FORD TRANSIT · model year

2017 FORD TRANSIT

122 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 18 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017FORDTRANSIT carries 122 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire, 8 injuries, and 0 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 2017 TRANSIT is power train with 35 filings, followed by unknown or other (15) and engine (13). 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 18 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 2017 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.

122
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

122 filings

Crashes Reported

4 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 TRAIN35
UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
ENGINE13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
STRUCTURE:BODY4
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA4
STEERING4
SERVICE BRAKES4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
SUSPENSION2
SEAT BELTS2
SEATS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2

Recalls (18)

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

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

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

20260103UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am submitting this complaint to report a real‑world safety failure related to Ford Recall 19S38 involving a 2017 Ford Transit 350. The vehicle was purchased in 2021 from a Ford dealership, Joe Rizza Ford, with approximately 60,000 miles. At the time of purchase, Recall 19S38 was open on the vehicle and had not been completed. We were not informed of the open safety recall at the time of sale, and the recall repair was not performed prior to delivery. The vehicle was maintained responsibly using qualified, independent repair facilities. We were never advised by Ford or the selling dealership that the vehicle had an open safety recall. Two days prior to the incident, the vehicle was inspected by a professional repair shop due to a rattling noise. The shop test‑drove the vehicle, performed an inspection, and was unable to identify the source of the noise or any unsafe condition. On 12/20/2025, while the vehicle was being driven normally, the driveshaft/coupler failed suddenly and

20251130VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

20251130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251108STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20251003POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 178,000

20251003SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 178,000

20250911UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle has been Altered/modified. Vehicle has been altered to be a 7 passenger. The vehicle has been prepared for inspection but needs to be cleared by NHTSA to allow the changes that were made by the modifier to be accepted by NHTSA. Please help me with this, thank you

20250825POWER TRAIN

The Driveshaft Flexible Coupling failed while traveling on Interstate 95 South. It is available for inspection upon request. Multiple recall notices have been issued for this (NHTSA 17V-408) problem, and we have complied with them ALL except for one that we never received, supposedly mailed November of 2019. We have two of the recalled vehicles (2) 2017 Ford Transit Vans. Our safety and the safety of others was put at risk when this Coupling failed while traveling on Interstate 95 South. The Van was being driven by one of my employees and another employee was with him when this occurred, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer and has only been inspected by the service department at the dealership. There was absolutely no warning of any kind, no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Ford has refused to cover the collateral (additional) damages that occurred to the vehicle when the coupling fa

20250814UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Will the recall be applied to 2017 Ford Transit 250 Vans with the same issue? We had this issue in October 2022, it was repaired at Freehold Ford, NJ. The vehicle was still under warranty then, but it is happening again now. Thank you. Manufacturer Recall Number24S05 NHTSA Recall Number24V102 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary YOUR VEHICLE MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF LUBRICANT IN THE REAR AXLE

20250702UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to formally report a critical safety failure involving Ford recall number 19S40 / NHTSA recall 19V767, which affects the driveshaft flexible coupling on my vehicle. While traveling with my wife and five children on a recent trip from Ludowici, GA to Fort Bragg, NC, our van suddenly experienced violent vibrations and loud moaning sounds, forcing us to stop in South Carolina where no nearby Ford service center was available. We were stranded and faced not only travel disruption, but real danger with children in the vehicle. Upon inspection, the flexible coupling failed catastrophically, causing driveshaft damage and rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. This exact failure is the subject of the ongoing recall, and it is unacceptable that such a well-documented and acknowledged issue is continuing to place families at risk. I am requesting the following: 1. Immediate authorization and support for full repair of the driveshaft and related components damaged by this failure.

20250630STEERING

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.

Mileage: 98,000

20250630POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

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.

Mileage: 98,000

20250626BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

20250501POWER TRAIN

This unit has a Failed Torque Converter. I looked online and found that there are hundreds of people (including shipping companies like Amazon) complaining about this issue, but there is no recall for the vehicle. However, they have several recalls for the TC on other models for that year. All complaints state that the TC goes out as low as 60,000 miles, and requires a full transmission rebuild at $3,700-$6200 per vehicle. This only rectifies the issue until the next 60,000 miles and then you have to do it all again?? This is basically a VERY EXPENSIVE lemon.

20250429POWER TRAIN

I have wrote to you before on this, but today (4.29.25) while driving downhill at 65 mph, no cruise control on, my van downshifted ON ITS OWN down to third gear and luckily, I was smart enough to shift the van in neutral and then back to drive or I would have blown up the engine. This is not just happening to my van, I have a friend who has purchased one and the transmission has gone out with only 35,000 miles on his van. My van is leaking oil and leaving spots everywhere it is parked, and it is using antifreeze at the rate of about a gallon every two weeks. This engine is total junk and neither the dealership, Ford, nor NHTSA are doing anything to correct this. Eventually, these engines are going to kill someone by locking up at highway speeds. Enough is enough! Ford needs to fix or replace these engines before someone dies!

20250429ENGINE

I have wrote to you before on this, but today (4.29.25) while driving downhill at 65 mph, no cruise control on, my van downshifted ON ITS OWN down to third gear and luckily, I was smart enough to shift the van in neutral and then back to drive or I would have blown up the engine. This is not just happening to my van, I have a friend who has purchased one and the transmission has gone out with only 35,000 miles on his van. My van is leaking oil and leaving spots everywhere it is parked, and it is using antifreeze at the rate of about a gallon every two weeks. This engine is total junk and neither the dealership, Ford, nor NHTSA are doing anything to correct this. Eventually, these engines are going to kill someone by locking up at highway speeds. Enough is enough! Ford needs to fix or replace these engines before someone dies!

20250401POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it awaited a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250401ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and vibrated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it awaited a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250326POWER TRAIN

I have sent this before, but my vehicles transmission will downshift, (at highway speeds), to a lower gear. I always have to put the van into neutral and then back into drive to get it to drive normal again. Also the van leaks oil onto the manifold which starts smoking. My van also uses antifreeze and I need to refill the coolant about every 2-3 days. This ecoboost engine is dangerous.

20250326ENGINE

I have sent this before, but my vehicles transmission will downshift, (at highway speeds), to a lower gear. I always have to put the van into neutral and then back into drive to get it to drive normal again. Also the van leaks oil onto the manifold which starts smoking. My van also uses antifreeze and I need to refill the coolant about every 2-3 days. This ecoboost engine is dangerous.

Compare 2017FORDTRANSIT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 FORD TRANSIT have?
The 2017 FORD TRANSIT has 122 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 FORD TRANSIT?
The 2017 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 2017 FORD TRANSIT?
Yes, the 2017 FORD TRANSIT has 18 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 2017 FORD TRANSIT?
The most-complained component for the 2017 FORD TRANSIT is POWER TRAIN with 35 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ENGINE.
Is the 2017 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 2017 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.