Home · 2016 Ford Transit Van · Complaints

What 151 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit Van

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (151)Crash / fire / injury (13)Transmission & drivetrain (59)Engine (20)Body & structure (12)Electrical system (12)Fuel system (12)Seat belts (11)Brakes (10)Steering (7)Speed control (6)Suspension (6)

Newest first · 151 complaints · page 1 of 7

Jul 8, 2026

I bought the car in 2017 with 7800 miles within the first few months. The rear camera began to freeze sometimes I once went to the dealer but they said they can’t find it because at that point in time it wasn’t freezing so they couldn’t do anything about it now at least 95% of the time the rear camera does not work either is upside down or it doesn’t work at all I see there has been a recall for my year similar vehicles for this problem of the rearview camera. For some reason my car was not included and I would like to log the complaint and hopefully get my car included. thank you so much.

NHTSA ODI 11749188

Jun 29, 2026Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The screen displayed a black screen or a blue screen. Occasionally, the back over prevention camera operated intermittently or displayed a message that the camera was currently unavailable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747125

Jun 25, 2026Fuel system

My 2016 Ford Transit experienced a sudden loss of engine power while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, stalled, and emitted excessive black smoke from the exhaust, creating a hazardous situation for me and surrounding motorists. I was forced to pull off the roadway because the vehicle could no longer operate safely. When a warning first appeared, I promptly took the vehicle to an authorized dealer, the dealership preformed some type of update and a DPF regeneration and instructed me to drive the vehicle on the highway for 50 miles to complete the regeneration process, I followed these instructions. The light returned and the vehicle was inspected by another authorized Ford dealership, All-State Ford, which confirmed the condition covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 23M01 involving the catalytic converter system. The dealership confirmed that the required repair cannot be completed because Ford has not supplied the necessary replacement part after I called to get an update. Approximately five months have passed since the vehicle was diagnosed, and the required part remains unavailable. During this time, my vehicle has remained unusable. Ford has been unable to provide a repair date or any estimated timeline for when the part will become available. Ford’s response has been to direct me back to the dealership. However, the dealership has confirmed that it cannot obtain the part, provide a repair timeline, authorize reimbursement, or offer any alternative remedy because those decisions are controlled by Ford Motor Company. In researching this issue, I found online discussions from owners describing similar catalytic converter failures and extended delays across multiple Ford vehicle models. While I cannot independently verify those reports, they suggest this may not be an isolated incident. I respectfully request the NHTSA review whether the remedy offered under CSP 23M01 is adequately addressing the safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11746436

Jun 18, 2026

The back up camera is upside down

NHTSA ODI 11744951

Jun 9, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

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 control for a bit on the freeway while trying to stop safely. Before I got the vehicle towed, I noticed the coupling was destroyed and it was all made of rubber. At the time I didn’t know about the recall repair that was supposed to replace this rubber coupling with a more robust version. Since I had a service contract with STG, they performed the repair and installed the same type of rubber coupling that had just been destroyed. I got the vehicle back and it drove fine for a few months, and last month the coupling blew out again. I did some due diligence and found out about the recall. I informed STG about it and they said the vehicle was sent to a dealership that is now out of business for the recall repair. The car has been sitting on their lot for over a month while they “source” parts and try to figure out who’s going to pay for repairs. Please help, I need the vehicle back to transport my family.

NHTSA ODI 11742889

May 8, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

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 vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed an inspection and determined that the driveshaft flexible coupling had cracked which lead to transmission damage. Upon investigation, the mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number:19V767000(Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they acknowledged the recall; however, they informed the contact that the transmission was not covered under recall and the contact was given an estimate for the transmission repair. The contact contested that her son-in-law never received a recall notice about the recall; therefore, the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that it was the owner's responsibility to alert them of any address changes and they are not responsible for the contact not being aware of the recall. The contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ODI 11736505

Apr 16, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

Recall Number: 19S38 (Ford Transit Driveshaft Flexible Coupling) Subject: Inaccurate Recall Reporting Statement of Fact: I am reporting a discrepancy between physical vehicle evidence and official dealership records regarding the completion of Safety Recall 19S38. Conflicting Records: On April 8, 2026, Crossroads Ford of Apex issued Invoice #XXX stating the recall was performed with parts CK4Z-4602-N , CK4Z-4421-F , CK4Z-4635-A , and JK4Z-5A669-A. However, on April 14, 2026, the Service Manager issued a "corrected" Invoice (#XXX) stating: "No parts were installed for Recall 19S38." Physical Evidence: A video documented physical inspection of the vehicle on April 15, 2026, confirms that all recall-specific parts are currently installed on the vehicle and they appear in new condition. The dealership’s written denial of the April 8 recall repair appears intended to avoid refunding a $6,394.33 retail repair for the same components, which was performed while Safety Recall 19S38 was active and unaddressed. Implications: The dealership has issued a formal written denial of a safety repair that is currently physically present on the vehicle. This falsifies the safety maintenance history of the vehicle and misrepresents the status of the safety remedy to federal authorities. Physical Documentation: The following link is an unlisted video documentation of the physical parts currently installed on the vehicle (VIN [XXX] ). It is provided for regulatory investigation purposes only: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11731723

Apr 2, 2026

The rear camera image has inverted, unable to see clearly, FORD did not add my vehicle to NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 25V572000

NHTSA ODI 11728872

Mar 27, 2026Electrical system

I own a 2016 Ford Transit (VIN [XXX] ) and the rear camera goes blank when the car is going in reverse. Currently, my VIN is not included in the recall even though the year, make, and model is within the range. It has the same issue as described here on your page [XXX] and I am hoping that Ford will extend it to my VIN as well. I have contacted them separately to let them know of the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11727520

Mar 25, 2026Backup camera & sensors

The backup camera on my Transit does not work. When in reverse the screen turns blue or says camera not available. It has shown the image upside down a few times, but it never works for more than a few seconds. I just bought this vehicle in November, and it has been doing this the entire time it has been in my possession.

NHTSA ODI 11727060

Mar 5, 2026Electrical system

Rear view camera has sometimes screen has inverted view, totally blank, and even blue screen, sometimes works for a few seconds and then goes blank

NHTSA ODI 11722162

Mar 3, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The driveshaft coupling was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, months later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V767000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11721621

Feb 19, 2026EngineFuel system

This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. ​My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. ​Ford is currently denying assistance because my vehicle’s production date falls just one day (24 hours) outside the official recall window. It is mechanically impossible for a manufacturing defect present in the recalled batch to not exist in a vehicle produced only 24 hours earlier. ​I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this arbitrary 1-day exclusion. Ford should not be allowed to avoid responsibility for a known safety defect based on a marginal production date error, especially when the failure and the parts involved are identical to those covered under the recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11719118

Feb 3, 2026

The rear view camera freezes or distorts or is just blank very often. I see a recall for Transit vans from my year for this problem but mine isn’t included.

NHTSA ODI 11715211

Dec 30, 2025Engine & coolingFuel System, Diesel

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the warning message "Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure reoccurred later. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the fuel injector, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The dealer determined that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced, including the fuel pump, the fuel valves and the fuel injector. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V618000(Fuel System, Diesel, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA ODI 11707743

Dec 19, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off; however, while the contact's wife was attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while his wife was driving with children inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V767000 (Power Train). The VIN was associated with the recall. The dealer submitted the repair request to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was file,d but the repair was denied. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact then submitted a copy of the recall to the manufacturer and was informed that the repair was not covered because the recall was not performed in the required time frame. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11706110

Oct 28, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The car has the same problem it had before the recall. The dealer who supposedly fixed it says it's no longer under the recall warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11696194

Oct 10, 2025Electrical systemCrash

Rear view camera either goes out or is upside down. Went out so hit something. Luckily no real damage. Went to dealer and they said it’s not part of recall

NHTSA ODI 11692609

Sep 30, 2025

The vehicle back up camera goes out when reversing. Not every time, but intermittently, maybe 50% of the time. The screen goes blue, followed by the message "Rear View Camera Not Available." This makes it incredibly challenging to see pedestrians or cars directly behind the vehicle. It has not had it confirmed by a dealer; the local dealer said there was nothing yet in their system stating a recall on the vehicle. The NHTSA Advance Notice Safety Recall 25S89 specifically calls out the vehicle as being potentially affected, based on assembly plant and build dates. I have not had it inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. There have been no warning lamps. Just the screen going blue, followed by the message "Rear View Camera Not Available"

NHTSA ODI 11690568

Sep 10, 2025

The rear back up camera is very hit and miss….. works sometimes and not other times. Shows blue screen color,black screen color when it does not work.

NHTSA ODI 11686467

Aug 26, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

Summary of Complaint: The brake lines on my vehicle failed at highway speed (75 mph on I-65) while my wife and eight children were inside. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation. Fortunately, we were able to avoid a crash, but this could easily have caused multiple fatalities. Details: We purchased this vehicle used at approximately 60,000 miles. I was never notified by Ford, the dealership, or NHTSA/DMV of any requirement for interim recall repairs every 40,000 miles. During a service at Antioch Ford, I was told there was an open recall but that parts were unavailable. I was never contacted again by Ford or the dealership with instructions to remedy the defect. Ford has since confirmed in writing that the recall requires interim repairs every 40,000 miles but claims they will not assist financially since my vehicle has not had those interim repairs. As a second owner, I had no knowledge of this requirement because I never received recall letters or notices. Safety Concern: This is a serious safety defect that nearly caused catastrophic injury or death to my family. The manufacturer has acknowledged the recall but is refusing assistance, citing “policy,” even though I was never notified of the required interim repairs. Ford has also attempted to close my case as “inactive” without resolution. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall, specifically: Whether Ford properly notified subsequent owners about interim recall repair requirements. Whether Ford should be compelled to remedy this defect at no cost, given the severity and risk to public safety.

NHTSA ODI 11683147

Aug 22, 2025Engine

I am a victim of odometer tampering, the odometer has been rolled back and I traded my truck for it under the premise that it had 57000 miles. I am currently taking the perpetrator to civil court to recuperate the money that is owed me by the low mileage fraud, in Cincinnati OH, Hamilton County. I would like to see this scum prosecuted because of this horrible crime. I have talked to the local police but they did nothing at all about it and said they couldn’t, I was trying to look at other outlets and hopefully I have found the right one because it seems like nobody can do anything about it and even though a crime happened people want to sweep it under the rug, I want justice and to see this scum go to jail.

NHTSA ODI 11682445

Jul 29, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Ford automotive previously repaired the flexible driveshaft coupling, on my vehicle at about 57k miles, under recall 19S38. That exact same part failed prematurely, yesterday, at about 110k miles. I just contacted Ford and they said it was a permanent fix and no further recalls have been issued.

NHTSA ODI 11677059

Jul 10, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D), and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle was severed in two and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672424

May 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrainCrash1 injury

The contact is a lawyer whose client owned a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the drive shaft coupling detached from the transmission. The contact stated that the air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained head and back injuries. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact mentioned the seat belt retracking was unknown. The contact mentioned the vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V767000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11661010

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Working with the data? Download all 151 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford Transit Van verdict →