2016 Ford Transit Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 Ford Transit, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 104,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “driveshaft coupling” (10% of reports).
- 60power train complaints
- 104,500median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 61%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Driveshaft coupling: mentioned in 6 of 60 complaints (10%)
- Brake lines: mentioned in 6 of 60 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 40 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 60 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford Transit power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Transit | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2023 Transit | 13 | 22% | 43,730 |
| 2022 Transit | 3 | 8% | — |
| 2021 Transit | 6 | 25% | 79,469 |
| 2020 Transit | 18 | 21% | 87,000 |
| 2019 Transit | 3 | 8% | 1,000 |
| 2018 Transit | 12 | 21% | 86,000 |
| 2017 Transit | 40 | 41% | 106,000 |
| 2016 Transit | 60 | 38% | 104,500 |
| 2015 Transit | 78 | 40% | 102,053 |
| 2014 Transit | 1 | 33% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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. Note: This recall supersedes recall number 17V-408.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft; power train:driveline:universal joint
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.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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 available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S15.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the rubber-flexible coupling between the transmission became shredded into pieces and the vehicle swerved off the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic…
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 Ford Transits have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 Ford Transit (38% of the 156 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Ford Transit power train?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 104,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 Ford Transit?
The most frequent phrase is “driveshaft coupling”, in 6 of 60 complaints, followed by “brake lines” (6).
See all 2016 Ford Transit problems or power train problems across all Transit years.