RoadVitals

2015 Ford Transit

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
193
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
26
Latest Aug 11, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
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.
5
11 injuries, 9 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 193 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Ford Transit, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and fuel system categories. 26 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 203 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

26 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

Aug 11, 2021
30 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.
The risk: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 21S39View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Oct 25, 2019
293,558 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Transit vehicles. This recall includes all full-size Transit vehicles previously recalled under 17V-408 except ones that received mechanical universal joint (u-joint) as a remedy and any 156" or 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies models. The flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
The risk: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling every 40,000 miles until the final remedy is available. The final remedy will consist of installation of a driveshaft front section equipped with a mechanical u-joint in place of the flexible coupling. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S38. Note: This recall supersedes recall number 17V-408.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 19S38View on NHTSA.gov
Apr 29, 2019
544 units potentially affected
The defect: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The remedy: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
New England WheelsManufacturer number 18E-076View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

AQ18001ClosedAudit Query

Zipcar Rental Concerns

Opened Apr 2, 2018
Closed Sep 25, 2024

NHTSA opened this audit query to determine whether Zipcar, Inc. (Zipcar) complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental car company not rent, lease, or sell a recalled vehicle until the safety defect or noncompliance is remedied. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i). Based on NHTSA’s inquiry, including information provided by Zipcar, NHTSA asserted that, during 2017 and 2018, Zipcar rented certain unremedied recalled vehicles in violation of the Safety Act. In October 2023, NHTSA and Zipcar entered into a Consent Order in which Zipcar agreed to pay a total civil penalty of $300,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $150,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount. Zipcar also agreed to a sum of $150,000 as an Abeyance Amount, to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order. The requirements of the Consent Order include performance obligations that relate to process improvements to Zipcar’s recall compliance procedures and its training materials. Zipcar agreed to conduct an audit of all Zipcar vehicles with an open recall within 150 days after the Effective Date of the Consent Order. Zipcar also agreed to quarterly meetings with NHTSA staff to discuss the progress of the performance obligations and issues or concerns from either party. This audit query investigation, AQ18001, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Zipcar’s ongoing performance obligations or other legal obligations, and does not represent a determination by NHTSA about Zipcar’s performance under the Consent Order to date.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Seat belts
Filed Sep 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V111000 (Seat belts) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list due to not having rear seats in vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA ID
11765940
Incident
Sep 21, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Aug 31, 2026

My van at times doesn't mater the incline it will say hill side assist and will lock the brakes I can be stuck for an hour or so found pumping the breaks will help release the lock quicker had dealership lock at it and they can't figure it out this has been going on for a year or so what can I do this isn't safe for at times I'm in traffic

NHTSA ID
11761095
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11752183
Incident
May 19, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11752174
Incident
May 19, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 20, 2026

rear wheels lock up at highway speeds, F-150 is recalled, why is my F-250 not recalled same transmission 6r80. Please help. Thanks

NHTSA ID
11751607
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jun 2, 2026
Crash reported

The front subframe and transmission crossmember on my 2015 Ford Transit have experienced severe, premature structural corrosion, resulting in the metal rotting completely through. The subframe is structurally compromised, brittle, and actively cracking.Safety Risk and Imminent Hazard:The subframe is the load-bearing structural skeleton holding the vehicle's engine, steering assembly, transmission, and suspension components in place. Because the metal has rusted through, there is an imminent risk of complete structural collapse while driving. If the subframe snaps or detaches under load, it will cause an immediate loss of steering control and engine displacement, likely resulting in a catastrophic high-speed crash.Passenger and Public Danger:This vehicle is not used for commercial purposes; it is a dedicated family vehicle used daily to transport eleven (11) children. A structural failure at highway speeds puts twelve lives inside the vehicle—and dozens more on the road—at immediate risk of fatal injury.Manufacturer Response:Ford Motor Company (Ford Pro Customer Advocacy, Case Manager: Quatavius) was contacted regarding this premature, widespread engineering defect. Ford formally denied any financial or repair assistance, stating no programs exist, completely disregarding the severe safety risk to the 11 children inside this vehicle. This is a systemic manufacturing defect with 2015-2023 Ford Transit subframes that requires an immediate federal safety investigation and mandatory safety recall before a fatal structural failure occurs As of now the symptoms are the rattling noise of the rotting subframe and steering vibration while driving. We even hit another car and paid for repairs already due to fear of steering loss.

NHTSA ID
11741522
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed May 21, 2026

Transmission, 6 speed, drops into 2nd gear locks up rear wheels. I was driving at highway speeds and the rear wheels locked up. My van skidded into another lane and almost caused an accident. My van has been down shifting for years but the rear wheels have never locked up. I shifted into neutral quickly to avoid an accident. I do not understand why this vehicle is not included in the recall. Ford has known of this problem and has done nothing for 10 years. I'm lucky my rear end did not blow up. (damage has been done) Ford should be responsible to repair any components that have been damaged from the downshifting and the rear end locking up. This is causing damage to my entire drivetrain. Please help me out, I have been waiting for this recall for years. I should be included. I need my faulty lead frame replaced. Thanks

NHTSA ID
11739195
Incident
Jan 5, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 14, 2026

2015 Ford Transit. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was at first humming loudly...thought initially it was a neighboring noisy car muffler, but the van starting shaking and vibrating abnormally. Upon decreasing the speed, a loud thumping noise from beneath the car was heard, then squeeling while debris was being left in the road behind, and finally a violent shaking that was almost impossible to pull over safely. The "hill assist" light was flashing on the dash. I towed the vehicle to an independant transmission show as I was 50 miles from my local Ford dealer.ntact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the drive shaft flexible coupling was no longer present. The mechanic said that this is a known Ford issue and to have it towed there for the warranty/recall fix under NHTSA Campaign #19V767000 and #17S15 (Power Train) and the supercede Campaign #19S38. The vehicle had received an early version of the at-the-time fix of an updated flexible coupler. When contacting the Ford dealer, I was told that there were no recalls noted for my VIN. I contacted Ford, and was told that since I already had the "one-time permanant fix" that I was not eligble for any repairs under NHTSA 19S38 (which now specifies that that the flexible coupling is to be replaced with a new u-joint shaft connection). I thought safety recalls don't expire and the latest fix should be applicable/availble for this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11737913
Incident
May 12, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 55098

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN

Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the exhaust gas sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due to the vehicles diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) age counter being under the 120-minute age requirement. There is an all-new "PCM  Catalytic Converter Age Evaluation" application within the latest version of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). Use this new FDRS application to determine the age (in minutes) of the DOC. If the age is less than 120 minutes, perform manual regenerations to increase the catalyst age counter to satisfy the monitor age requirement. If further assistance is needed, contact the technical assistance center (TAC). Note: this article only applies to the EGS monitor. Problems with other vehicle monitors not running successfully must be addressed using normal diagnostics located i

SSM 54690

ENGINE

Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the Exhaust Gas Sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due to the vehicles diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) age counter being under the 120-minute requirement. Engineering is investigating this issue and working on a solution.

25N17

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 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. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

SSM 53323

All Transit accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Transit by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026510—
2025340—
20242810060.7
20235618054.4
20223816057.9
2021234056.4
2020849157.8
2019379054.8
20185714060.2
20179818164.1
201615521166.8
2015Viewing19326159.5
2014330—
2001100—
2000000—
1999000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.