2016 Ford TRANSIT: complaints, problems and recalls

SEAT BELT LATCH FAILURE. THE PLASTIC COVER ON THE SEAT BELT LATCH RECEIVER DETACHES FROM THE ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL USE. THIS RENDERS THE SEAT BELT UNABLE TO LATCH COMPLETELY, AND RENDERS THE SEAT BELT INOPERABLE. THE PASSENGER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE LATCH IS NOT SECURED. THIS WAS NOTED ON TWO SEPARATE BELTS IN THE REAR SEATS OF A RENTED 12-PASSENGER TRANSIT. BASED ON MY INTERVIEW WITH THE PASSENGER, IT MOST LIKELY OCCURRED BY SITTING ON THE LOWER RECEIVER WHILE HAVING A MOBILE PHONE IN THEIR BACK PANTS POCKET. ON ONE OCCASION, THE PAS…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10846248 at NHTSA ↗

UNSAFE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS 2016 FORD TRANSIT T350 144"WHEELBASE WITH THE EXTENDED LENGTH, HIGH ROOF, SINGLE REAR WHEEL. UNSAFE SWAYING AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN AFFECTED BY HIGH WINDS, PASSING TRUCKS OR UNEVEN ROAD CONDITIONS. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE OVER 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO EXCESSIVE SWAYING THAT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL. HAD FORD DEALER CONFIRM THAT THERE IS NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. FORD ENGINEERS HAVE NO FIX AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. IT IS NOT A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT RATHER A PROBL…

Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 10864356 at NHTSA ↗

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD TRANSIT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, THE BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT AND THE CONTACT'S BREATHING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS KEPT FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST PIPE WAS DESIGNED NOT TO EXTEND ALL THE WAY TO THE REAR BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR THE LAST TEN DAYS. …

Owner-reported narrative. 16 miles reported. Look up ODI 10865108 at NHTSA ↗

WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THE DASH DINGED AND SAID ENGINE FAULT SERVICE NOW. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER WHILE VEHICLES WERE GOING AROUND HIM. FORD SAYS THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE WHEN A PART GOES BAD SO THE ENGINE DOESN'T GET DAMAGED. THE THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH NO WARNING. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN.

Owner-reported narrative. 7,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10884479 at NHTSA ↗

THE VEHICLE WILL STOP ACCEPTING ACCELERATOR COMMANDS RANDOMLY. IT WILL REFUSE TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. THERE HAVE BEEN 4 OF THESE VEHICLES IN OUR FLEET DO THIS. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT TO ACCOMMODATE THE DRIVERS EVEN GOING SO FAR AS TO STATE IT COULD BE WEEKS BEFORE EVEN DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THIS IS TO COVER THE FACT HAT THEY HAVE THE THROTTLE BODIES NEEDED TO REPAIR THIS COMPLAINT ON BACKORDER. IF ON A FREEWAY THIS IS A DANGEROUS FAILURE THAT WOULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF AL…

Owner-reported narrative. 6,259 miles reported. Look up ODI 10884631 at NHTSA ↗

DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT WAS IN "LIMP MODE". THROTTLE BODY FAILURE.

Owner-reported narrative. 7,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10888883 at NHTSA ↗

DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, VAN STALLED ON HIGHWAY, NO FORWARD MOTION. VAN RESTARTED BUT WAS IN "LIMP MODE". THROTTLE BODY ISSUE.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10888884 at NHTSA ↗

THE VEHICLE'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A STAGING AREA NEAR A DEMOLITION RANGE. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DUE TO THE SOUND WAVES FROM THE BLASTS.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,835 miles reported. Look up ODI 10898438 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2016-02-25 (February 25, 2016)

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.

Consequence: An unlatched seat belt increases the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2016-04-04 (April 4, 2016)

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.

Consequence: A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2016-08-24 (August 24, 2016)

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.

Consequence: If debris clogs the fuel system, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2017-06-26 (June 26, 2017)

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.

Consequence: 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. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2017-10-23 (October 23, 2017)

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.

Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2018-04-30 (April 30, 2018)

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.

Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2018-11-06 (November 6, 2018)

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."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-02-21 (February 21, 2019)

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.

Consequence: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.

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.

Reported: 2019-03-06 (March 6, 2019)

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."

Consequence: 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 risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-03-18 (March 18, 2019)

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."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-03-22 (March 22, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-03-26 (March 26, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-03-28 (March 28, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-04-03 (April 3, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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 risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-04-18 (April 18, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-04-26 (April 26, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-03-01 (March 1, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-04-29 (April 29, 2019)

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.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

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.

Reported: 2019-10-25 (October 25, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

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.

Reported: 2021-08-11 (August 11, 2021)

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.

Consequence: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Reported: 2025-09-03 (September 3, 2025)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.