2018 Ford Transit-350

Here is a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2018 Ford Transit-350, formatted as requested.

The 2018 Ford Transit-350 is a popular van used for both commercial and personal purposes, often serving as a work vehicle or a base for camper van conversions. The 2018 model year offered several engine options including a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (275 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque), a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (310 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.2L Power Stroke inline-5 diesel (185 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Transit’s spacious interior, versatility, and relatively comfortable ride for a van. Common dislikes include fuel economy (especially on the gasoline engines), some reliability concerns, and the van’s size making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, unusual noises (whining or whistling) from the engine bay. This could indicate a failing turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.7L Ti-VCT V6

• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, difficulty refueling, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

3.2L Power Stroke Diesel

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, warning lights related to the exhaust system, frequent regeneration cycles.
  • Solution: Replacing the DPF.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, rough idle, excessive smoke on startup.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty glow plug(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engine Options)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts between gears, transmission slipping, or difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Depending on the severity, possible solutions include transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $4,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, stalling at idle, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting lower in the rear, especially when loaded. Possible squeaking or clunking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, especially after short periods of inactivity. Difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain. This could involve testing and replacing faulty modules, wiring, or accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks failing to lock or unlock, requiring manual operation.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, binding or sticking, excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Adjusting or replacing the sliding door rollers, tracks, or latches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC system blowing air intermittently or not at all. Unusual noises from the blower motor area.
  • Solution: Replacing the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Ford Transit-350, while versatile, has several potential issues. The 3.5L EcoBoost can have turbocharger and fuel injector problems. The diesel engine can suffer from DPF and glow plug failures. All engine options share the 6-speed transmission that can have harsh shifting and torque converter issues. Battery drain and door lock failures are common electrical problems. The sliding doors can present issues, and the HVAC system can stop working. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the problem. It is important to have a mechanic diagnose the vehicle to be sure, but these are some things to look out for when purchasing or owning the vehicle.