Ford Transit Connect Recall R/2018/009: The Engine Cylinder Head May Crack, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2018/009, campaign code 17S09. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Urgent
How serious
8 Jan 2018
Launched
9
vehicles in the UK
17S09
Manufacturer’s campaign code

Ford recalled Transit Connect vehicles built between 2 June 2010 and 20 December 2014. Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment. The dealer will replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD MAY CRACK Defect: Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment. Remedy: On affected vehicles Inspect engine and cooling system. Replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.

The Fix

The dealer will replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.

Are You Affected?

Transit Connect built between 2 June 2010 and 20 December 2014 may be included. Ford estimates 9 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Ford.
  2. Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the campaign code 17S09 or the DVSA reference R/2018/009. See how to get a Ford recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
LaunchedVehicle and faultSeverityReference
Focus, Kuga, Tourneo Connect, Transit Connect and 1 moreDiesel DV-Neo engine coolant pump updateUrgentR/2026/237
Edge, Mustang, Transit ConnectRear-view camera distorted and/or loss of imageLowR/2026/213
Tourneo Connect, Transit ConnectPosition lights not operating correctlyLowR/2026/180
Tourneo Connect, Transit ConnectPotential leaky screw connection in the brake circuitUrgentR/2025/007
Transit ConnectTransit Connect panoramic roofLowR/2024/280

This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2018/008 on 8 Jan 2018, for the engine cylinder head may crack. The one launched after it was R/2018/053 on 12 Mar 2018, for oil sump may crack due to the engine overheating. You can also see every Ford recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.


Source: DVSA recall R/2018/009, launched 8 January 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.