2016 Ford Transit Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit, 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
- Powertrain (other)5831.0%
- Engine2412.8%
- Fuel system147.5%
- Driver assistance137.0%
- Electrical126.4%
- Brakes115.9%
- Body & structure115.9%
- Seat belts115.9%
- Steering73.7%
- Other / unspecified63.2%
- Suspension63.2%
- Airbags42.1%
- Interior & seats31.6%
- Exterior lighting21.1%
- Tires & wheels21.1%
- Transmission21.1%
- Visibility10.5%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the rubber-flexible coupling between the transmission became shredded into pieces and the vehicle swerved off the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, who confirmed that the rubber transmission coupler had failed and needed to be upgraded to the metal version by the manufacturer. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Winner Dover Auto Body Shop (591 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
I purchased this vehicle, used, back in 2024 from STG Auto Group of Montclair. At the time I purchased the vehicle, they informed me there were no open recalls and ensured me the vehicle was safe to operate. About a year later, the driveshaft coupling (NHTSA 17V408000) completely sheared and I lost control for a bit on the freeway while trying to stop safely. Before I got the vehicle towed, I noticed the coupling was destroyed and it was all made of rubber. At the time I didn’t know about the recall repair that was supposed to replace this rubber coupling with a more robust version. Since I had a service contract with STG, they performed the repair and installed the same type of rubber coupling that had just been destroyed. I got the vehicle back and it drove fine for a few months, and last month the coupling blew out again. I did some due diligence and found out about the recall. I informed STG about it and they said the vehicle was sent to a dealership that is now out of business for the recall repair. The car has been sitting on their lot for over a month while they “source” parts and try to figure out who’s going to pay for repairs. Please help, I need the vehicle back to transport my family.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. Ford is currently denying assistance because my vehicle’s production date falls just one day (24 hours) outside the official recall window. It is mechanically impossible for a manufacturing defect present in the recalled batch to not exist in a vehicle produced only 24 hours earlier. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this arbitrary 1-day exclusion. Ford should not be allowed to avoid responsibility for a known safety defect based on a marginal production date error, especially when the failure and the parts involved are identical to those covered under the recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the warning message "Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure reoccurred later. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the fuel injector, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The dealer determined that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced, including the fuel pump, the fuel valves and the fuel injector. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V618000(Fuel System, Diesel, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2016 Ford Transit experienced a sudden loss of engine power while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, stalled, and emitted excessive black smoke from the exhaust, creating a hazardous situation for me and surrounding motorists. I was forced to pull off the roadway because the vehicle could no longer operate safely. When a warning first appeared, I promptly took the vehicle to an authorized dealer, the dealership preformed some type of update and a DPF regeneration and instructed me to drive the vehicle on the highway for 50 miles to complete the regeneration process, I followed these instructions. The light returned and the vehicle was inspected by another authorized Ford dealership, All-State Ford, which confirmed the condition covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 23M01 involving the catalytic converter system. The dealership confirmed that the required repair cannot be completed because Ford has not supplied the necessary replacement part after I called to get an update. Approximately five months have passed since the vehicle was diagnosed, and the required part remains unavailable. During this time, my vehicle has remained unusable. Ford has been unable to provide a repair date or any estimated timeline for when the part will become available. Ford’s response has been to direct me back to the dealership. However, the dealership has confirmed that it cannot obtain the part, provide a repair timeline, authorize reimbursement, or offer any alternative remedy because those decisions are controlled by Ford Motor Company. In researching this issue, I found online discussions from owners describing similar catalytic converter failures and extended delays across multiple Ford vehicle models. While I cannot independently verify those reports, they suggest this may not be an isolated incident. I respectfully request the NHTSA review whether the remedy offered under CSP 23M01 is adequately addressing the safety issue.
This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. Ford is currently denying assistance because my vehicle’s production date falls just one day (24 hours) outside the official recall window. It is mechanically impossible for a manufacturing defect present in the recalled batch to not exist in a vehicle produced only 24 hours earlier. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this arbitrary 1-day exclusion. Ford should not be allowed to avoid responsibility for a known safety defect based on a marginal production date error, especially when the failure and the parts involved are identical to those covered under the recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The backup camera and parking collision warning periodically do not work and this resulted in a collision with a parked car.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The screen displayed a black screen or a blue screen. Occasionally, the back over prevention camera operated intermittently or displayed a message that the camera was currently unavailable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2016 Ford Transit (VIN [XXX] ) and the rear camera goes blank when the car is going in reverse. Currently, my VIN is not included in the recall even though the year, make, and model is within the range. It has the same issue as described here on your page [XXX] and I am hoping that Ford will extend it to my VIN as well. I have contacted them separately to let them know of the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Rear view camera has sometimes screen has inverted view, totally blank, and even blue screen, sometimes works for a few seconds and then goes blank
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Summary of Complaint: The brake lines on my vehicle failed at highway speed (75 mph on I-65) while my wife and eight children were inside. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation. Fortunately, we were able to avoid a crash, but this could easily have caused multiple fatalities. Details: We purchased this vehicle used at approximately 60,000 miles. I was never notified by Ford, the dealership, or NHTSA/DMV of any requirement for interim recall repairs every 40,000 miles. During a service at Antioch Ford, I was told there was an open recall but that parts were unavailable. I was never contacted again by Ford or the dealership with instructions to remedy the defect. Ford has since confirmed in writing that the recall requires interim repairs every 40,000 miles but claims they will not assist financially since my vehicle has not had those interim repairs. As a second owner, I had no knowledge of this requirement because I never received recall letters or notices. Safety Concern: This is a serious safety defect that nearly caused catastrophic injury or death to my family. The manufacturer has acknowledged the recall but is refusing assistance, citing “policy,” even though I was never notified of the required interim repairs. Ford has also attempted to close my case as “inactive” without resolution. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall, specifically: Whether Ford properly notified subsequent owners about interim recall repair requirements. Whether Ford should be compelled to remedy this defect at no cost, given the severity and risk to public safety.
driveshaft coupler failed Ford refuses to fix damaged parts from coupler failure. Received notice of safety recall 10-25-2023. Recall was issued 10-25-2019 but I was never notified of a recall. (recall notices are sent by mail) once recall notice was received 10-25-2023 I tried countless times to have recall done but parts were never available. Finally took to the dealer and had them place the part on order (backorder) to be filled when available on/or around 1-2024. Failure happened 4-18-2024 with the recall part still on backorder damaging all brake lines and fuel lines all at the same time. This part should have been available when the vehicle was taken to the dealership for repair in Jan. 2024 and fixed. Not until a Failure happens that could of cost the lives of X-people on a highway due to parts not being available for a Major recall like this one.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sliding door jumps track, opening and or closing. Have driven home with door open because it wouldn't shut.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that there was a rubbing burning order coming from inside the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle also had a vibration sensation whenever the vehicle was being driven. There were no warning lights on the vehicle. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the flex disc had failed. The contact stated that this was a known issue for the vehicle. There was a recall and lawsuit involving the vehicle's rubber cupper between the transmission and driveshaft was made of plastic was causing severe failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the matter and had since been looking into the matter and informed the contact that their research was being furthered along regarding parts before something was to be done. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to provide a permanent fix or the guaranteed maintenance at replacing the part at every 30,000 40,000 miles. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the front driver's side seat belt failed to latch securely. The "Seat Belt" warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The setbel latches brake easily, the outer holding of the latch brakes down quickly and leaves only the small plastic latch and they brake. Also, the upholstery on the seats wears down and disintegrate, this happens with one of the double seats in the rear of the vehicle.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the front driver's side seat belt failed to latch securely. The "Seat Belt" warning light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Unknown •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Van completely shuts down, lights on dashboard shut off, can’t not accelerate or brake, and hazard lights do not turn on. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Problem could not be reproduce at Ford the second time. The first time this happened, the Van was serviced at Ford for over 2 months for the same issues. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been serviced by Penske & Ford. •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or messages, these issues comes up randomly and shuts the vehicle down completely.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a Winnebago RV built on a 2016 Ford Transit chassis equipped with the original Cummins Onan generator with Model: 2.5HGJBB-1126A. The contact stated that while in use, the generator stalled. The contact then stated that he smelled a fuel odor throughout the RV. The RV was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. The contact stated failure mileage to be 27,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at a low rate of speed, the rear passenger's side wheel suddenly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle bolts snapped off causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking noise while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,419.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at a low rate of speed, the rear passenger's side wheel suddenly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle bolts snapped off causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I COLLIDED WITH A FORD TRUCK ALL MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS THEY SHOULD, I COULD NOT MOVE WITHOUT INTENSE PAIN IN MY LOWER BACK SO I SAT IN PLACE UNTIL REMOVED BY EMS. AFTER PARTIAL RECOVERY I EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLT OVER MY SHOULDER HAD BULLED OUT OF THE PILLAR BEHIND MY SEAT (NOT THE FLOOR). I WAS ON A CITY STREET MOVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH. A TRUCK TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED HEAD TO HEAD. DAMAGE ON MY VEHICLE WAS PRIMARILY ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE.
THERE ARE 2 RECALLS16S06 AND 16S13 BACK FROM MAY 2016 AND THE FORD GARAGE CANT GET PARTS AFTER A YEAR. ONE OF THE RECALLS IS A SEAT BELT ISSUE AND WE NEED THEM FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HERT.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the interior door handle detached, trapping the contact inside the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic and determined that the failure was with the door handle bracket and switch. The door handle was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,561.
The setbel latches brake easily, the outer holding of the latch brakes down quickly and leaves only the small plastic latch and they brake. Also, the upholstery on the seats wears down and disintegrate, this happens with one of the double seats in the rear of the vehicle.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Instrument panel turns off on and on during driving. No ability to see speed, acceleration, engine heat, fuel, or any lights at all (unable to see warning lights like engine light or airbag or tire pressure and not even able to use blinkers or high lights). Problem occurs during driving (will even turn off and on many times within same driving session) but will also happen while car is sitting just with ignition on. Took to dealer and they couldnt find the problem, told me to (and I quote) “continue driving until it gets worse” so they could find the problem later on. Romano Ford in Fayetteville NY told us to continue using the vehicle while the instrument panels contiously turns off and on, disregarding the safety issues of not being able to monitor anything while driving (speed, heat, fuel, warnings, blinkers or anything!). When we scanned the vehicle for DTCs it comes up as the instrument panel is losing connection to every single module in the vehicle, and they for some reason do not see this as dangerous.
RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS AND DIRECTIONAL ARE NOT WORKING. THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL IN ANY SITUATION. COULD BE THE BCM MODULE. THIS MIGHT BE THE RECALL NUMBER 17S34
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Winnebago Fuse RV built on a 2016 Ford Transit chassis and equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Dynapro HT, Tire Size: 195/75/R16, DOT Number: T7W7HUH. The contact stated that while inspecting the RV it was discovered that all four tires had developed cracks that extended around the outer walls of the tires. The cause of the cracks was not yet determined. The manufacturer and dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,068.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD TRANSIT 350XLT EQUIPPED WITH FOUR CONTINENTAL VANCO FOURSEASON TIRES, SIZE: 285/65/R16C (NA). WHILE DRIVING, ALL FOUR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND CHIPPING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT RUBBER TREAD PIECES WERE VISIBLY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER (NORM REEVES FORD, 18900 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA) WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that there was a rubbing burning order coming from inside the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle also had a vibration sensation whenever the vehicle was being driven. There were no warning lights on the vehicle. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the flex disc had failed. The contact stated that this was a known issue for the vehicle. There was a recall and lawsuit involving the vehicle's rubber cupper between the transmission and driveshaft was made of plastic was causing severe failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the matter and had since been looking into the matter and informed the contact that their research was being furthered along regarding parts before something was to be done. The contact stated that the manufacturer had failed to provide a permanent fix or the guaranteed maintenance at replacing the part at every 30,000 40,000 miles. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD TRANSIT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR AND FELT THAT THE SPEAKER AND CD THAT SHE EJECTED FROM THE RADIO WERE WARM. ALSO, WHEN THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, STEAM BEGAN TO ACCUMULATE ON THE WINDOWS. AS THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COOL OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTOFAIR FORD (1475 S WILLOW ST, MANCHESTER, NH 03103, 603-634-1001) WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT WATER WAS ACCUMULATING ON THE AIR FILTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS ALSO DRIPPING ONTO THE BLOWER MOTOR HEATER, WHICH CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR AND INSTALLED A WATER DEFLECTION KIT. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AND THE AIR FILTER BOX COVER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .