraft 5W-20 (3.7L V6) or 5W-30 (3.5L EcoBoost/3.2L diesel), 6 qt (3.7L)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
If equipped; not standard on cargo models
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi; heavy-duty use
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4 LV
Transmission Fluid
150,000 mi
6-speed SelectShift; Motorcraft MERCON LV; recommend 60,000 mi
Coolant
100,000 mi
Motorcraft Orange; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
100,000 mi
Motorcraft iridium-tipped
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually; heavy electrical loads in upfit vehicles
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Ford Transit.

Common problems reported by 2018 Ford Transit owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting

2020-2023 Transit vehicles with the 10R80 automatic transmission exhibit harsh or delayed engagement and rough gear changes, similar to the issue found across Ford's 10-speed lineup. Commercial use with frequent stop-start driving exacerbates the harshness.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB for Transit vehicles with the 10R80 addressing PCM software calibration and internal valve body issues. The dealer will reflash the PCM and, if necessary, replace the valve body or solenoid pack. Use only Mercon ULV transmission fluid.

Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for reflash; $1,500 - $3,500 for valve body repair
2

HVAC Controls Inoperative (Recall)

A software error can cause the HVAC system controls to become completely inoperative, including the defogging and defrosting functions. This is a safety issue in cold or wet weather when windshield visibility is compromised. Ford recalled approximately 31,339 vehicles.

Solution

Ford issued a recall for 2022-2023 Transit vehicles to update the HVAC control module software. Contact your dealer to check your VIN. The repair is free of charge.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
3

Instrument Panel Cluster Failure (Recall)

The instrument panel cluster may not properly illuminate warning lights or display gauges, leaving the driver without speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and critical warning indicators. This is a significant safety risk especially for commercial fleet vehicles.

Solution

Ford issued a recall to reprogram or replace the instrument panel cluster. Contact your dealer to verify your VIN. The repair is free of charge. Do not drive the vehicle if the cluster is completely dark.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
4

Loss of Power Steering Assist on Startup

Some 2020-2022 Transit vehicles built on or before April 26, 2022 may lose power steering assist at initial vehicle startup. The steering becomes very heavy and difficult to turn, posing a safety risk when pulling away from a parking spot into traffic.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB to update the power steering control module software. Restarting the engine may temporarily restore steering assist. Contact your dealer for the permanent software update.

Est. Cost: $0 - $200 for software update
5

Battery Drain / No Crank-No Start

2022 Transit vehicles built on or before March 28, 2022 that are not equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) may experience a no crank/no start condition due to a discharged battery. Fleet vehicles that sit for extended periods are especially susceptible.

Solution

Ford issued a TSB to install a software update that corrects the parasitic battery drain. The dealer will also test and replace the 12V battery if it has been damaged by repeated deep discharges. Consider installing a battery maintainer for fleet vehicles that sit idle.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $200 - $400 for battery replacement

14 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Ford Transit. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 25V572000 Date: 04/09/2025

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 May 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.

2

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

Campaign: 21V631000 Date: 11/08/2021

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.

3

STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

Campaign: 19V439000 Date: 11/06/2019

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.

4

SEATS

Campaign: 19V333000 Date: 29/04/2019

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.

5

SEATS

Campaign: 19V329000 Date: 26/04/2019

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.

6

SEATS

Campaign: 19V313000 Date: 18/04/2019

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.

7

SEATS

Campaign: 19V252000 Date: 28/03/2019

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.

8

SEATS

Campaign: 19V247000 Date: 28/03/2019

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.

9

SEATS

Campaign: 19V238000 Date: 26/03/2019

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.

10

SEATS

Campaign: 19V229000 Date: 22/03/2019

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.

11

SEATS

Campaign: 19V205000 Date: 18/03/2019

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.

12

SEATS

Campaign: 19V332000 Date: 01/03/2019

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.

13

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign: 19V103000 Date: 21/02/2019

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.

14

SEATS

Campaign: 18V782000 Date: 06/11/2018

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.

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Transit — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220212020201920172016
See Also
2018 Ford Transit Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2018 Ford TransitAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2018 Ford TransitWiper Replacement: 2018 Ford Transit