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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Transit› 2016
Ford · Van

2016 Ford Transit

Van
0 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
48 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 21
Complaints7 crash · 4 fire · 7 injured · 1 died reported 157
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 4★
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Ford Transit is a van; vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR are not certified for fuel economy by the EPA, so this page is built from NHTSA's recall, complaint and investigation records. NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 157 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

2016 Ford Transit

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

No EPA fuel-economy record: the EPA does not certify vehicles over 8,500 lb GVWR. Recall, complaint and investigation data below come from NHTSA.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleVan
GVWR classClass 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.7 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower275 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: 350 HD, EL SRW High Roof Van, SRW Low Roof Van, SRW Medium Roof Van). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length217.7–263.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)81.5–83.9 in
Height82.3–110.2 in
Wheelbase129.9–147.6 in
Track, front68.1 in
Track, rear65.7–68.5 in
Curb weight5,000–6,649 lb

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 21 configurations: Van 150 Long Wb Low Roof, Van 150 Long Wb Medium Roof, Van 150 Regular Wb Low Roof, Van 150 Regular Wb Medium Roof, Van 250 Long Wb El High Roof, Van 250 Long Wb High Roof …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Transit
Other years The 2027 Transit Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Ford Transit is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (21)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Back Over Prevention

25S89
1,456,417 vehicles 15% reported repaired built Jul 30, 2015 – Dec 21, 2018
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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, 202
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 reported Sep 3, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Parking Brake

21S39
30 vehicles 77% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V631000 reported Aug 11, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Power Train

19S38
293,558 vehicles 76% reported repaired built Jan 17, 2014 – Jun 15, 2017
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V767000 reported Oct 25, 2019 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

18E-076
544 vehicles built Aug 1, 2014 – Mar 29, 2019
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V333000 reported Apr 29, 2019 New England Wheels the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

18E-076
360 vehicles built Jan 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2018
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V329000 reported Apr 26, 2019 Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

2,080 vehicles built Oct 1, 2014 – Nov 1, 2018
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V313000 reported Apr 18, 2019 Mobility Transportation Services the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

18E-044
4 vehicles built Dec 1, 2014 – Aug 29, 2017
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V271000 reported Apr 3, 2019 Mobility Specialists, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

4 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Sep 1, 2017 – Jun 1, 2018
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V247000 reported Mar 28, 2019 Cabot Coach Builders inc DBA Royale the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

12 vehicles 17% reported repaired built Mar 4, 2017 – Jan 9, 2019
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V238000 reported Mar 26, 2019 Vantage Mobility International, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

776 vehicles 3% reported repaired built Jul 9, 2015 – Dec 4, 2018
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V229000 reported Mar 22, 2019 TransitWorks the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

471 vehicles 6% reported repaired built Feb 24, 2015 – Jul 10, 2018
Problem 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." Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V205000 reported Mar 18, 2019 Quality Van Sales, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

RICON RECALL RI61396
137 vehicles
Problem 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." Risk 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V183000 reported Mar 6, 2019 Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

90 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Jan 4, 2016 – Jul 1, 2018
Problem 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. Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V332000 reported Mar 1, 2019 Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Power Train

174 vehicles 82% reported repaired built Jan 5, 2015 – Feb 15, 2019
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V103000 reported Feb 21, 2019 XL Hybrids INC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

475 vehicles 1% reported repaired built May 29, 2018 – Oct 31, 2018
Problem 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." Risk In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V782000 reported Nov 6, 2018 National Van Builders, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

17S34-S1
25,658 vehicles 58% reported repaired built Feb 3, 2014 – Aug 2, 2017
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V275000 reported Apr 30, 2018 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

17S34
65,206 vehicles 70% reported repaired built Feb 3, 2014 – Aug 2, 2017
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V668000 reported Oct 23, 2017 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Power Train

17S15
372,991 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Jan 17, 2015 – Jun 15, 2017
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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 availab
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V408000 reported Jun 26, 2017 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

16S32
2,013 vehicles 81% reported repaired built Jul 15, 2015 – Apr 14, 2016
Problem 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. Risk If debris clogs the fuel system, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V618000 reported Aug 24, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

16S13
37,066 vehicles 86% reported repaired built Mar 12, 2014 – Mar 18, 2016
Problem 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. Risk A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V188000 reported Apr 4, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

16S06
48,990 vehicles 79% reported repaired built Feb 13, 2014 – Jan 13, 2016
Problem 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. Risk An unlatched seat belt increases the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V111000 reported Feb 25, 2016 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft — Zipcar Rental Concerns closed

NHTSA opened this audit query to determine whether Zipcar, Inc. (Zipcar) complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental car company not rent, lease, or sell a recalled vehicle until the safety defect or noncompliance is remedied. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i). Based on NHTSA’s inquiry, including information provided by Zipcar, NHTSA asserted that, during 2017 and 2018, Zipcar rented certain unremedied recalled vehicles in violation of the Safety Act. In October 2023, NHTSA and Zipcar entered into a Consent Order in which Zipcar agreed to pay a total civil penalty of $300,000. The total civil

Opened Apr 2, 2018 · closed Sep 25, 2024 · action AQ18001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Transit

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Ford Transit, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Ford Transit

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Transit →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
157complaints filed

7 involved a crash · 4 a fire · 7 injuries · 1 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 8 · 2017: 14 · 2018: 13 · 2019: 22 · 2020: 13 · 2021: 15 · 2022: 6 · 2023: 16 · 2024: 13 · 2025: 18 · 2026: 19

Most-cited components

Power Train → 60
Engine 24
Unspecified 24
Fuel/Propulsion System 14
Structure 13
Electrical System 12

In depth: transmission and drivetrain problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that there was a failure concerning the fuel flap that was to remain closed. The contact noticed that the flap was sticking out and, when the doors were opened and closed, the fuel flap failed to remain closed.
Fuel/Propulsion System Jan 3, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11058372
We purchased 14 Ford Transit vans from the u.s. Four of the 14 are not in driving condition now due to a problem losing speed [more details for each vehicle are needed]. The fault in all of them shows code P2111.
Electronic Stability Control at 2,800 miles Dec 13, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11054607
The rear left brake pad in the outside(wheel side) reduce running clearance do to misalignment of the caliper housing, producing unsafe excessive heat, poor mpg's, metal to metal noice and expensive mantaining costs Ford know the problem and emit TSB 15-0190, but doesn't correct their defect free cost on vehicles over 36,000 miles and…
Service Brakes Aug 22, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11018798
There are 2 recalls16s06 and 16s13 back from may 2016 and the Ford garage cant get parts after a year. One of the recalls is a seat belt issue and we need them fixed before someone gets hert
Air Bags Jul 12, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11004778
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While the vehicle was at the a local dealer located at 15330 palmdale rd, victorville, ca 92392 for inspection, it was noticed that the drive line coupler was fractured. The dealer replaced the drive line coupler. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
Power Train at 92,641 miles May 24, 2017 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10991430
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.
Engine at 7,700 miles Jul 13, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10884479

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 22 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 3 killed, 30 injured, as claimed, not verified. Every Transit model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 71k

miles, typically

Half the 94 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 25,000 and 111,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 14
10k–20k 4
20k–30k 9
30k–40k 3
40k–50k 5
50k–60k 5
60k–70k 4
70k–80k 6
80k–90k 3
90k–100k 7
100k–150k 21
150k + 13

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Power Train39105,0002.02×
Engine1374,0001.19×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: power train (2.02×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
WAGON RWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆27%
WAGON RWD★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆38%
VAN RWDnot rated★★★★☆not ratednot rated—
WAGON RWDnot rated★★★★☆★★★★★not rated38%
WAGON RWDnot rated★★★★☆★★★★★not rated—
WAGON RWDnot rated★★★★☆★★★★★not rated38%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 234
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-08-18
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 230 service bulletins, 4 others

Most often about: Engine, Equipment, Electrical System, Power Train, Fuel/Propulsion System.

  • SSM 55098 Service bulletin
    2026-08-18 · Engine
  • Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the exhaust gas sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due
  • 25N15 S1 Other
    2026-04-20 · Unknown Or Other
  • Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15 - Supplement #1 Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For One-Time Replacement
  • SSM 54690 Service bulletin
    2026-03-26 · Engine
  • Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the Exhaust Gas Sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due
  • 25N17 Other
    2026-03-25 · Unknown Or Other
  • Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
  • SSM 54601 Service bulletin
    2026-02-24 · Electrical System
  • Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). Th
  • 25N15 Other
    2026-01-05 · Visibility/Wiper
  • Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For One-Time Replacemen
  • 25N15 Other
    2025-12-22 · Visibility/Wiper
  • Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For One-Time Replacement
  • TSB 25-2570 Service bulletin
    2025-11-26 · Electrical System
  • This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P206C
P206C on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine7 bulletins
P0011
P0011 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 1 is more advanced than commanded.Engine6 bulletins
P0015
P0015 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine6 bulletins
P0016
P0016 on Ford →		The crankshaft and camshaft are not where they should be relative to each other — timing, chain or phaser.Engine6 bulletins
P0017
P0017 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine6 bulletins
P0018
P0018 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine6 bulletins
P0019
P0019 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine6 bulletins
P0021
P0021 on Ford →		Camshaft timing on bank 2 is more advanced than commanded.Engine6 bulletins
P0025
P0025 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine6 bulletins
P20EE
P20EE on Ford →		The selective catalytic reduction catalyst is not reducing NOx to standard.Engine5 bulletins
P0012
P0012 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train4 bulletins
P0014
P0014 on Ford →		The second camshaft on bank 1 is timed further advanced than commanded.Power Train4 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ford Transit failed the emissions check on 0.04% of first inspections — lower than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.3% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 0.04%

failed emissions

2,616 initial inspections of 2,565 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 TransitEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check0.04%4.2%2,569
Failed the safety inspection1.3%2.2%2,616
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.42%0.27%2,616
Miles driven a year11,88910,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer122,598103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Transit by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 1 0 2026 A 1 5 2025 F 5 4 Do not drive2024 F 11 28 Park outside2023 F 18 60 2022 F 16 39 2021 D 4 24 2020 F 9 84 2019 D 9 38 2018 F 14 58 2017 F 18 98 2016 this page F 21 157

Common questions about the 2016 Transit

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Ford Transit have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 21 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford Transit. The most serious on file is 25V572000, covering Back Over Prevention. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Ford Transit?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Ford Transit 4 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 3-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (48/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Ford Transit?

Transport Canada measured it at 217.7–263.8 in long, 81.5–83.9 in wide (body, without mirrors), 82.3–110.2 in tall, on a 129.9–147.6 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 5,000–6,649 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Ford Transit?

Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit, most often about power train, engine, unspecified. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 7 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Ford Transit?

The manufacturer has filed 234 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford Transit, most often covering engine, equipment, electrical system. The most recent is dated 2026-08-18. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Ford Transit do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Ford Transit failed the emissions check on 0.04% of first inspections — lower than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.3% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurationsnoneEPA certification recordsThe EPA does not certify vehicles rated over 8,500 lb GVWR, so heavy-duty nameplates have no entry at all.
Emission certificatesnoneEPA emission certificatesThe EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page.
Recalls21NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints157NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings6 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins234NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA7 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Transit The Transit model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 1 recall.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Transit by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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