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.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact FORD Transit you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Transit has 1,598 owner complaints and 42 safety recalls across model years 2017β2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2023 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Transit
- Model years analyzed
- 2017β2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,598
- Safety recall campaigns
- 42
- Crash-related complaints
- 66
- Fire-related complaints
- 23
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2023 (416 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (16 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- 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 1,598 NHTSA complaints and 42 recalls on record. 66 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,598 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 42 federal recall campaigns
- 66 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: Jun 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
42 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.
Safety Recall
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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
Most-reported problem areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 1,598 NHTSA complaints.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,598 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.
!!!PLEASE MAKE A NATIONAL BROADCAST!!!: "Do not drive - brake booster pushrod cotter pin inspection" Recall incomplete Do not drive your vehicle until your recall service is complete. The dealer might be able to complete the free service at your location or you can get your vehicle towed to a dealer.Description On your vehicle, it may be possible for the brake booster pushrod to separate from the brake pedal due to a missing cotter pin. Safety Risk This may result in a loss of braking function while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Do not drive your vehicle until the vehicle passes the inspection or the repair has been performed. Parts are available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to inspect for the presence of the cotter pin and a redundant clip, replacing either, or both if necessary. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal, without warning. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer on numerous occasions; however, the dealer had failed to duplicate or diagnose the failure. On the third visit to the dealer, the contact was advised to test-drive two or three of the same model vehicles. The vehicles were test-driven. During the test-drive, both the contact and the mechanic experienced the same failure, but the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer had notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, neither the dealer nor the manufacturer offered further assistance. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, Winner Ford of Cherry Hill (250 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034), where it was discovered that all four rims were bent. The dealer emphasized that the damage on the rear passenger-side rim was severe and a replacement was needed. The vehicle was taken back to the original dealer, who confirmed the damage and agreed to replace both the rim and the tire. The parts were replaced; however, the contact stated that during a post-repair test-drive, the failure returned at 75 MPH and faded away at 60 MPH. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 49.
The Side sliding door does not come with a standard child safety lock. My Child got out of their seat (figured out how to unbuckle themselves) and was able to unlock and open the door while the vehicle was in motion. Luckily no one was hurt. However we do not have a way to prevent our [XXX] old from repeating the action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
Showing 20 of 1,598 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
Understanding this data
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 1,598 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 42 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. 66 of the FORD Transit's 1,598 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.
FORD Transit reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Transit reliable?
Poor. The FORD Transit has 1,598 NHTSA owner complaints and 42 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 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 (416 complaints), 2022 (290 complaints), 2019 (266 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: POWER TRAIN (309 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (283 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (233 complaints).
Does the FORD Transit have recalls?
Yes β 42 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.