Fourth generation
2016 Ford Transit
The most reported problem on the 2016 Ford Transit is drivetrain problems, with 33 complaints, usually around 105,000 miles.
- 155owner complaints
- 21recalls
- 7involved a crash
- 72,419median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 8, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Transit doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Ford Transit reliable?
The 2016 Ford Transit has 155 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 126 for 2016 vans on this site. Of the 10 Transit model years since 2015, 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 14 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (10). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Drivetrain problems leads with 33 of the 155 complaints (21%), ahead of stalling at 23. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 22 owners who gave a mileage for drivetrain problems were past about 105,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 14 of the 155 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 7 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 7 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death. The most crash reports, 3 of 7, fall under drivetrain problems.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Drivetrain problems, the one problem here with enough reports to check, has a recall on the same system (17V-408, 19V-103 and 19V-767). A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 21 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 18. So far in 2026, 18 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: driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems, 33 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
155 complaints is 1.6 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 1.2 times the median 2016 van. Among the 2 Transit 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
Ford filed 233 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Ford Transit. 48 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.
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 7 bulletins · 33 complaints
Some 2015-2024 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving.
Some 2015-2023 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving.
5 more on this problem
Some 2015-2022 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving.
Some 20152022 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel only, and a U-joint at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise or vibration from the rear while driving.
Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel only, and a U-joint at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise or vibration from the rear while driving.
Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (SRW), and a U-joint at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise or vibration from the rear while driving.
Some 2015-2020 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (SRW) and a U-joint at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise or vibration from the rear while driving.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 2 bulletins · 23 complaints
SSM 48601 2015-2019 Transit - 3.2L Diesel - Loss Of Power During Driving Under Extreme Cold Weather Conditions Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may exhibit a concern about loss of power during driving under very cold weather ...
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 28 bulletins · 17 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 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software.
26 more on this problem
Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode.
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.
As noted in FSA 17S34, loss of instrument cluster display can result from wiring corrosion and damage to the Trailer Relay Module on affected Transit vehicles.
Plus 16 older ones not listed here.
Seat belt or seat problems 7 bulletins · 11 complaints
Some 2015-2023 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise.
Some 2015-2022 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise.
5 more on this problem
Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise.
Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise.
Some 2015-2018 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise.
Some 2015-2017 Transit vehicles may exhibit front seat safety belts that do not extend or retract properly or may exhibit an abnormal noise.
Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 10 complaints
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 3 bulletins · 8 complaints
Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit a front wheel bearing type noise or DTCs C0031 and/or C0034 in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module.
Some 2015-2018 Transit may exhibit a front wheel bearing type noise or DTCs C0031 and/or C034 in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. If the vehicle exhibits a wheel bearing noise and/or DTCs C0031 and/or C0034, remove the front wheel speed sensor (WSS).
1 more on this problem
Some 2016-2017 Transit full-size hubcaps may be damaged or cracked during pre-delivery installation or a repair procedure due to misalignment of the hubcap.
Complaints filed by year
21 complaints came in 2019. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Zipcar rental concerns. Closed sep 25, 2024.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Ford Transit
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 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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.
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 models. The flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling every 40,000 miles until the final remedy is available. The final remedy will consist of installation of a driveshaft front section equipped with a mechanical u-joint in place of the flexible coupling. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S38. Note: This recall supersedes recall number 17V-408.
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 not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
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 seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Fenton Mobility will notify owners, and a Fenton Mobility technician will repair the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014.
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 rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
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 higher than the vehicle's floor height.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Mobility Specialists, working with Ricon, has notified the owners. Ricon will provide instructions and materials for replacing defective parts. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
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 not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Royale will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the seat. The recall began June 6, 2019. Owners may contact Royale customer service at 1-800-544-5587.
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 seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
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 remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
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's floor height. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Fenton will notify owners, and a service technician will install Ricon Recall Parts Kit RI61396, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014. Fenton's number for this recall is RI61396.
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 locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles has notified owners, and Freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
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 remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: National Van will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1-508-222-2272.
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 deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Note: This is an expansion of recall 17V-668 (Ford recall 17S34). Ford's number for this recall expansion is 17S34-S1.
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 deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S34.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling on any vehicle with more than 30,000 miles. A final remedy repair of a redesigned flexible coupling or a revised driveshaft equipped with a universal joint is being developed and is expected in early 2018. These repairs will be made free of charge. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S15.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel injection pump and associated parts and, if necessary, will replace the fuel filter and flush the fuel system, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S32.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-orient the side curtain air bag assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S13.
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 may prevent the buckle from latching or from remaining latched.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify or replace the seat belt buckles, depending on their location in the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S06.
All 21 recalls on the 2016 Ford Transit, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
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Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Ford Transit?
Drivetrain problems, with 33 of the 155 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 105,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford Transit problems start?
Of the 102 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 28,000 miles and half by about 72,000.
Is the 2016 Ford Transit better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 14 a year against 10.
How many 2016 Ford Transit complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
14 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for drivetrain problems on the 2016 Ford Transit?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls on the same system: 17V-408, 19V-103 and 19V-767. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.