2016 Ford Transit Connect Owner Complaints

On XXX at 1820 hrs CST I was traveling westbound on HWY XXX between [XXX] and Central [XXX] [XXX]. The weather was sunny, temp 88 degrees. As I was driving between 60 and 65 MPH with cars in front as well as behind me I heard a very loud “explosion” type noise. It was loud and quite scary and unexpected. The car then became very loud and windy. I was able to keep the car on the road, when I looked up I realized the panoramic window on the roof was mostly gone and damaged as well as the shade that covers the window. Looking in the rear view mirror I didn't see any other cars stopping or slowing and it appeared as if I was the only one affected. Backtracking to before my trip, I took my vehicle to Ford in [XXX] on XXX for three recall issues. Door latches, backup camera and panorama window issues. Later that day they called me to pick it up and said they had ordered parts for the recall items and would contact me when the parts were in. I advised the service tech I was going on a trip with the vehicle on XXX and needed to get things done before that time. He said the roof would need to be fixed by a glass company and they would coordinate when the other parts were installed. The vehicle went back to Sill- Terhar Ford on XXX and was returned on XXX. I asked about the window repair and was then told I would have to contact the body shop to get that work done. This work could not be done before my trip. I feel this recall is NOT been taken seriously by Ford or the dealerships and this could have killed someone behind me or I could have lost control of the vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751489

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

2 years ago (approx.) I brought my van to Sound Ford in Renton, WA. for the windshield recall. Two employees inspected my windshield and said they could not do the recall because they found a micro-pit in the glass. They told me to get my insurance to replace the windshield. I called my insurance but they said they won't replace the windshield unless it is cracked and I would have to pay a $100 deductible and Sound Ford is off the hook to do the recall. Since then I have been waiting for a crack to form but the windshield started to leak and on gravel and dirt roads the windshield started to vibrate. The vibration got so bad I had to duct tape the windshield on and tried to stop the leak with plumbers putty. I would like Sound Ford to complete the recall with no cost to me as stated in the recall. "FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS AUTHORIZED YOUR DEALER TO RESEAL THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE PARTS AND LABOR."

NHTSA ID

11744832

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted to reverse(R), the rearview camera image failed to display a clear image. The local dealer advised the contact that the recall warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was no longer under recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11724704

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

Was driving to work passenger front wheel locked overheating brakes and smoking had to have towed to jones ford in Shalotte North Carolina today

NHTSA ID

11715562

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11700496

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the glass panel from the sunroof unexpectedly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the adhesive securing the sunroof glass had failed, causing the panel to detach. The contact was informed that the adhesive needs to be replaced to reattach the glass panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the failure had made the vehicle unsafe and that the children no longer wanted to ride in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11699417

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

Mileage

165,000 mi

All these problems started when the rear camera quite working.

NHTSA ID

11693686

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

The brakes suddenly locked up while I was driving which could have caused an accident. Luckily it did not cause me to swerve into oncoming traffic and no one was behind me at the time. This was caused by the ABS unit hydraulic control assembly. It was the right front and left rear calipers locking. My vehicle only has 44,401 miles on it. The diagnosis has been confirmed at the dealer. There are other 2016 Ford Transit connect models that have had a safety recall for this specific component, but mine is just outside of the vehicle recall time period by a few months. It was manufactured at the same plant. Additionally, I wanted to add that there were no warning lights, though I noticed a very slight drag when first accelerating (a few days prior) but didn't think much of it. I wondered if I was just imagining things. It wouldn't have been noticeable to someone who wasn't used to driving it. I contacted Ford and they would not provide any assistance other than me having to start a case (in other words, I have to spend $2,100 to get it fixed at the dealer; also I can't get it fixed anywhere else because the dealer has to program it.)

NHTSA ID

11687689

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear sliding door failed to remain securely closed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that the failure was not related to a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V502000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11674573

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at various speeds, the sunroof collapsed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The contact noticed that the sun visor was not installed. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 91,387. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11673440

Incident

Mar 18, 2025

Mileage

91,387 mi

I am writing to report a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2016 Ford Transit Connect. On four separate occasions, the rear sliding doors on both the driver and passenger sides have completely detached from the vehicle during the normal process of closing them. These incidents occurred without the application of any excessive force or unusual use. The doors unexpectedly slid off their tracks and fell from the vehicle, creating a dangerous situation. Each time this occurred, my family was left stranded, unable to complete our trip or return home safely. As a result of this repeated failure, I have avoided using one of the sliding doors for over a year out of fear that it was not properly re-secured and could fall off again. This issue represents a significant safety concern, particularly for families relying on this vehicle for daily transportation, and I believe it warrants immediate attention and investigation.

NHTSA ID

11660784

Incident

May 7, 2025

dealership AL Packer Ford on 1530 N Military Trl, West palm Beach FL 33409 refuse to fix the Manufacturer Recall Number 22S20 (NHTSA Recall Number 22V192), they have to remove the windshield and resealed but they hire an company to do it, so the "company' went and check my windshield and they said they can not do it bc they find and crack(which I've never see) and the windshield can the windshield can collapse in the process, the dealer says they won't take care of the windshield if this happens, I called Ford but they say they won't take care of it either, that I can only resolve it with the dealer but they refuse to cover it, and it's not my fault that they used the wrong adhesive for the windshield and now they have to remove it, they recommended that I talk to my insurance but insurance won't cover it and it's crazy that they won't cover it when it's their fault, how do they know that the windshield doesn't have the crack because of the defect in the adhesive

NHTSA ID

11631497

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. While the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Wayne Ford (444 US-46, Wayne, NJ 07470); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11621200

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

Mileage

33,000 mi

The vehicles front driver side wheel brakes keeps receiving too much pressure causing the brake pads to stick and the wheel to get hot and to shake the steering wheel. I have had the caliper replaced twice, the flex bake hose replaced as well, replaced brake pads and rotor and after the most recent diagnosis, I was told that the issue is the HCU. Ford has had issues with this model and you can see under campaigns 16C10/16V482 where this exact issues was happening was being experienced. I believe that they failed to fix the issue when they produced the car I have and are refusing to fix it. When I first experienced the issue my rotor was smoking and the wheel was extremely hot which is an extreme hazard that ford should be made responsible for.

NHTSA ID

11615656

Incident

Jul 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear without warning. The contact continued driving and while coming to a stop light the failure recurred. The contact attempted to accelerate when the light turned green, and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into neutral, and the contact nearly crashed into another vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over at a gas station and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the cable shifter bushing was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11591151

Incident

May 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her husband was operating the vehicle, the front driver side door failed to shut closed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V502000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer informed the contact that the recall was expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11588091

Incident

May 8, 2024

Mileage

200,000 mi

While driving on the highway, the Panoramic Roof Window started lifting up along the leading edge of the glass panel. I was to slow down and get off the highway before the panel came completely out of the recessed window frame. Ford has told me that my VIN shows the recall repair on the roof was performed already by Ford for a previous owner. A local Ford dealership looked into redoing the repair under a replacement warrenty, but was told it is not covered because the recall work was down more than 2 years ago. This seems a problem to me. The panoramic window is a fixed glass pane. Recall repair for this should last for the life of the car, not two years. I beleive the repair of the window does not actually solve the documented recall problem effectively.

NHTSA ID

11585789

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

Ford Transit Connect passenger van with a panoramic view roof window. Driving on the highway, when air starting rushing into the cabin via the glass roof. I was able to pull over before the whole panel blew off. The Front (leading) edge of the glass roof panel is now loose. I can push up on the glass panel and the front edge comes up at least a 1/2 inch now. Ford has a recall listed on the roof panel aleady, but they say my car is not covered by the recall. Campaign/NHTSA# 20S22/20V260 Issue Date 2020-05-08 Description On your vehicle, the panoramic roof glass panel may not be properly bonded to the vehicle, which may result in wind noise, water leaks, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle. Safety Risk This may result in separation of the entire panoramic roof panel from the vehicle while driving increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Remedy Parts are now available to repair your vehicles. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof glass free of charge (parts and labor).

NHTSA ID

11584896

Incident

Apr 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to move. The engine HOT message was displayed. There was an unknown running sound detected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and an unknown repair was performed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that water had leaked into the engine from the front windshield. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the window was replaced but was installed incorrectly. The weather strip was detached. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11575596

Incident

Jan 6, 2024

Mileage

73,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while initially starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the main computer screen displayed the “Hill Stop Assist Not Available" and "Parking Assist Not Available" messages. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The speedometer, power steering, and several other unknown messages were displayed intermittently. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after the original failure and was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side wheel position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic after the second failure, and it was determined that the same front passenger’s and driver’s side wheel position sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the steering wheel position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11560625

Incident

Aug 18, 2021

Mileage

70,000 mi

Going down highway at 70 mph, no power all of a sudden. No warning. Made it to the side, stranded. Transmission needs to be replaced, 83000 miles

NHTSA ID

11559644

Incident

Dec 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that cracks had formed in both taillights which lead to water accumulation inside the taillight housing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that moisture had leaked into the taillight wiring harness and both taillight sensors and sensor harnesses need to be replaced. In addition, the taillight wiring had begun to hang from the rear of the vehicle, causing the exhaust pipe to melt the wiring harness. The dealer informed the contact that the taillight sensor could not be repaired due to the part being on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11559115

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

Mileage

55,000 mi

Calipers and brake pads were replaced and still front brakes locking up. Unable to drive. Also, I had to replace a brand new brain on the van over $3000 electrical. The contact stated the vehicle is not working and needs help.

NHTSA ID

11545515

Incident

Aug 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contacted stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the freeway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake system HCU pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V482000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 91,000.

NHTSA ID

11544530

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

Mileage

91,000 mi

Recall Issue with Vehicle Door Latch and Delays in Repair - NHTSA Recall Number 21V376 To whom it may concern, I am writing to report a significant safety concern regarding my vehicle. Specifically, the driver's door latch is malfunctioning and no longer securely locks the door, rendering the vehicle undriveable. This issue directly aligns with the advanced recall notice identified as NHTSA Recall Number21V376 and Manufacturer Recall Number 21S24. To seek a resolution, I reached out to local Ford dealerships, but initially faced challenges in even having a conversation about potential recalls. Fortunately, Future Ford of Roseville accepted to inspect my vehicle and I delivered it to their facility on August 23rd, 2023. One of their service managers indicated that they should be able to address the problem, especially since my car exhibits the symptoms detailed in the recall notice. However, it's September 1st now, and my vehicle remains in their possession with little to no updates. The only communication I received was a work order summary. Troublingly, this document states: "FORD DECLINED AUTHORIZATION TO REPAIR AT THIS TIME" regarding the advanced recall. Attempts to discuss this update with the service manager, [XXX] , have been unproductive. She briefly left a voicemail without pertinent details and despite promising a follow-up call, failed to do so. Furthermore, I reached out to Ford corporate for clarity but to no avail. I've consistently received vague answers, with most indicating a lack of direction from Ford. This is both alarming and frustrating. I am at a loss as to why the dealership can't take an interim measure, such as replacing the defective door latch—which has been acknowledged to degrade over time—to temporarily remedy the situation. This could serve as a temporary solution until an official fix is determined. Attached is the aforementioned work order summary for your reference. I urge you to consider the safety implications of INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO

NHTSA ID

11542177

Incident

Aug 22, 2023