Recall 18V367 affects 904 2018 Ford E-450 transit buses for loose rear-axle U-bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford recall 18V367 covers 904 2018 E-450 chassis modified for transit bus use because rear axle U-bolts were not tightened enough. Loose U-bolts can break or let the axle separate, causing loss of control and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The U-bolts on the 2018 Ford E-450 are heavy clamp bolts that hold the leaf spring and rear axle together. The leaf spring supports the rear of the vehicle and helps keep the axle located under the chassis. The U-bolts keep those parts tight so the axle stays aligned as the bus carries weight and moves over the road.
On affected E-450 chassis modified for transit bus use, the rear axle U-bolts were not tightened enough during the modification work. A loose clamp lets the spring and axle move against each other instead of staying locked together. That movement loads the U-bolts in a way they were not meant to handle, so they can loosen further or break. If the joint fails, the rear axle can separate from the chassis.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not count on noise, vibration, or a dashboard light to appear before the axle attachment fails.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Ford E-450 | front suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 904 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loose U-bolts can loosen further or break, allowing the axle to separate. That can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection promptly so the bolts are checked, tightened, or replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Ford E-450 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free rear-axle U-bolt inspection is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the U-bolt tightening or replacement that keeps the leaf spring and rear axle secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V367 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid heavy loads and stop driving if the rear axle feels loose or unstable.
What happens at the repair
When the dealer remedy is available, a Ford technician inspects the rear axle U-bolts that hold the leaf spring and rear axle together. If the U-bolts are loose or damaged, the technician tightens them or replaces them as needed. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. This repair is meant to restore the axle attachment so the rear suspension and axle stay secured as designed.
Timeline
| June 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V367?
Recall 18V367 covers 904 2018 Ford E-450 chassis modified for transit bus use with rear-axle U-bolts that were not tightened enough. Loose U-bolts can loosen further or break, letting the axle separate and causing loss of control. The repair is a free U-bolt inspection, tightening, or replacement.
What should I do if my 2018 Ford E-450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific E-450 is included in recall 18V367. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer or the bus service provider tied to the vehicle to schedule the U-bolt inspection. Reference recall 18V367 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V367, the dealer will inspect the rear-axle U-bolt tightness and replace or tighten the U-bolts as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of control. In recall 18V367, loose rear-axle U-bolts can loosen further or break, allowing the axle to separate. That increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free inspection and repair before putting the vehicle back into regular service.
When did the recall repair start?
The recall repair began on June 28, 2018. That means the inspection, tightening, or replacement remedy for recall 18V367 is already open. If your VIN is included, call the dealer with the recall number and ask how to schedule the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V367000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-574-293-1581 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V367 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V367000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →