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Service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Transit

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

192 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
TSB 20-22142020-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2020 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (SRW) and a U-joint at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise or vibration from the rear while driving. This noise or vibration is most prevalent at highway speeds (112-121 km/h 70-75 mph for 4.10 axle ratio, 121-128 km/h75-80 mph for 3.73 axle ratio, and 136-145 km/h 85-90 mph for 3.31 axle ratio) and may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of those speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveline frequency transmitted through the rear drive shaft, rear axle and into the body through the leaf springs. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a driveshaft torsional damper.
SSM 492842020-11-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with TCU and WiFi Hotspot, May display Vehicle Hotspot feature not enabled on this vehicle when attempting to enter the Hotspot menu. When using the FordPass/Lincoln Way application, the customer may receive a message saying Wi-Fi has been disabled from this vehicle. Check the vehicle specifications or vehicle build information for the mfal code. If mfal = WAFAC or WAFAB do not replace the TCU, engineering is currently investigating this condition. Inform customers Ford is developing a software fix that is expected in early January. In the interim, let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule a follow-up appointment with the customer for early January. Once the update becomes available, contact the customer and confirm the service appointment is going forward. Monitor OASIS for updates.
SSM 492102020-10-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and replace the O-ring seals, pedestal gasket or oil tube as required. Refer to WSM, Section 303-04. For claiming, use the affected oil tube or pedestal gasket as the causal part and applicable labor operations in Sections 6 and 9 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 20-23412020-10-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. 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.
SSM 490652020-09-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL. Some 2011-2020 F-Super Duty, 2015-2019 Transit, 2016-2021 F-650/F-750 and 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 6.7L, 3.2L or 3.0L engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P207F, P20EE, P229F, P2201 and/or P24AE. This may be a result of using aftermarket cleaning liquids or tools for the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler or intake. Ford does not recommend the cleaning of diesel intakes or EGR coolers using any aftermarket tool that injects a cleaning foam or liquid substance into the EGR cooler or intake. Using these types of fluids can result in sodium poisoning of the NOx and particulate matter (PM) sensors resulting in degraded operation and permanent damage to the after treatment system. Use of these cleaning tools may void the emissions warranty of the hot end after treatment exhaust system and the attached emissions sensors.
TSB 20-22722020-09-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L engine, 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L engine, 2017-2020 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine built on or after 13-May-2017 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2002 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to a crack in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) substrate. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the DPF.
TSB 20-22552020-09-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure.
SSM 489082020-07-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is removed, volume control is restored. This is due to a concern with the Waze Navigation App software and Apple iOS version. To correct the condition, update the Waze App software and iOS to the latest version available and reboot the customer's Apple device. Perform an ignition cycle and reconnect the Apple device via USB. Open Apple Car Play and confirm volume control is restored. Installing/Updating third party software/applications is not warrantable.
TSB 20-21602020-06-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2018-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2452 and P2453 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the PCM software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.
TSB 20-21502020-06-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles built on or before 31-Dec-2018 and some 2017-2018 E-450 vehicles equipped with a 6.8L engine built on or before 16-Jul-2018 using the Motorcraft Orange coolant may exhibit an engine overheat concern. This condition may be due to deposits from the engine coolant becoming trapped in the radiator preventing coolant flow. To correct the condition, flush the cooling system, replace the radiator and fill with Motocraft Yellow coolant.
SSM 487572020-05-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some customers may experience a notification in the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps that indicates their vehicle has entered "deep sleep mode". This mode is enabled due to the vehicle not being started for 14 consecutive days or battery voltage is at/or below 9.5 volts. Some 2020 models will also set a warning if the telematic control unit (TCU) has received an automatic over the air update. The purpose of deep sleep mode is to conserve battery voltage. When deep sleep mode is enabled, the TCU is powered down and all communication with the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps are disabled. To wake the vehicle from deep sleep mode, manually start the vehicle. More deep sleep mode information can be found in the FordPass or LincolnWay apps under: More > Guides > click in search entry box > type "deep sleep" and click on "Ask".
SSM 486332020-04-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SSM 48633 - 2018-2019 Transit - 3.2L Diesel Engine - Illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2452 And/Or P2453 Some 2018-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may experience an illuminated MIL with DTC P2452 and/or P2453 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Engineering is working to implement a solution for this condition. In the interim, clear the DTCs with the appropriate Ford scan tool. Advise the customer that a repair is expected to be available mid-May 2020 and that the condition has no effect on vehicle operation or long term durability. Dealers are asked to follow-up with their customers to schedule a service appointment once a TSB is published.
SSM 486192020-04-02. Service bulletin. UNKNOWN OR OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed to disable the perimeter alarm. This concern would most often occur when a customer loses keys and the dealership is attempting to program new keys to the vehicle. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01A Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm - System Operation and Component Description has been updated to inform of the Controller Area Network (CAN) Protection Strategy. Follow the procedure outlined to prevent replacement of the Body Control Module (BCM) on CAN Protection Strategy equipped vehicles when original keys are lost and perimeter alarm is active. Refer to the WSM for further detail on the CAN Protection Strategy. Lost keys and replacement of BCM for lost keys is non-warrantable.
SSM 486012020-04-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL. SSM 48601 - 2015-2019 Transit - 3.2L Diesel - Loss Of Power During Driving Under Extreme Cold Weather Conditions Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may exhibit a concern about loss of power during driving under very cold weather conditions. This may be due to fuel waxing/gelling in the filter. Market fuel properties or improperly adjusted seasonal fuel may lead to early fuel filter waxing and restricting fuel flow to the engine. In order to rectify this extreme cold concern, a fuel filter thermal valve kit CK4Z-9B337-B can be installed. The kit improves the recirculation of warm engine return fuel inside the fuel filter to reduce waxing. Instructions on how to install this fuel filter thermal valve are contained within the kit. This is a customer pay upgrade only and not covered under warranty.
TSB-20-20532020-04-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine may exhibit a lack of heat or uneven heat from side to side. This condition may be due to deposits from the engine coolant becoming trapped in the heater core. To correct the condition, flush the cooling system and replace the heater core.
TSB-20-20202020-04-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L engine, 2018-2019 F150 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L engine, 2017-2019 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L engine built on or after 13-May-2017 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2002 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to a crack in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) substrate. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the DPF.
20M022020-03-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This program extends the warranty coverage of the reductant heater and sender assembly to 11 years of service or 120,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. This program DOES NOT apply to vehicles that qualify for repairs under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Repairs for vehicles covered by New Vehicle Limited Warranty should be claimed using applicable Labor Operation Codes for the Workshop Manual procedure. Additionally, this program may be used multiple times as long as the vehicle is within time and mileage limits of the program. Once the program has expired, SPW and ESP may be eligible. If a vehicle has already exceeded either the time or mileage limits, this extended warranty coverage will last through October 31, 2020. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.
SSM 485432020-03-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. SSM 48543 - 2015-2019 Transit - 3.2L Diesel - Overheat Due To Coolant Loss Without An External Coolant Leak Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may exhibit an overheat condition due to coolant loss without any external coolant leaks. This may be due to an internally leaking exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler. To correct this condition, install revised EGR cooler CK4Z-9U433-B. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-08. Use causal part 9U433 and applicable labor operations from Section 09 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 484302020-02-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2020 Escape/Corsair, Edge, Explorer, Fusion, Transit Connect Vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit a "Battery Backup Component Failure" message in the cluster. This may be accompanied by DTC 1477-09 - Backup Battery Component Failure. This may be due to the TCU experiencing a sudden temperature change. To correct this condition, reprogram the TCU using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 484232020-01-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2020 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. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
TSB 19-23882020-01-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit poor air conditioning (A/C) performance. If the cause of this is found to be a refrigerant leak from the evaporator, this may be due to build up of contaminates inside the evaporator housing. To correct this concern, replace only the evaporator housing and install a cabin air filter as opposed to replacing the entire climate control housing assembly.
SSM 483402019-12-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software. This issue occurs when the SYNC 3 system has been previously modified using an aftermarket device to display the Ford GT welcome screen/HMI Theme. To correct this issue, please contact the Technical Hotline Assistance Center to have the vehicle restored back to its original state.
SSM 480532019-07-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Response, etc. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If an update is available refer to WSM,Section 415-00 and update the APIM software. After Installation, complete pop-up appears, remove USB flash drive and install into IDS tool to update Ford database. Perform a complete ignition cycle by turning the key off for 5 minutes which is critical for a successful installation. If no updates are available or a blue or black screen is present after an update refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for diagnosis or SYNC 3 intermittent blank screen GSB for tips. For claiming, use causal part 14G371 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual. Section
SSM 480302019-07-08. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit a concern where there is no 4th, 5th, or 6th gear engagement and MIL with DTC P07AA. If diagnostics lead to teardown, make sure to inspect the intermediate shafts mating splines in the rear planetary gear set for worn down/stripped splines. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics section 307-01 > DTC P07AA > Diagnosis By Symptom > Only gears R,1,2,3 > Overdrive clutch does not apply > Intermediate shaft. If the planetary splines are worn/stripped, replace as necessary.
SSM 480182019-07-08. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit inoperative power door locks and/or power windows due to water intrusion in the door to body harness connector C339 (left) or C340 (right). If corrosion is found, service pigtails JU2Z-14S411-RA (gray) and JU2Z-14S411-PA (black) are released to service the body harness (female) side of the connector, without replacing the entire 14401 body harness. Service the pigtail(s) and replace the door harness as needed, while making sure the door to body accordion grommet ends and surrounding body plugs are properly seated to prevent future water intrusion. For claiming use causal part 14631 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.