FORD Transit Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Transit options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017β2026) 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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Model-year trends show patterns β they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Transit has 1,695 owner complaints and 103 safety recalls across model years 2017β2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2023 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Transit
- Model years analyzed
- 2017β2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,695
- Safety recall campaigns
- 103
- Crash-related complaints
- 68
- Fire-related complaints
- 24
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2023 (434 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (16 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 β 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 β 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 1,695 NHTSA complaints and 103 recalls on record. 68 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,695 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 103 federal recall campaigns
- 68 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
103 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT
SEATS
SEATS
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
SEATS
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. 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 1,695 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,695 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 took my vehicle on for am oil change and the mechanic brought to my attention that the front subframe of the vehicle had serious rot and rust. This lower subframe ties the front control arms together and other structural components, which is concerning with how fast this component has degraded. When researching this online, this appears to be a common issue on 2015 and later Transit vans, to the point that an investigation was started towards a class action lawsuit. My vehicle is only 8 years and has 95,000 miles, quite young for this serious of an issue to be found. Ford should be held responsible and a safety recall should be issued as other manufacturers have had similar ones in recent years.
Back up camera works only intermittently.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Transit. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase the mileage was 64,000 and at the time when the fraud was discovered the mileage was 364,00.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
1- THE TURBO HAS FAILED TWICE 2- CURRENTLY The torque converter has failed. The mechanic has claimed this is a common problem and recommends a complete transmission replacement. This is available for inspection right now. The problem was suspected by Dealer but independent center diagnosed. The vehicle made a terrible hum as if it was going to explode. We had it cleaned and it made it stop for 10 miles, then it resumed.
Rear-view camera displayed on rear-view mirror quit working, creating a blind spot behind the vehicle. No accident has yet occurred, but the danger is there. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford has issued a recall for this problem for this year, make, and model vehicle, but Ford says that the recall is not extended to vehicles like mine that were manufactured in a plant not covered by the initial recall #25V270, which has recently been extended. My vehicle has not been inspected by any third party, nor has the problem been confirmed by any local dealer, althought I have spoken to my local dealer, Sarasota Ford, twice about this issue. No warning lamps or messages have been displayed in my vehicle. The camera just goes to a blue screen, especially when the weather is warm or in the heat of the day.
Read 14 more owner reports
In hot or humid conditions, the 8 inch center display flashes on and off intermittently. This failure makes the backup camera unusable, which is a safety problem. It also makes controlling the navigation or radio very difficult. The dealer has looked at this vehicle problem a few times in the last five years and has been unable to duplicate the problem. I cannot force this to occur at the dealership service department. Because the weather condition needed to duplicate this problem rarely occur near my home getting service for this is very difficult. Once the heat or humidity has subsided via using the air conditioning, the problem goes away after an hour or so.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally and was almost uncontrollable. The contact held the steering wheel tightly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 480,000.
09/18/25 As per conversation with Ford Customer Service; while the vehicle falls within the Mfg Date (Oct 19 2017) and Mfg Place (Kansas) listed on recall notice 25S89 AKA 25V572000, 25V270, the issue description -"rear view camera distorted or blank" is still not eligible because it falls outside of Fords approved/listed VIN numbers. Ford Customer Support recommended having the issue repaired at local dealer and pay out-of-pocket and 'hope' that Ford acknowledges this VIN as part of a 'possible' future recall. How can I/we/you be assured that Ford will review this particular issue and consider it for recall? Are there other vehicles like mine that have this ongoing issue that Ford has deliberately excluded?
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the Ford dealer for service, the contact was informed that the vehicle was a Lemon vehicle, and that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 33,135; however, upon retrieving the Carfax history report of the vehicle, the Ford dealer informed the contact that the vehicle mileage was 240,000.
My 2018 Ford Transit 250 experienced a failure of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor in the 6R80 transmissionβs mechatronic lead frame at approximately 60,000 miles. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ford service department, which retrieved DTC codes P0715-00 and P0717-00. These codes indicate that the turbine speed sensor signal is lost, forcing the transmission into limp mode, causing loss of power and erratic shifting. This is a serious safety concern, it can occur suddenly while driving and results in loss of proper gear control. Relation to Recall 19S07 Ford has already acknowledged this same defect in other vehicles using the 6R80 transmission. In Safety Recall 19S07, Ford recalled certain 2011β2013 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator models due to failure of the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor in the 6R80 lead frame. The failure mode, symptoms, and remedy (lead frame replacement and PCM update) are identical. In my case, the failure is of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor rather than the OSS sensor, but both are housed in the same lead frame assembly and both result in sudden sensor failure, limp mode, and unsafe driving conditions. Why Action Is Needed Despite the identical defect, Ford has refused coverage because my VIN is not included in Recall 19S07 and my vehicle is just outside the 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. This exclusion leaves Transit owners unprotected even though we are experiencing the same premature failure Ford already acknowledged. Given the safety implications, I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether Recall 19S07 should be expanded to include Ford Transit vehicles equipped with the 6R80 transmission. Summary Vehicle: 2018 Ford Transit 250, 60,000 miles DTCs: P0715-00, P0717-00 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor failure) Component: 6R80 mechatronic lead frame (same part as in Recall 19S07) Symptoms: Limp mode, loss of shifting, unsafe drivability Ford refuses coverage despite identical failure acknowledged in other model
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into another parked vehicle. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. No injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. Also, the vehicle later experienced the same failure. While attempting to park the vehicle again experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, crashing into a second vehicle. During the crash, the two front occupants of the second vehicle had sustained undisclosed injuries that later required medical treatment. No further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the second failure. The contact indicated that the failure had recently reoccurred for the third time. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started losing power, after driving over 200 yards, the vehicle became inoperable. The check engine and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road as a ramp was coming up and called AAA. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a timing chain and engine failure. The contact was informed by the dealer of an extended warranty; however, the warranty had expired two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The engine was replaced with a used engine, new timing chain, new gaskets, engine oil, water pump, rear sealant, coolant, and spark plugs. The vehicle was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,206.
I finance this car 10/ 25/24. I found some papers inside the car that says the car was 300.0 miles. But i purchased to the dealer with 77.0miles, how can I know is was a fraud?
I was driving on a rural highway 55 mph when I heard a pop! I lost control and veered into oncoming traffic! I slowed down by tapping brakes and ended up back on the right side in the shoulder/ditch. The shoulder had new gravel so it slowed me down and grabbed a hold of what was left. Found the wheel out in the ditch a good ways from the car and also three lug nuts with bolts still attached and broken at the base in the stretch from the turn off to where the car stopped. Also found my brake pad near a lug nut in the median! Bolts completely broken at the base with lug nuts still attached. Wheel completely fine just not on car. Inside rim gouged out from riding on it after the bolts broke. Found a recall on Ford Transit for the 2019 version of this vehicle for the exact same problem. But since this is a 2018 Ford will not honor it. Cause appears to be a weakness in the alloy used which warps over time and then without warning causing the bolts to brake at the base and separate wheel from vehicle.
Exhaust manifold warped/broken stud causing exhaust leak.
Randomly down shifts on its own while driving
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squeaking sound would be emitted from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that the sound went away upon the depression of the brake pedal. Since owning the vehicle, the contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, each time, the contact was informed that both the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the clips needed to keep the brake pads in place fractured approximately 20-50 miles after being replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors had been replaced several times due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and acknowledged the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
With this vehicle when driving on highway or interstate once you go past about 40 miles the transmission begins to overheat and when it reaches a temperature of approximately 245Β° it will kick down into limp mode causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in front of other traffic. You have to get over to the side of the road and let the transmission cool down before you can continue at a safe pace. This vehicle has been taken multiple times the transmission has been replaced twice. They have replaced the transmission cooler, they have an auxiliary cooler, and the problems still persist. This is very dangerous to be operating when it kicks down tent mode and gears down suddenly. It has been in Fords service shop for over seven months now and we just got it back with the new auxiliary cooler on it and it is still having the same problem.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whistling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown sensor was replaced, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH with her husband and 5 children in the vehicle, they all started having severe headaches, were dizzy and her daughter 's ears were ringing. The contact stated that she pulled to the side of the road for a moment. Then she rolled down the windows and drove to the residence. The contact stated that her 5 years old and 8 years old vomited upon arriving at the residence. The contact and her family did not seek medical assistance. The contact stated that they were able to recover after 24 hours. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold bolts were fractured, causing carbon monoxide to leak inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they aware of the failure and that an improved part had been made. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Showing 20 of 1,695 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 β hereβs 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 β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Transit has 1,695 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 103 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. 68 of the FORD Transit's 1,695 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β 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 β 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 β 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 β 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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By state
Check a FORD Transit by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD Transit.
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Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
FORD Transit reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Transit reliable?
Poor. The FORD Transit has 1,695 NHTSA owner complaints and 103 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 (434 complaints), 2022 (306 complaints), 2019 (274 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 (331 complaints); POWER TRAIN (312 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (264 complaints).
Does the FORD Transit have recalls?
Yes β 103 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.