Ford Transit years to avoid (and the best years)
767 NHTSA owner complaints and 63 recalls across 10 model years, 2015 to 2024. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 767complaints
- 63recalls
- 25reported crashes
- 13reported fires
- 43reported injuries
- 10reported deaths
Which Ford Transit years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Transit year to avoid is 2015. The typical Ford Transit year has 56 complaints on file.
- 2015: 192 complaints, including 9 reports of a death. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (41% of complaints) and the engine (22% of complaints).
What are the best Ford Transit years?
The Ford Transit years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2021 (23), 2019 (37) and 2022 (38). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 28 | 0.5× | 10 | 0 | 2 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2023 | 56 | 1.0× | 19 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2022 | 38 | 0.7× | 16 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2021 | 23 | 0.4× | 4 | 2 | 2 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2020 | 83 | 1.5× | 9 | 1 | 2 | Few red flags | Seats |
| 2019 | 37 | 0.7× | 9 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2018 | 57 | 1.0× | 14 | 1 | 12 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2017 | 98 | 1.7× | 18 | 4 | 7 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 155 | 2.7× | 21 | 7 | 7 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2015 | 192 | 3.4× | 26 | 4 | 11 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 229 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Electrical & infotainment67 (29%)
- Other systems58 (25%)
- Engine & powertrain39 (17%)
- Steering, suspension & tires39 (17%)
- Structure & body16 (7%)
Recalls (63)
Structure · 26V061000 · Feb 2026 · model years 2023, 2024
A loss of drive power or brake failure increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V887000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2022
A camera that does not display a rearview image while reversing can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V876000 · Dec 2025 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Steering · 25V623000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2023, 2024
Incorrect tires and an incorrect steering coupler cover can cause a loss of brake function, loss of steering control, or damage to tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V572000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
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.
Safety · 25V442000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 25V339000 · May 2025 · model years 2022, 2023
An instrument panel that does not illuminate critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V315000 · May 2025 · model years 2022, 2023, 2024
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V242000 · Apr 2025 · model years 2022, 2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 25V168000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2022, 2023
Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V805000 · Oct 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
Rear wheel lock-up or separation of the wheel from the axle shaft can result in loss of vehicle control or loss of drive power. In addition, the vehicle may roll in park if the parking brake is not applied. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V636000 · Aug 2024 · model year 2024
An overloaded vehicle may result in steering knuckle failure and a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 24V591000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V552000 · Jul 2024 · model year 2023
The seat back could release when force is applied to the shoulder belt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Steering · 24V542000 · Jul 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Tires · 24V226000 · Mar 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
Damaged tires may experience a sudden loss of air pressure or tread separation, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V102000 · Feb 2024 · model years 2023, 2024
Wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V598000 · Aug 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 23V499000 · Jul 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Body & glass · 23V122000 · Feb 2023 · model year 2023
An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 23V071000 · Feb 2023 · model year 2023
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 22V791000 · Oct 2022 · model years 2022, 2023
Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V621000 · Aug 2022 · model year 2022
A missing rearview camera image reduces the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 22V415000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
Failure to illuminate the cluster display could render safety-related telltales and gauges unreadable, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V384000 · May 2022 · model year 2022
Missing tire information could lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed, or incorrect tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V186000 · Mar 2022 · model year 2022
Loss of the rearview camera image while reversing can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 22V183000 · Mar 2022 · model year 2022
A camera that does not display a rearview image while reversing can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 21V978000 · Dec 2021 · model year 2020
Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V631000 · Aug 2021 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 21V592000 · Jul 2021 · model years 2021, 2022
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Suspension · 21V324000 · May 2021 · model year 2019
Fractured studs may allow the wheel to detach, increasing the risk of crash.
Safety · 20V575000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 20V415000 · Jul 2020 · model year 2020
In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Seat belts · 20V250000 · May 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seat belts · 20V222000 · Apr 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Transmission · 19V767000 · Oct 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Structure · 19V439000 · Jun 2019 · model years 2018, 2019
If the tempered glass roof hatch shatters, glass fragments may fall onto passengers, increasing the risk of an injury.
Safety · 19V333000 · Apr 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V329000 · Apr 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V313000 · Apr 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V271000 · Apr 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Safety · 19V247000 · Mar 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V252000 · Mar 2019 · model year 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V238000 · Mar 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V229000 · Mar 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V205000 · Mar 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 19V183000 · Mar 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Safety · 19V332000 · Mar 2019 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Transmission · 19V103000 · Feb 2019 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
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.
Safety · 18V782000 · Nov 2018 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Electrical system · 18V275000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Electrical system · 17V668000 · Oct 2017 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Transmission · 17V408000 · Jun 2017 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Fuel system · 16V618000 · Aug 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
If debris clogs the fuel system, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 16V350000 · May 2016 · model year 2015
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
Safety · 16V331000 · May 2016 · model year 2015
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
Airbags · 16V188000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Seat belts · 16V111000 · Feb 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
An unlatched seat belt increases the risk of injury to the occupant in the event of a crash.
Transmission · 15V865000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2015
A loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway after being parked can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Seat belts · 15V402000 · Jun 2015 · model year 2015
In the event of a safety issue with the affected seat belts, the vehicle owner may not be able to identify the seat belt if the seat belt label does not include a date of manufacturer.
Fuel system · 14V708000 · Nov 2014 · model year 2015
A separation of the fuel filter from the cross member will disrupt distribution of fuel to the engine, thereby inducing an engine stall. An unexpected engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 14V482000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2015
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle. If both of the rear brake junctions leak, there may a complete loss of braking. Either of these scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Structure · 14V483000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2015
A sliding door without the epoxy reinforcement has an increased potential of unlatching in certain side impact crashes. A door that unlatches may open, allowing for a vehicle occupant to be ejected in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.