repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Ford TransitProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 156 owner complaints about the 2016 Ford Transit, most often about the power train. It is covered by 21 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-782 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Ford Transit has problems
156 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
60Power train4 crash/fire/injury
20Engine1 crash/fire/injury
13Structure3 crash/fire/injury
12Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
11Seat belts
11Fuel/propulsion system
8Service brakes
8Steering
7Suspension
4316 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 60 | 4 |
| Engine | 20 | 1 |
| Structure | 13 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 11 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 1 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 43 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
21 recalls
2016 Ford Transit recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Mechanical: linkage and cable
Risk. Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Show 17 more recalls
no report yet
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
no report yet
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
no report yet
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Risk. If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their…
repaired · 2019 Q2
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
no report yet
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Risk. If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their…
repaired · 2018 Q4
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Engine: diesel
Risk. If debris clogs the fuel system, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Air bags: side/window
Risk. A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Rear/other: buckle assembly
Risk. An unlatched seat belt increases the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
105kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 40 power train complaints. 38% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles15under 100k miles25100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Transit year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Transit median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Ford Transit safety ratings
2016 Ford Transit VAN RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Ford Transit, and the recalls they led to.
- Zipcar Rental ConcernsNo recall
In owners' words
What Transit owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the rubber-flexible coupling between the transmission became shredded into pieces and the vehicle swerved off the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic,…
I purchased this vehicle, used, back in 2024 from STG Auto Group of Montclair. At the time I purchased the vehicle, they informed me there were no open recalls and ensured me the vehicle was safe to operate. About a year later, the driveshaft coupling (NHTSA 17V408000) completely sheared and I lost…
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while her son-in-law was driving at highway speeds, an abnormal, popping sound began to emit from the vehicle. The contact also stated that white steam began to emit from the engine as her son-in-law pulled over and had the…
Own a 2016 Transit?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.