2017 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 2017 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)3933.9%
- Engine1815.7%
- Electrical119.6%
- Driver assistance108.7%
- Body & structure54.3%
- Brakes54.3%
- Steering43.5%
- Fuel system43.5%
- Airbags32.6%
- Interior & seats32.6%
- Seat belts32.6%
- Exterior lighting21.7%
- Other / unspecified21.7%
- Suspension21.7%
- Tires & wheels21.7%
- Transmission10.9%
- Visibility10.9%
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
I have had many issues with this vehicle. The engine leaks oil onto the exhaust causing the engine to smoke, the engine uses antifreeze, the transmission will downshift at highway speeds to such a low gear that I need to put the van into neutral so that the engine doesn't blow up. It uses brakes quickly, (New brakes every 10,000 miles or so). Gas milage is less then 12MPG as well.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission sensor had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that DTC: P2002 was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01 (Certain 2015-2019 Ford Transit 3.2L Diesel Replace Diesel Particulate Filter); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.
A known Ford defect on the 2017 3.5 ecoboost engine is when the manifolds, improperly designed and installed, warp and snap off the manifold bolts holding the manifold to the engine. The result is a great deal of extremely hot exhaust fumes being emitted in the engine compartment rather than out the end of the exhaust pipe. There were NO messages, lamps or other indicators of the manifold failure until a wheezing, rattling sound was emitted.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked at the residence. The contact was asleep and was alerted to the fire by the local authorities after a neighbor witnessed the fire and called the emergency services. Upon reviewing the ring camera footage, the contact became aware that the fire had originated at the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, and the vehicle sustained damages to the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A Police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
My VIN number is not included in the backup camera recall. It says the recall includes the 2017 Transit. My back up camera stopped working about a year ago. Also when the camera stopped working my cruise control stopped working also. I believe this is a larger electrical issue.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My VIN number is not included in the backup camera recall. It says the recall includes the 2017 Transit. My back up camera stopped working about a year ago. Also when the camera stopped working my cruise control stopped working also. I believe this is a larger electrical issue.
The license plate lights were not working and they needed replaced. The sockets were bad. My mechanic purchased a replacement two light cable, which also plugs into the back-up camera in this Ford Transit., from the local Ford dealership. After replacing the cable with light sockets and pluging in the back-up camera, the camera went to a blue screen and no longer works. The ford garage stated that this was the right upgraded part. Being a buisness owner and using my vehicle for deliveries, I find this very dangerous not being able to see people, kids especially, as well as animals when backing up the van. There are hundred of thousands of these Transit vans being used by Amazon and various other companies and when I researched this problem, I find hundreds of complaints for this very same issue. After contacting the Ford company, they told me that there was no recall on this issue and would do nothing for me.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The sliding door does not stay closed. My 5 children are at risk when the door opens while driving. I took it recently to the dealer and they said they fixed the handle and that everything else was fine. That night it opened 3 times within 1 mile.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD TRANSIT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND SHUDDERED AND JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DRIVER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT BE DUE TO AN UNIDENTIFIED ECM FAILURE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULLINAX FORD OF NEW SMYRNA BEACH (2317 FL-44, NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL 32168, (386) 267-4980) AND THE ECM MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD RECUR DUE TO WATER LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while his daughter-in-law was driving approximately 60-70 MPH down the interstate, there was an abnormally loud, unidentifiable sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact stated that the repairs should be covered under a warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the drive shaft coupling had detached. The heater hose and brake lines had additional damage. The brake line and brake fluid warning lights illuminated after the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed that the repairs were not covered. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact moved to the right lane, and there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact struck the curb, ran over the curb, and pulled up the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the drive shaft being faulty and referred him to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed the failure was due to the driveshaft flexible coupling. The vacuum line, brake line, and fuel line were cut, and the transmission was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated abnormally while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken for an alignment; however, after driving for five miles, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vibration had become progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that DTC: P2002 was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01 (Certain 2015-2019 Ford Transit 3.2L Diesel Replace Diesel Particulate Filter); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.
Our fleet of Ford transits are all having similar issues. This is the 2nd time this particular vehicle has lost power while driving causing extremely dangerous safety concerns. We were instructed by Ford to replace the throttle body which was done in 2021 and now the same issue is occurring. Ford needs to remedy this issue long-term. This issue is affecting the trust from my employees to provide them safe transportation, inoperable vehicles are causing lost revenue and the rest of my fleet is now unreliable causing concern for more serious accidents. This is a major issue for people that have Ford Transit fleets.
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
The vehicle was hit in the front end while my girlfriend was driving it. Someone ran a red light and smacked into the front end of the van at approximately 50 miles per hour. The airbags did not deploy despite significant force. The car that ran the red light was small but the force was significant enough that she hit her head and sustained medically verified extreme whiplash.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD TRANSIT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, AND THE CONTACT WAS JUST ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THEIR RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID SUSTAIN INJURIES. THEY DID RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED LEFT RIB, A CUT ON THE BACK OF THEIR HEAD AND LEFT SHOULDER AND BACK. THE CONTACT DID HAVE THEIR THREE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WITH THEM. THE CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED. THEY WERE STRAPPED INTO THEIR CAR SEATS. THE PERSON THAT CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. ONE OF THEIR SHOULDERS WAS DISLOCATED. THEY ROAD IN THE AMBULANCE WITH THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT DIDN'T KNOW IF THE PERSON RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION OR NOT. THEIR WAS A POLICE REPORT MADE. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,850. *BF CONSUMER STATED PASSENGER ROW 2 LEFT DID NOT LOCK ON IMPACT CAR SEAT NOT RESTRAINED PROPERLY BY TRANSIT SEAT BELT. CHILD WAS NOT INJURED BY IMPACT. CRASH ID XXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
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
THIS WAS A RENTED VEHICLE FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL IN HILLSBORO, OR ON 10/12/2018. I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE VAN AND MY ANKLE HIT THE METAL BELOW THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT AT THE FRONT PORTION OF THE GLIDE MECHANISM(THAT MOVES THE SEAT BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS). THE METAL CUT MY RIGHT INSIDE ANKLE BONE,A CUT ABOUT AND INCH AND QUARTER LONG. IT BLED TERRIBLY AND WAS VERY SWOLLEN OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. THE INJURY GOT INFECTED AND REQUIRED A TRIPS TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TO MAKE IT BETTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I TOLD ANOTHER LEGAL DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE, AND EVEN AFTER TELLING HIM, HE HIT HIS ANKLE ON THE SAME PIECE OF METAL, BUT HE ONLY HAD A LITTLE SCRATCH. HIS COMMENT TO ME WAS," I EVEN HIT MY ANKLE AFTER YOU SHARED WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR ANKLE. I FEEL THIS SHARP METAL PIECE SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT TO SEE IF IT IS THAT SAME IN ALL THE TRANSIT VANS. THE RENTAL AGREEMENT NUMBER WITH ENTERPRISE WAS 3RQ72T, I WAS ALSO GIVEN A NUMBER OF 313320. MEDICAL RECORDS CAN PROVIDED UPON REQUEST ## VIN PASSED ## 2017 TRANSIT VAN ##
2017 FORD TRANSIT T-350 HD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING SOLD A NEW VEHICLE WHILE UNDER RECALL. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a 2017 ford transit passenger van, and the seat belts slowly 1 by 1 are breaking at the release. I already replaced a couple but the other ones are doing the same thing. They will either not latch or they won't release and the individual will be trapped. I have not had it inspected by anyone but it also is apparent what the problem is. It started when I first purchased it a year ago and is still doing it now
I HAVE EXPERIENCED A CAR COLLISION DRIVING THE FORD TRANSIT 2017 MODEL WORK VAN. AS I DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY A TRUCK WHICH FAILED TO YIELD TO TRAFFICK JUMPED OUT AHEAD CAUSING ME TO TBONE HIS DRIVER DOOR. I SLOWED DOWN AS MUCH AS I COULD BUT HIT AT LEAST AT 40MPH IN WHICH MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY..THE TRUCK I HIT HAD BOTH BAGS DEPLOY BUT MINES DID NOT CAUSING ME TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY KNEES ARM AND TORSO..MY SEATBELTS DID NOT SECURE ME FROM HITTING THESE OBJECTS IN THE CAR AS WELL..I HAVE SUSTAINED FULL BODY INJURIES AND CURRENTLY RECOVERING
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
MY TRANSIT 350 HD WITH DUAL REAR WHEELS FAILED MASS SAFETY INSPECTION BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAVE A HIGH 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. FORD MANUFACTURED IT THIS WAY DURING 2016 AND 2017. HOW DO I LET THE STATE KNOW THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE?
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND NAVAGATION/RADIO SYSTEM WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE DOOR SWITCH IS FAULTY ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE WAS ASSEMBLED AT THE VALENCIA FINAL ASSEMBLY PLANT. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR OTHER FORD TRANSIT VEHICLES FOR FAILING DOOR SWITCHES. I AM CONCERNED FOR SIMULAR FAILURES WITH THE DOOR SWITCH ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN AND ALSO A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING NAVIGATION/RADIO AND INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM NOT TURNING OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY.
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 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that several of the wheel studs had fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2017 FORD TRANSIT T-350 HD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING SOLD A NEW VEHICLE WHILE UNDER RECALL. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. *TR
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 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while having a routine service at the local dealer, he noticed that there was a crack on the passenger’s side of the upper and lower control arms. The dealer diagnosed and confirmed the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. There were no warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
UNSAFE SWAYING WHEN PASSING OTHER VEHICLES OR BEING PASSED. SIDE WIND ALSO CAUSES THIS CONDITION.
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 2018 Winnebago Paseo RV Carried by a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the RV was equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire line dynapro HT, Tire size 195-70R 16C, Dot number 77W7HUH. The contact stated that when driving at approximately 55mph a loud noise emitted from the driver’s side rear of the RV. The contact was able drive onto the road shoulder inspected the RV and found the rear driver’s side outside tire had tread separation and the steal belt had separated. The contact was able to drive the RV to the service dealer, the dealer found that the other tires were exhibiting tread and steal belt separation. The contact advised all tires are the same size, line, and same dot number. The tires were replaced. The failure mileage was 26,800.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD TRANSIT EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, SIZE: 235/65/16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS AN OWNER OF A VAN RENTAL FACILITY AND CHUNKS OF RUBBER WERE FALLING OFF THE TIRES. THE CONTACT CALLED CONTINENTAL TIRES AND WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER (MARLOW FORD, 1021 US-211, LURAY, VA 22835, (540) 743-5128) WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE TIRE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DOT NUMBER, TIRE LINE, AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
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 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated abnormally while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken for an alignment; however, after driving for five miles, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vibration had become progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
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 2017 FORD TRANSIT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM CLICK FORD OF SAHUARITA & GREEN VALLEY (1030 W DUVAL RD, GREEN VALLEY, AZ 85614) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE WINDOW REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.
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 .