Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2018 Ford Transit Connect
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 22 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V572000 Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V294000 Panoramic Roof Panel May Detach from Vehicle NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V413000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V376000 Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V229000 Seat Back may not Stay Upright NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 5 complaints
- Steering 5 complaints
- Unknown or Other 4 complaints
- Power Train 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 2 complaints
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $5,000–$8,500AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect has multiple recalls, including critical issues with powertrain components and potential roofing detachment, matched by numerous owner complaints about service brakes and steering. This reflects a pattern of reliability concerns, justifying a below-average rating.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| brake system | 30,000–60,000 miles | $300–$600 | common |
| shifter cable bushing | 50,000–80,000 miles | $150–$300 | common |
| panoramic roof | 40,000–70,000 miles | $800–$1,200 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change
- Brake fluid replacement
- Transmission fluid change
- Air filter replacement
- Wheel alignment
- Coolant flush
- Tire rotation
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Steering wheel vibration
- Clunking sound when braking
- Transmission hesitation
- Roof panel noise
- Unresponsive gear shifting
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.