53 of the 1,064 complaints filed about the Ford Transit are about the body and structure — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.
53
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
STRUCTURE:BODY
Air bag failure at 35 to 45 mph. All sensors on front end should have been activated to deploy. I am reporting this due to this vehical having prior mvc and has been serviced. I am wondering if air bag system was not repaired from prior incidents
NHTSA complaint #11757814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
On 04/14/2026, the second day after purchase.There was extreme vibration from the back of my vehicle at 40 -to- 45MPH and highway speeds 70-to-80MPH. after several service visits the vehicle still has vibration at 70 -to- 80MPH. At highway speeds there is so much vibration that window visors and seat arm rests are shaking. The Car Dealer ( ACE FORD of Woodbury ) did verify vibration during a "ride along" in person with a computer connected to the vehicle . After several attempts to balance tires. On 05/15 2026 we test drove other same "FORD Transit Vans 250" and found that all Vans were exhibiting same vibration . FORD determined that because all vehicles preform the same way that this was "deemed Characteristic"and no further action would be taken. At This point I brought the FORD TRANSIT to another Dealer ( WINNER FORD of Cherry Hill ) They preformed the same or similar diagnostics and found that ALL FOUR (4) tire rims were bent and indicated a replacement of the rims was required. I Then brought the TRANSIT back to ACE FORD where they did more testing and found that there was one (1) rim bent and replace tire and rim. After turning the vehicle back over to me I went on a test drive and found the same vibration problem at highway speeds form 72 - 80MPH . to date, I still have a VAN that I fell unsafe in at highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11749095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The front subframe and transmission crossmember on my 2015 Ford Transit have experienced severe, premature structural corrosion, resulting in the metal rotting completely through. The subframe is structurally compromised, brittle, and actively cracking.Safety Risk and Imminent Hazard:The subframe is the load-bearing structural skeleton holding the vehicle's engine, steering assembly, transmission, and suspension components in place. Because the metal has rusted through, there is an imminent risk of complete structural collapse while driving. If the subframe snaps or detaches under load, it will cause an immediate loss of steering control and engine displacement, likely resulting in a catastrophic high-speed crash.Passenger and Public Danger:This vehicle is not used for commercial purposes; it is a dedicated family vehicle used daily to transport eleven (11) children. A structural failure at highway speeds puts twelve lives inside the vehicle—and dozens more on the road—at immediate risk of fatal injury.Manufacturer Response:Ford Motor Company (Ford Pro Customer Advocacy, Case Manager: Quatavius) was contacted regarding this premature, widespread engineering defect. Ford formally denied any financial or repair assistance, stating no programs exist, completely disregarding the severe safety risk to the 11 children inside this vehicle. This is a systemic manufacturing defect with 2015-2023 Ford Transit subframes that requires an immediate federal safety investigation and mandatory safety recall before a fatal structural failure occurs As of now the symptoms are the rattling noise of the rotting subframe and steering vibration while driving. We even hit another car and paid for repairs already due to fear of steering loss.
NHTSA complaint #11741522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Fuel filler door hinges continues to break and the consumer has to pay for a new housing unit. The hinges can break at anytime and the fuel door can become a potential issue while driving. It can break all the way off and hit another vehicle while traveling on the road/ Highway. The problem has been confirmed by the dealerships as they always have back-stock of new units to replace. There is no warning as to when it breaks at all.
NHTSA complaint #11725020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a shortage with the spark plugs and other electrical systems. The #4 spark plug was replaced. The contact researched and became aware of an issue with the cowl allowing water and debris to enter the engine and causing the #4 spark plug to be short-circuited. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11720126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The sliding door does not stay closed. My 5 children are at risk when the door opens while driving. I took it recently to the dealer and they said they fixed the handle and that everything else was fine. That night it opened 3 times within 1 mile.
NHTSA complaint #11698365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
A car dealership sold me a brand new vehicle that had an open recall.
NHTSA complaint #11686385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
August 2024: Vehicle started to grab/pull when breaking and turning to the right, especially around curves. This progressed to happening when the van weight shifted forward during breaking. Dealerships in Eugene, Oregon and Marin, CA confirmed this behavior is related to the wheel clearance. Dealership in Eugene confirmed damage to the wheel well liner. I was unable to get any support from Ford regarding a loaner or assistance getting my van home 900+ miles. September 2024: loaded excess weight into the rear of the van and drove slowly back to Southern California. For safety purposes, dealership advised “parking the van until Ford comes up with something.” I have been unable to use the van since, with no updates from Ford. There have been four recalls (the rear view camera is fixed) and at least one Customer Satisfaction service (software update for the transmission performed in Eugene). Van has less than 5,000 and was purchased in March 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11626494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that whenever it rained, the door seal towards the rear of the passenger’s side sliding door was leaking. The contact stated that the leak was allowing water to accumulate in the pillar located at the rear on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the pillar was filling nearly to where the pillar joined the ceiling. The contact stated that water was forming puddles on the floorboards and was draining from the pillar. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer but had not had the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact had observed that the seam on the roof of the vehicle where the two roof panels were joined was also showing extreme deterioration of the caulking; however, there was no water leaking into the vehicle yet. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,100.
NHTSA complaint #11616479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
sliding passenger doors have no child safety locks.
NHTSA complaint #11604185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger sliding doors have no child safety locks
NHTSA complaint #11604186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger sliding doors have no child safety locks
NHTSA complaint #11604187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger sliding door has no child safety locks
NHTSA complaint #11604189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 63-64 MPH, the solar panel suddenly detached and landed in the street after a semi-truck drove by. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to find what caused the solar panel to detach. The contact was informed that the solar panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was 8,632.
NHTSA complaint #11597197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
FORD has failed to fix 2 recalls. Rear differential is howling and potentially low on fluid per recall--my FORD dealer cannot get to it until AUGUST. Local dealer is Chapel hills ford in Colorado Springs--that is were I purchased vehicle on [XXX] 2024. They have been NO help. Both front Tires rubbing the body at any slight turn--like into a driveway--with no load in the van. Tires and body both getting damaged. No resolution from FORD. Because of tires rubbing, it has now caused the wheel well liner to dislodge from the plastic fasteners and I am worried the liner will completely fall into the front wheel and steering linkage causing a wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11588915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the rear of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear door would not latch closed. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a gap between the door and frame of the vehicle, as well as the rear door protruding outward. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lock and unlock rod. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the interior door handle detached, trapping the contact inside the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic and determined that the failure was with the door handle bracket and switch. The door handle was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,561.
NHTSA complaint #11543207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear hatch unintendedly opened. The contact stated assumed that the opening was an accident and veered the vehicle off the road and manually closed the hatch. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, she made a right turn and the rear hatch inadvertently opened. As a result, multiple items had fallen out of the trunk. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause an accident. The contact felt unsafe driving the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that she had locked the hatch when the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,053.
NHTSA complaint #11533303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The right side passenger door opens when driving. The door will not stay latched even when locked. I close the door, pull on it to ensure it is latched, but when I start driving, the door slides open. This is my family vehicle used to transport our children, and is a very dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11525723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sliding door jumps track, opening and or closing. Have driven home with door open because it wouldn't shut.
NHTSA complaint #11491644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.