FORD Transit Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Transit options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Transit has 898 owner complaints and 20 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2023 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Transit
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 898
- Safety recall campaigns
- 20
- Crash-related complaints
- 36
- Fire-related complaints
- 15
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2023 (320 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD Transit: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD TRANSIT has 898 NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. 36 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 898 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 20 federal recall campaigns
- 36 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
20 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
STEERING:COLUMN
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TIRES
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
STEERING
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 898 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
898 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving our 2023 Ford Transit Connect (VIN [XXX]) van that resulted in an unintended vehicle movement and collision. While the incident resulted in only minor property damage and a minor injury, we believe the circumstances warrant review due to the potential for a much more severe outcome. The vehicle had been exhibiting operational issues prior to the incident. Employees reported that it was running and shifting noticeably rough and, after being parked, would not move when placed in either Drive or Reverse. The engine RPM would increase to approximately 2,000 RPM with throttle input but the vehicle remained stationary. The following witness statements document the sequence of events: Witness #1: [XXX] started the van to verify whether the issue from the previous day remained. The van still would not move. He placed the transmission in Neutral, turned the engine off, and we were able to push the van by hand. Based on this, he concluded the brakes were not preventing the vehicle from moving. He then reached into the van and restarted the engine. Immediately upon startup, the van accelerated forward unexpectedly at a high rate of speed, jumped the curb, and struck the hangar wall. [XXX] attempted to stop the vehicle, and I also attempted to intervene, but the event occurred so quickly that neither of us was able to prevent the collision. Witness #2: I went to the van to diagnose the reported issue. I had been informed the van had been running and shifting roughly before it was parked and would no longer move afterward. I started the vehicle while it was in Park and attempted to engage both Reverse and Drive, confirming that it would not move. The engine RPM increased to approximately 2,000 RPM with throttle input and remained elevated. I then shut the engine off and placed the transmission in Neutral with the ignition in the Run position to determine whether the vehicle would roll. It rolled f INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving our 2023 Ford Transit Connect (VIN [XXX]) van that resulted in an unintended vehicle movement and collision. While the incident resulted in only minor property damage and a minor injury, we believe the circumstances warrant review due to the potential for a much more severe outcome. The vehicle had been exhibiting operational issues prior to the incident. Employees reported that it was running and shifting noticeably rough and, after being parked, would not move when placed in either Drive or Reverse. The engine RPM would increase to approximately 2,000 RPM with throttle input but the vehicle remained stationary. The following witness statements document the sequence of events: Witness #1: [XXX] started the van to verify whether the issue from the previous day remained. The van still would not move. He placed the transmission in Neutral, turned the engine off, and we were able to push the van by hand. Based on this, he concluded the brakes were not preventing the vehicle from moving. He then reached into the van and restarted the engine. Immediately upon startup, the van accelerated forward unexpectedly at a high rate of speed, jumped the curb, and struck the hangar wall. [XXX] attempted to stop the vehicle, and I also attempted to intervene, but the event occurred so quickly that neither of us was able to prevent the collision. Witness #2: I went to the van to diagnose the reported issue. I had been informed the van had been running and shifting roughly before it was parked and would no longer move afterward. I started the vehicle while it was in Park and attempted to engage both Reverse and Drive, confirming that it would not move. The engine RPM increased to approximately 2,000 RPM with throttle input and remained elevated. I then shut the engine off and placed the transmission in Neutral with the ignition in the Run position to determine whether the vehicle would roll. It rolled f INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This is a Ford Palladium Van, year 2024, the secondary alternator charging circuit that Thor has installed has a lot of problems. Specifically, the alternator from Balmar fails and you cannot charge lithium batteries while the van is in motion. The whole point of the secondary alternator is to charge these batteries while in motion. Its a safety issue when traveling with children or pets because battery voltage drops if you have to run AC while in a store or something. You proceed down the road and the battery is not recharged. Next stop you may not be able to run AC at all.
This vehicle is subject to Recall 25V860 / Ford Recall 25SD9 involving the left rear half shaft. On several occasions, the vehicle has rolled after being placed in Park. I was forced to quickly reenter the vehicle and apply the brake to prevent a collision, property damage, or personal injury. Due to these repeated incidents, I no longer believe the vehicle can be operated safely. I have attempted to obtain the recall repair through authorized Ford dealerships but have been unable to obtain a permanent remedy. As a result, the vehicle remains subject to a serious safety defect that creates a risk of unintended vehicle movement. I am concerned that the condition described in Recall 25V860 has affected my vehicle and presents an ongoing safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and the public.
Transmission, drive shaft and rear axle "grenaded" and shut down the vehicle. Symptoms included erratic shifting at highway speed, clunking sounds, hard downshifts at low speeds, mis-shifting gears causing performance issues. No warning lights. Codes appeared in FordPass app after vehicle shut down.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while in drive, the transmission slammed into fourth gear. The hill assist feature was activated during the failure. The contact believed that the failure was caused by an inoperable back over prevention camera. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and offered a buyback, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 23,459.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V860000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive(D) to reverse(R). The contact stated that before the failure occurred, the message "Hill Assist" was displayed on the screen. The contact clicked "OK," and shortly afterwards, the gear shifter shifted independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that it might be an electrical failure; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Water enters under the hood because the “cowl” has separated from the windshield near the wipers.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a shortage with the spark plugs and other electrical systems. The #4 spark plug was replaced. The contact researched and became aware of an issue with the cowl allowing water and debris to enter the engine and causing the #4 spark plug to be short-circuited. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
My cargo van has no rearward windows. It has front/rear/left/right exterior cameras which generate a simulated, 360-degree, overhead view on a monitor. The right camera functions about half of the time. Once it generated an all-orange view. Now it often generates an all-blue view. I know other Ford vehicles are subject to a recall for this software issue and Ford has (or is generating) a fix for the problem. The 2023 Transit is not part of that recall group, but it should be.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview 360° camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview image was blank. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
The dealership has done everything within their power to address my camera failure, and I want to be absolutely clear: this is not a dealer issue. This is a Ford issue. There is an active safety recall on the camera system, yet Ford has failed to provide a true fix. Selling vehicles with a known safety defect, acknowledging it with a recall, and then leaving customers without a resolution is unacceptable and irresponsible. The cameras were a deciding factor in my purchase, and their ongoing failure directly compromises safety. A recall without a repair is nothing more than empty words. Ford must deliver a real solution immediately, not continue to stall while customers are left driving unsafe vehicles.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
This will be our second Balmar alternator that failed. The original alternator was replaced in March 2025 after the alternator basically melted. In April the new alternator was no longer charging the battery. It was finally serviced in July 2025. The dealership replaced a sensor and the recall to reduce the alternator output was performed. The recall was supposed to prevent the alternator from failing,however, two days later the alternator was no longer working. August 2025, the dealership has been discussing the issue with Winnebago and Balmar. September 2025 it was confirmed that the alternator needs to be replaced. This is a huge safety issue since the alternator will create a fire under the hood which was the case in our first incidence. This is also a continuos problem with the Winnebago Ekko’s and a solution should not be to keep replacing the alternator with the same exact make and model.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually accelerated after repeatedly depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the failure was likely related to the computer system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
After purchasing brand tires from the Ford dealership, I began experiencing vibrations between 75mph-80mph. I reported this issue to the dealer, but they disregarded my concerns. Subsequently, I consulted my personal mechanic, who conducted a Road Force Balance test, indicating that tire number 4 is defective. I possess documentation supporting this claim, and the dealer manager has failed to respond to me for over a week.
Driver noticed excessive vibration when driving vehicle on June 17, 2025. The next day, the vehicle was taken to Mavis Tire & Brakes, Flagler Beach, FL, who confirmed a tread separation on the driver's side front tire. The tire is a HANKOOK Dynapro HT 205/75R16C. This tire is an original tire from when the vehicle was purchased new. The tire shop exchanged the faulty tire with the spare. If the vehicle were to continue to be driven, eventually the tread would have delaminated completely, causing a potential accident. This is the SECOND Hankook tire to fail this way on this vehicle. I did not report the first incident to NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 20,813 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 125,055.
Ford is saying that there is no remedy for the rear view camera recall at the moment. I took my van in and they inspected the rear view camera and said it was fine and that there was no problem with my vehicle. This recall has caused me several damages including losing several thousands of dollars in sales revenue as I use the van to transport goods for my business.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Showing 20 of 898 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD Transit
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Transit, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Transit has 898 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Transit has 20 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 36 of the FORD Transit's 898 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Transit vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Transit vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Transit has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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FORD Transit reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Transit reliable?
Poor. The FORD Transit has 898 NHTSA owner complaints and 20 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD Transit years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2023 (320 complaints), 2021 (123 complaints), 2022 (113 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD Transit problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (171 complaints); POWER TRAIN (170 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (133 complaints).
Does the FORD Transit have recalls?
Yes — 20 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Transit. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.