RoadVitals

2016 Ford Transit Connect Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
104
Latest Jul 20, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit Connect, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 17, 2026

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 · filed Nov 14, 2025
All 22 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 4, 2026

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 · filed Sep 16, 2025
All 17 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 18, 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 · filed Dec 8, 2023
All 14 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2026

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 · filed May 13, 2025
All 14 reports naming body & structure

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11700496 · filed Nov 20, 2025

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 · filed Oct 22, 2024
All 13 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 16, 2026

All these problems started when the rear camera quite working.

NHTSA ID 11693686 · filed Oct 15, 2025
All 13 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 28, 2024

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 · filed Dec 12, 2023
All 12 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 18, 2023

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 · filed Sep 19, 2023
All 8 reports naming steering

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 4, 2026

Van was taken to Mooresville Ford for routine maintenance. When picking up the van the service mng informed me that some of the lug nuts are "swollen" and the tire iron supplied with the vehicle will no longer fit on the lug nut. I will not be able to change a flat tire until they are are replaced. I have both a premium extended warranty and platinum service contract but the dealer would not cover the lug nuts and if I wanted to pay out of pocket they would be replaced with the same lug nuts that would eventual become "swollen" again. I was advised to buy aftermarket lug nuts and put them on. It's pretty clear after doing a little research that this is a common problem that should result in a recall and replacement of the lug nut to avoid leaving car owners stranded in remote locations or anywhere for that matter. Also the tire rotation portion of the service which is part of the service contract was not able to be done due to the swollen lug nut. We were told that the lug nuts will be damaged when they attempt to remove them and won't be able to put them back on. I don't understand why Ford doesn't fix this problem but they won't until they are forced too. Please issue a recall.

NHTSA ID 11539881 · filed Aug 21, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 18, 2025

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 · filed May 10, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

JUST GOT THIS VEHICLE, WAS PURCHASED AS USED BUT WITH WARRANTY STILL AS IT ONLY HAD 16500 MILES. AFTER DRIVING FOR FEW WEEKS I HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS. #1 FUEL ECONOMY ON VEHICLE IS 15 MILES PER GALLON (ON A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE?). PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A RECALL PART (THROTTLE BODY) AS IT WAS DOING ONLY 13 MILES TO THE GALLON. DEALER STATES THAT IS WORKING NORMAL???? #2 AFTER DRIVING FOR 4 HOURS OR MORE (CITY OR HIGHWAY) HOT AIR COMES OUT OF AIR VENTS EVEN WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS 40 DEGREES FE.( AND TEMP IS SET TO LOW ON CLUSTER). 20 DEGREES DEFERENCE IS NOT OK (MAYBE IN WINTER BUT NOT IN SUMMER). DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND CALL FORD ENGINEERS, TO WHICH THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL. DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE SAME ISSUE ON 3 SIMILAR VEHICLES BUT STILL FORD STATES THAT IT IS NORMAL??? HOT AIR COMING OUT OF VENTS AT 70 DEGREES WHEN IT IS 55 DEGREES OUTSIDE IS NOT NORMAL.

NHTSA ID 11073309 · filed Feb 16, 2018

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE IN TRANSIT POWER STEERING GOES OUT FIRST BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON VEHICLE STOPS CAN NOT RESTART

NHTSA ID 10967801 · filed Mar 22, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11700496 · filed Nov 20, 2025

My Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor failed. Caused my airbag system to throw a code and become inoperative and SRS light on. Took to Middleton Ford in Middleton, WI and they confirmed the code indicated the OCS sensor has failed and required replacing to make the airbag system operable again. Meaning if I got into an accident, no airbags would deploy while the defective OCS sensor is in place. My insurance refused to inspect or cover the sensor as the failure wasn't related to an accident. Middleton Ford refused to cover the replacement cost regardless of cause of failure and said I must pay for the repair as my van was out of warranty. The sensor was replaced on 08/22/22 and see attached pics to prove the sensor had no visual issues and the cause of said failure is a manufacturer defect. Consumers should never have to pay for a defective part that failed due to no fault of their own.

NHTSA ID 11480614 · filed Aug 22, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SHIFTING ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, AFTER PARKING AT A LOCAL GAS STATION, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE GEAR SHIFT MOVED BUT, SEEM TO NOT BE CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE CLIP ON THE SHIFTER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL 20S18 BUT, SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JS

NHTSA ID 11349487 · filed Aug 17, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 8, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .