Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Transit body problems
severe 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 8 body complaints filed for the 2018 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Ford Transit in our records for body problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2015-2022 Transit vehicles may experience a snap, click and/or pop noise from the door check when opening/closing the front door(s). This may be due to a cracked/broken door check and/or fastener. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to inspect/replace the front door check and/or fastener.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles may experience difficulty opening and/or closing the manual sliding door that will require sliding door adjustment. When performing the sliding door adjustment procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-03, use the following updated torque specs. Step 12 = 70 Nm (52 ft-lb). Step 27 = 40 Nm (30 ft-lb). In step 18, apply Motorcraft Threadlock 262 (TA-26) to the nut before torqueing. The WSM is in the process of being updated to include these revisions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2020 Transit high roof bus/passenger wagon vehicles may experience a loose or unseated headliner at the C and/or C 1/2 pillar(s) causing visible gaps. This may be due to a lack of retention capability of the headliner locator tabs to the pillar block pins. To correct the condition, install repair coupons to the headliner and replace the headliner air conditioning (A/C) vent foam gaskets.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 Transit High-Roof Bus/Passenger Wagon vehicles may experience a loose or unseated headliner at the C and/or C 1/2 pillar(s) causing visible gaps. This may be due to a lack of retention capability of the headliner locator tabs to the pillar block pins. To correct the condition, install repair coupons to the headliner and replace the headliner A/C vent foam gaskets.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Fuel door broken at upper hinge. Very common part failure Ford will not acknowledge.
Sliding door sensor indicating door open is malfunctioning I started moving vehicle not knowing door is open
Had body trouble with your 2018 Ford Transit?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2018 Ford Transit?
It's a meaningful issue. 8 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 27,663 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Ford/Transit.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.