Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Transit powertrain problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain 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
Powertrain accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This article supersedes TSB 22-2444 to add 2024 model year vehicles. Some 2015-2024 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving. This noise is most noticeable at highway speeds: 112-121 km/h (70-75 mph) for 4.10 axle ratio 121-128 km/h (75-80 mph) for 3.73 axle ratio 136-145 km/h (85-90 mph) for 3.31 axle ratio The noise may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of the noted speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveline frequency transmitted through the rear driveshaft, rear axle and into the body through the leaf sp
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
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 ↗This article supersedes TSB 22-2271 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2015-2023 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving. This noise is most noticeable at highway speeds: 112-121 km/h (70-75 mph) for 4.10 axle ratio 121-128 km/h (75-80 mph) for 3.73 axle ratio 136-145 km/h (85-90 mph) for 3.31 axle ratio The noise may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of the noted speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveline frequency transmitted through the rear driveshaft, rear axle and into the body through
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report transmission failures across multiple categories. The most documented complaint involves the 6R80 transmission: one owner's input/turbine speed sensor failed at 60,000 miles, triggering limp mode and loss of proper gear control (codes P0715-00, P0717-00). Ford acknowledged an identical defect in Recall 19S07 but only for 2011–2013 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator models—not 2018 Transits, leaving owners without coverage.
Multiple owners describe hard downshifts that jolt occupants forward, combined with transmission shuddering, gear slipping, and inability to climb hills. These events occur at 35–60 mph and sometimes result in limp mode limiting the vehicle to 20 mph. One owner's transmission overheated repeatedly above 245°F despite two transmission replacements, cooler replacement, and an auxiliary cooler installation. Another experienced progressive shuddering and burning smell over months, mimicking a documented Ford Focus transmission problem.
Turbo failures occurred twice in one vehicle; another owner reports torque converter failure with abnormal humming. A driveshaft coupling failure at 480,000 miles caused violent vibration. One owner experienced cascading warning lights (battery, brake, transmission) with stalling. Several owners report dealers refusing diagnosis or repair, and vins falling outside related recalls despite identical symptoms to covered models.
Same Ford Transit powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Failure in 6R80 Mechatronic Lead Frame
Sudden failure of the input/turbine speed sensor housed in the 6R80 transmission mechatronic lead frame, causing the transmission to enter limp mode and lose proper gear control. Ford acknowledged an identical defect in Recall 19S07 for other vehicles using the same transmission, but refused coverage for Transit owners whose VINs fall outside the recall scope.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission enters limp mode; Loss of power; Erratic shifting; Loss of proper gear control; Sudden failure while driving
Codes mentioned: P0715-00, P0717-00
Repairs/costs cited: Authorized Ford service confirmed diagnosis; repair requires lead frame replacement and PCM update per Recall 19S07 remedy, but not covered for 2018 Transit as VIN not included in recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19S07 (acknowledged defect in 2011–2013 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator models with identical failure mode); Coverage refused for 2018 Transit despite identical defect
Transmission Shuddering and Progressive Gear Slipping
Progressive deterioration of transmission performance starting with intermittent shuddering during acceleration that worsens over months, eventually causing the vehicle to stick in 1st gear then jump to 6th gear, accompanied by burning smell. Owner reports identical problem documented in Ford Focus transmission recall.
When: Started January 2022, progressive over months (exact mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering during acceleration (intermittent at first); Shuddering while cruising at higher speeds; Inability to exceed 30 mph on steep hills; Transmission stays in 1st gear then jumps to 6th gear; Burning smell; Progressive worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner seeks recall investigation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None stated; owner notes Ford Focus transmission has similar recall
Transmission Overheating and Limp Mode Engagement
Transmission overheats at approximately 245°F and enters limp mode causing sudden deceleration on highways and interstates above 40 mph. Problem persists despite multiple repairs including transmission replacement twice, transmission cooler replacement, and installation of auxiliary cooler. Vehicle spent over seven months in Ford service without resolution.
When: No specific mileage stated; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating above 245°F; Limp mode activation at highway speeds; Sudden deceleration in front of traffic; Requires roadside cooling before safe operation continues
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced twice; transmission cooler replaced; auxiliary cooler installed; problem persists despite all repairs
Hard Downshifts and Loss of Motive Power
Multiple instances of sudden, hard downshifts while cruising or coming to a stop, forcefully propelling occupants forward in their seats. Associated with transmission shuddering, vibration, gear slipping, inability to climb hills, and complete loss of motive power entering limp mode at 35–40 mph. Owner notes identical problem documented in Ford Focus recall and other Transit vans.
When: No specific mileage stated; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Hard downshifts after highway travel during deceleration or stop; Unexpectedly propels occupants forward; Abnormal vibration and shuddering; Gear slipping; Inability to go uphill; Loss of motive power; Limp mode activation; Vehicle will not accelerate above 20 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None stated; owner references Ford Focus recall
Driveshaft Coupling Failure
Driveshaft coupling failure causing abnormal vibration and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Independent mechanic diagnosed the failure; dealer confirmed VIN not included in related recall. Repair was not completed.
When: 480,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal vibration at 40–60 mph; Vehicle almost uncontrollable
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed driveshaft coupling failure and recommended replacement; repair not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed VIN not included in related recall
Turbo Failure and Torque Converter Failure
Turbocharger has failed twice in the same vehicle. Currently experiencing torque converter failure with abnormal humming sound. Independent mechanic states this is a common problem and recommends complete transmission replacement.
When: No specific mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Turbo failure (occurred twice); Torque converter failure; Abnormal humming sound as if vehicle will explode; Temporary symptom relief after cleaning (10 miles), then resumption
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic recommends complete transmission replacement; component available for inspection
Loss of Motive Power and Limp Mode at Low Speed
Vehicle lost motive power and entered limp mode while driving at 35–40 mph, unable to accelerate above 20 mph. Failure nearly caused a collision. Vehicle was towed to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power; Limp mode activation; Unable to accelerate above 20 mph; Nearly caused collision
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; not diagnosed or repaired
Abnormal Noise from Transmission/Powertrain
Owner heard abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while driving into driveway. Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Manufacturer stated vehicle was not under recall and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
When: 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not under recall; referred to NHTSA Hotline
Multiple Warning Light Cascade and Stalling
While driving, battery warning light illuminates, followed by brake system warning light, then transmission warning light. Vehicle temporarily returns to normal operation while moving, but stalls when stopped. Requires jump start to restart; vehicle runs for a period then requires jump start again.
When: No specific mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illumination; Brake system warning light illumination; Transmission warning light illumination; Vehicle stalling when stopped; Inability to restart without jump start; Symptoms resolve temporarily while driving
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
1- THE TURBO HAS FAILED TWICE 2- CURRENTLY The torque converter has failed. The mechanic has claimed this is a common problem and recommends a complete transmission replacement. This is available for inspection right now. The problem was suspected by Dealer but independent center diagnosed. The vehicle made a terrible hum as if it was going to explode. We had it cleaned and it made it stop for…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into limp mode. The vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally and was almost uncontrollable. The contact held the steering wheel tightly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 85,898 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.