Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the Exhaust Gas Sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due to the vehicles diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) age counter being under the 120-minute requirement. Engineering is investigating this issue and working on a solution.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Transit engine problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 7 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
No new NHTSA engine 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 engine 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.
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Transit Vehicles Equipped With 3.2L Diesel Engine - Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Transit Vehicles with 3.2L Diesel Engine - Crankcase Ventilation Hose Assembly Replacement and Powertrain Control Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2022 F-Super Duty and 2016-2022 F-650/F-750 with 6.7L diesel engines, 2015-2019 Transit with 3.2L diesel engines and 2018-2021 F-150 with 3.0L diesel engines may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P206C in the powertrain control module (PCM). Review of repair data supports that P206C is often the result of incorrect diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) concentration. Per Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Pinpoint Test (PPT) RJ, a DEF concentration reading below 28% will set P206C and cause vehicle derate. If low concentration is suspected, drain fluid and replace with known good DEF before replacing any parts. Low concentra
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Diesel engine fails catastrophically on highway in motion--first a blown piston at 78k miles, turbo failed within 5k miles of engine. Prior to these failures, both this truck and it's twin(bought identically together) developed leaks in the radiators...same location. The sister truck is now at a Ford dealer with a blown engine
The contact's company owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the tow company mechanic, where it was diagnosed that coolant intrusion in the engine had caused the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…
Exhaust manifold warped/broken stud causing exhaust leak.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2018 Ford Transit?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 104,841 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.