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350 platform

2018 Ford Transit-350

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Transit.

Body VANTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2018 Ford Transit is a full-size van built on the 350 chassis, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and delivering an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined. Its reliability record for this model year includes 55 owner complaints and 14 recalls, with the power train emerging as the primary concern. This places the 2018 edition well past the model’s 2015 peak of 188 complaints, reflecting a more mature and settled phase in the Transit’s history.

Model year2025 2024 2018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacityNSOEM · verified

Engine oil typeNSOEM · verified

Lug nut torque148 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy20/27/23 mpgEPA · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	189.4 in
Overall width	72.4 in
Overall height	70.5 in
Wheelbase	120.5 in
Curb weight	3580 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.4 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	20 / 27 / 23 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Transit of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.7–12.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2020 350 Crew EcoBoost Van (148WB HR)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2017	350 EcoBoost Van (148WB MR) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	6.80 sec	15.30 sec	310 hp	RWD
2017	350 XLT EcoBoost Wagon (12-pass 148WB MR) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	7.60 sec	16.00 sec	310 hp	RWD
2020	350 Crew EcoBoost Van (148WB HR) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	6.70 sec	15.30 sec	310 hp	AWD
2015	350 XLT EcoBoost Wagon (12-pass 148WB HR) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	7.50 sec	15.90 sec	310 hp	RWD
2015	150 XLT EcoBoost Wagon (10-pass 130WB MR) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6	7.60 sec	15.90 sec	310 hp	RWD
2015	150 XL Diesel Van (148WB LR) 3.2L Turbo Diesel I-5	10.60 sec	17.90 sec	185 hp	RWD
2015	350 HD Diesel Van DRW (148WB HR) 3.2L Turbo Diesel I-5	12.50 sec	18.70 sec	185 hp	RWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds NS of NS engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 148 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	6.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	6.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)	Stage 1: 30 lb.ft
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)	Stage 1: 30 lb.ft

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)	129.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	148 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	.028-.037 in
Spark Plug Torque	11 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	.051 in
Spark Plug Torque	11 ft-lbs

Service checks

RPM	65.0 @ Idle rpm
RPM	55.0 @ Idle rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	Front: 44; Rear: 23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 203; Rear: 85
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: 1.181; Rear: .591
Maximum Rotor Runout	.0039

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	Bolts 1-26	62 in
2	Bolts 27and28	35 in
3	Bolts 1-26	11 ft. lbs
4	Bolts 27and28	53 in
5	Bolts 1-26	17 ft. lbs
6	Bolts 27and28	89 in

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	71.0 inch lbs.	71 in
2	45.0

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	71.0 inch lbs.	71 in
2	45.0

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	17.0 ft. lbs.	17 ft. lbs
2	32.0 ft. lbs.	32 ft. lbs
3	90.0

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	17.0 ft. lbs.	17 ft. lbs
2	32.0 ft. lbs.	32 ft. lbs
3	90.0

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	18.0 ft. lbs.	18 ft. lbs
2	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
3	45.0

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	7.4 ft. lbs.	7.4 ft. lbs
2	Turn 45

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Install New Manifold Studs: 13.3 ft. lbs.

1	14 ft.lbs.	14 ft.lbs
2	18

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	7.4 ft. lbs.Upper Intake Only	7.4 ft. lbs
2	Turn 45

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	14 ft. lbs.	14 ft. lbs
2	18.4

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	3.7 ft. lbs.	3.7 ft. lbs
2	9.5 ft. lbs.	9.5 ft. lbs
3	11.8

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	7.4 ft. lbs.	7.4 ft. lbs
2	14.7 ft. lbs.	14.7 ft. lbs
3	26 ft. lbs.	26 ft. lbs
4	26

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	53.0 inch lbs.	53 in
2	11.0 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
3	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
4	26.0 ft. lbs.	26 ft. lbs
5	59.0 ft. lbs.	59 ft. lbs
6	90.0

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Cap bolts

1	20.0 ft. lbs.	20 ft. lbs
2	180.0 degrees; Side bolts	180 degrees
1	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Cap bolts

1	20.0 ft. lbs.	20 ft. lbs
2	180.0 degrees; Side bolts	180 degrees
1	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
2	90.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 mi	Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect)
Every 20,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly Mounting Bolts (torque) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Ford Transit sits at a notable inflection point in its generation's record: complaints dropped to 55, down substantially from a peak of 188 in 2015 and 151 in 2016, while recalls fell to 14 from 26 and 21 in those same years. Critically, investigations fell to zero in 2018, a marked improvement from the single investigation recorded in each year from 2015 through 2017. However, the TSB count of 191 remains elevated, indicating the model still generated significant technical service bulletins—suggesting ongoing dealer-level attention rather than resolved systemic defects. The top complaint areas that year were Power Train (7), Unknown/Other (6), Structure (5), and Electrical System (4), with one crash-related complaint and one fire-related complaint recorded. The overall trend across the generation shows the Transit struggling through a problematic early cycle (2015–2017) before notably improving by 2018, though 2020 data shows complaints rising again to 82. The 2018 model year appears to represent the low point of the generation's trouble arc, benefiting from manufacturing refinements and resolved root causes that drove the earlier spike—making it a comparatively safer buy within this generation, provided the buyer prioritizes a vehicle that cleared the worst of its teething issues.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

191

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

1 involved a crash · 1 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Frontal★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’01 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17’18’20 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 55 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train7

Unknown Or Other6

Structure5

Electrical System4

Engine4

Power Train,Engine2

Wheels2

Back Over Prevention2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V103000Power Train:Driveline:DriveshaftReported 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… 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…

19V439000Structure:Emergency:Escape/Egress/ExitReported 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. 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 191 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
25N15 S1	2026-04-20	Electrical System	Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15 - Supplement #1 Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple…
SSM 54690	2026-03-26	Engine	Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019…
25N17	2026-03-25	Unknown Or Other	Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
SSM 54601	2026-02-23	Electrical System	Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
25N15	2026-01-05	Visibility/Wiper	Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Transit. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Vehicles taking NS 350-platform vehicles

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Transit take?

NS of NS, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Transit have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Transit get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg.