FORD TRANSIT · model year

2016 FORD TRANSIT

196 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 21 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016FORDTRANSIT carries 196 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 5 fires, 13 injuries, and 3 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 TRANSIT is power train with 50 filings, followed by engine (20) and unknown or other (18). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 21 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2016 TRANSIT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

196
Complaints
10
Crashes
5
Fires
13
Injuries
3
Deaths

Total Complaints

196 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: 4/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN50
ENGINE20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
SEAT BELTS10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
STRUCTURE:BODY10
SERVICE BRAKES8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
STEERING7
SUSPENSION5
WHEELS5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
AIR BAGS4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2

Recalls (21)

18V27500030/04/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the dep

19V33300029/04/2019

SEATS

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 no

19V24700028/03/2019

SEATS

Cabot Coach Builders, Inc. DBA Royale Limousine (Royale) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit-based mini-coaches equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats recalled under 18E-076. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may no

17V40800026/06/2017

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling all 2015-2017 Transit vehicles except 156" and 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies. In the affected vehicles, the flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.

19V32900026/04/2019

SEATS

Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton Mobility) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the

19V23800026/03/2019

SEATS

Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the

19V76700025/10/2019

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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

16V11100025/02/2016

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Transit vehicles manufactured February 13, 2014, to January 13, 2016 and equipped with rear passenger seats. The rear seat belt buckles may be damaged if a heavy object is placed on, or impacts, the top of the buckle. The damage m

16V61800024/08/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Transit vehicles manufactured July 15, 2015, to April 14, 2016 and equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine. A fuel injector or the fuel volume control valve may clog due to metallic debris within the fuel system.

17V66800023/10/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the dep

19V22900022/03/2019

SEATS

TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remai

19V10300021/02/2019

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.

19V31300018/04/2019

SEATS

Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotate

19V20500018/03/2019

SEATS

Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehic

21V63100011/08/2021

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

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.

18V78200006/11/2018

SEATS

National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not

19V18300006/03/2019

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit passenger vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S & K Titanium Wheelchair Lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle

25V57200004/09/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distort

16V18800004/04/2016

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Transit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to March 18, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the side curtain air bag may not deploy with the proper trajectory due to being folded and packaged incorrectly.

19V27100003/04/2019

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Ford E-150 and Transit vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S-Series and K-Series wheel chair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel highe

19V33200001/03/2019

SEATS

Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats. When the seat back cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locke

Recent Complaints

20260219ENGINE

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 P

20260219FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 P

20260203UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear view camera freezes or distorts or is just blank very often. I see a recall for Transit vans from my year for this problem but mine isn’t included.

20251230FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

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.

Mileage: 165,000

20251230ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Mileage: 165,000

20251219POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off; however, while the contact's wife was attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while his wife was driving with children inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V767000 (Power Train). The VIN was associated with the recall. The dealer submitted the repair request to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was file,d but the repair was denied. The contact wa

Mileage: 160,000

20251028POWER TRAIN

The car has the same problem it had before the recall. The dealer who supposedly fixed it says it's no longer under the recall warranty.

20251010CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear view camera either goes out or is upside down. Went out so hit something. Luckily no real damage. Went to dealer and they said it’s not part of recall

20250930UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle back up camera goes out when reversing. Not every time, but intermittently, maybe 50% of the time. The screen goes blue, followed by the message "Rear View Camera Not Available." This makes it incredibly challenging to see pedestrians or cars directly behind the vehicle. It has not had it confirmed by a dealer; the local dealer said there was nothing yet in their system stating a recall on the vehicle. The NHTSA Advance Notice Safety Recall 25S89 specifically calls out the vehicle as being potentially affected, based on assembly plant and build dates. I have not had it inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. There have been no warning lamps. Just the screen going blue, followed by the message "Rear View Camera Not Available"

20250910UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear back up camera is very hit and miss….. works sometimes and not other times. Shows blue screen color,black screen color when it does not work.

20250826SERVICE BRAKES

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 l

20250826POWER TRAIN

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 l

20250822ENGINE

I am a victim of odometer tampering, the odometer has been rolled back and I traded my truck for it under the premise that it had 57000 miles. I am currently taking the perpetrator to civil court to recuperate the money that is owed me by the low mileage fraud, in Cincinnati OH, Hamilton County. I would like to see this scum prosecuted because of this horrible crime. I have talked to the local police but they did nothing at all about it and said they couldn’t, I was trying to look at other outlets and hopefully I have found the right one because it seems like nobody can do anything about it and even though a crime happened people want to sweep it under the rug, I want justice and to see this scum go to jail.

20250729POWER TRAIN

Ford automotive previously repaired the flexible driveshaft coupling, on my vehicle at about 57k miles, under recall 19S38. That exact same part failed prematurely, yesterday, at about 110k miles. I just contacted Ford and they said it was a permanent fix and no further recalls have been issued.

20250710POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle was severed in two and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Mileage: 96,000

20250514CrashPOWER TRAIN

The contact is a lawyer whose client owned a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the drive shaft coupling detached from the transmission. The contact stated that the air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained head and back injuries. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact mentioned the seat belt retracking was unknown. The contact mentioned the vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V767000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was unknown.

Mileage: 30

20250504ENGINE

I was driving for approximately 6 hours in the rain. When I returned to my home location and filled my vehicle,I only got 14 mpg. Nirmally 17-19mpg. So I figured its been a while since Ive changed thecair filter. So I proceeded to change the air filter. It was completeky saturated with water.I am surprised I made it back through the mountanious area w no cell phone connectivety w passengers. I research what I believe is the oroblem The air intake is located directly behind the front grill next to passenger side headlamp. It has a plastic tube (as a air tunnel) that goes into the botton of the air intake bosmx, in which the filter is on to, letting aur to get through to the engine. From the firce of driving, raining and the engine sucking in air. It almost cacumed the rain into as well. The air intake needs to be revised. Befire a engine stall occurs and loss power and control.

20250405POWER TRAIN

Recurring Intermittent abrupt downshifting to first gear at highway speeds.

20250331POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Mileage: 100,000

20250331ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 100,000

Compare 2016FORDTRANSIT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 FORD TRANSIT have?
The 2016 FORD TRANSIT has 196 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 5 fires, 13 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 FORD TRANSIT?
The 2016 FORD TRANSIT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 FORD TRANSIT?
Yes, the 2016 FORD TRANSIT has 21 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 FORD TRANSIT?
The most-complained component for the 2016 FORD TRANSIT is POWER TRAIN with 50 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2016 FORD TRANSIT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 FORD TRANSIT has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.