Second generation
2016 Ford Transit Connect
The most reported problem on the 2016 Ford Transit Connect is windshield, with 20 complaints, usually around 60,000 miles.
- 104owner complaints
- 10recalls
- 1involved a crash
- 59,000median miles at failure
Newest report Jul 20, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2016 Ford Transit Connect has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2016 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
The 2016 Ford Transit Connect has 104 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 126 for 2016 vans on this site. Of the 7 Transit Connect model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 9 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs 3.4 times the 2017 (3). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Windshield has 20 complaints and brake wear has 17, out of 104 in all. A quarter of the 11 owners who gave a mileage for windshield saw it by about 31,000 miles, and half by about 60,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 4 of the 104 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 1 report mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 3 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 10 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2022 at 21 and have dropped every year since, to 7 in 2025. So far in 2026, 4 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: windshield cracks or distorts, 20 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
104 complaints is 2.4 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 1.2 times fewer than the median 2016 van. Among the 2 Transit Connect model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect
Ford filed 97 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Ford Transit Connect. 29 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Windshield cracks or distorts 1 bulletin · 20 complaints
Certain 2015-2016 Model Year Transit Connect Vehicles ;Windshield Glass Reseal In some of the affected vehicles, portions of the windshield may have inadequately adhered to the vehicle.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 2 bulletins · 8 complaints
Some 2016-2018 Escape/Focus/Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a remote start system may exhibit an immediate engine shut off with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1594 stored in the BCM after using the remote start function to start the engine.
SOME 2015-2016 F-150, C-MAX, EDGE, MKS, TAURUS, AND FLEX AND 2016 EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, ESCAPE, FUSION, MUSTANG, MKZ, MKX, NAVIGATOR, TRANSIT AND TRANSIT CONNECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.5L OR 3.7L GASOLINE ENGINE AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE ...
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 21 bulletins · 8 complaints
Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone ...
Some 2016-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2016-2018 Focus/C-MAX, And 2016-2018 Transit Connect vehicles may exhibit a concern where the radio will revert to an AM or FM station after the vehicle's ignition has been turned off and turned back on.
19 more on this problem
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play.
Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software.
Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software.
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version.
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software.
Some 2013-2016 Escape and 2016 Focus, Transit and Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a front control display interface module (FCDIM) may exhibit the inability to store AM/FM presets, select AM/FM presets and/or erratic preset button operation.
Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection.
Plus 9 older ones not listed here.
Check engine light or misfire 5 bulletins · 5 complaints
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
3 more on this problem
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
SOME 2014-2016 TRANSIT CONNECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A CONSTANT OR INTERMITTENT ILLUMINATED MIL WITH VARIOUS DRIVABILITY ISSUES AND ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DTCS: P0010, P0103, P0104, P0122, P0131, P0135, P0137, P0141, ...
3.5L GKTDI Illuminated MIL - dDTC p0011, p0015, p0016, p0017, p0018, p0019, p0021 And.or p0025 - Under 3200 KM (2000Miles)
Complaints filed by year
21 complaints came in 2022, 2.1 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Door latch failures. Closed feb 7, 2022, led to recall 20V-177.
NHTSA summary
Door latch failure. Closed oct 29, 2016, led to recall 16V-643.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Ford Transit Connect
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front door latches as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S36.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S20.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S25.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S22.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured February 22, 2016, through June 16, 2016. The brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) pump may be contaminated with metallic debris. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake HCU pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C10.
All 10 recalls on the 2016 Ford Transit Connect, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
Windshield, with 20 of the 104 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 60,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Transit Connect problems start?
Of the 67 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 26,000 miles and half by about 59,000.
Is the 2016 Ford Transit Connect better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 9 a year against 3.
How many 2016 Ford Transit Connect complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
4 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for windshield on the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls on the same system: 20V-260 and 22V-192. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.