2024 Ford Transit

While driving a rented 2024 Ford Transit passenger van under load (accelerating uphill and exceeding 2,500–3,000 RPM) on a highway in heavy rain, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The engine began violently misfiring, causing the vehicle to shake aggressively, accompanied by a solid/flashing Check Engine Light and a sudden, severe loss of propulsion. This created an immediate, extreme highway traffic hazard for the 7 passengers inside, including infants, elderly parents, and an individual with special needs. When roadside assistance was contacted, the vehicle owners (Commonwealth Fleet Co. LLC, operating on the Turo platform) explicitly refused to authorize a tow because they did not want to pay the associated towing fees. Instead, the host pressured us to personally drive the dangerously malfunctioning commercial-sized van to a local Ford dealership for diagnostics, wait for it, and then proceed to drive the defective vehicle all the way home. This forced us into a high-risk scenario operating an inherently unsafe vehicle on public roads because no other transit options were provided. Left stranded out-of-state, we were forced to actively facilitate these repairs for the host, navigating the defective vehicle to a local Ford facility and paying out-of-pocket for Uber ride-shares to shuttle our family back and forth between the dealership and emergency lodging. A review of the vehicle's background showed that the fleet host had completely neglected required mechanical servicing on this van since October 2025. Furthermore, despite suffering this dangerous, documented powertrain failure that left our family stranded, the platform allowed the vehicle to be immediately flipped and rented out to another consumer upon its return on October 15, 2026, without a safety inspection or mechanical repair.

NHTSA ID

11775714

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

This is the second time this occurred. Please refer to 11757120. While travelling approximately 65 mph the vehicle had a complete shutdown including the engine and all electrical systems in the chassis. When a vehicle has a complete shutdown while driving it is inherently dangerous and life threatening. The problem has been confirmed by Westlies Truck Center in Minot ND again. To my knowledge the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone other than the staff at the truck center. There were no warnings of any kind prior to this occurrence. We were on a busy 4 lane highway.

NHTSA ID

11758299

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

We were on our way to a campground. Approximately 40 miles from the campground the RV shut down. All chassis systems failed including the engine and electrical systems. It is available for inspection. Our safety as well as the first mechanic on the scene and tow truck driver because we were only partially off of the roadway. There were no hazard lights working. The problem was confirmed by Westlies Truck Center in Minot ND. The component(s) have not been inspected. There were no warnings or symptoms of any kind. I was told by the service manager that it could happen again.

NHTSA ID

11757120

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Attempting to purchase a Midwest Automotive Designs, Patriot RV on Ford Transit chassis. The rear seat belts installed by the RV manufacturer for rear passenger seating have been removed but dealership refuses to replace them. The dealer is offering this vehicle for sale without required safety equipment. I believe this is a violation of DOT law ?

NHTSA ID

11737077

Incident

May 10, 2026

The rear axle snapped and rear tire separated and rolled behind vehicle on the expressway causing the potential for injury/fatalities to our driver and surrounding passenger vehicles by recall 24S05. At no point did we receive communication from Ford that the vehicle should not be operated. We scheduled the recall repairs for next week, 5/4/26 however this morning, 5/1/26 the rear axle snapped and the tire fell off of the vehicle. The vehicle has been towed to Roche Ford in Bensenville for repairs. The recall has been well documented and has thus far caused 285 incidents and 1 accident prior to our issue this morning. There were no indicator lights or messages to indicate an issue.

NHTSA ID

11735071

Incident

May 1, 2026

On March 11, 2026, a 2024 Ford Transit (VIN: [XXX] ) was being operated under normal driving conditions when the check engine light began intermittently activating. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of dashboard functionality. While attempting to safely maneuver to the shoulder, the operator experienced loss of power steering and reduced braking capability. During this time, flames were observed originating from the engine compartment. The operator was able to safely pull the vehicle over, exit, and contact emergency services. The vehicle subsequently became fully engulfed in flames and was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. A preliminary fire investigation determined the area of origin to be the passenger side of the engine compartment, with evidence of possible electrical involvement. The specific failed component has not yet been identified. This incident created a significant safety hazard due to the sudden loss of vehicle control systems combined with an active vehicle fire during operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728529

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

Fuel filler door hinges continues to break and the consumer has to pay for a new housing unit. The hinges can break at anytime and the fuel door can become a potential issue while driving. It can break all the way off and hit another vehicle while traveling on the road/ Highway. The problem has been confirmed by the dealerships as they always have back-stock of new units to replace. There is no warning as to when it breaks at all.

NHTSA ID

11725020

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

While traveling straight at approximately 30 miles per hour, the front differential locked, causing the front wheels to lock and abruptly stopped the vehicle. Vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership, which verified the differential failed, and not due to lack of lubricant. There were no symptoms prior to failure. The abruptness of the stop caused the operator to suffer whiplash like symptoms.

NHTSA ID

11711509

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

Customer Satisfaction Program 26L01 – Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2025 Model Year Various Vehicles 2.0L Panther Diesel Engine Timing Belt and Tensioner Interval Change

This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason for update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update theParts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator plate for Aviator

This bulletin supersedes 26-2297. Reason for update: Add 2022-2025 Transit vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. The rear-view camera will still function when shifting the vehicle to reverse under these conditions.

This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator plate for Aviator. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).

Customer Satisfaction Program 26L01 Certain 2018-2024 Model Year Various Vehicles 2.0L Panther Diesel Engine Timing Belt and Tensioner Interval Change

This bulletin supersedes 25-2415. Reason for update: To add production build dates of the right-side engine valve cover. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit oil consumption and blue smoke from the tailpipe. This may be due to the sealing process of the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) baffle which is part of the valve cover assembly.