59 of the
1,064 complaints filed about the Ford Transit
are about the braking system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
Rear brake issues. Upon taking off the brake pads on the driver's back the caliper piston would not turn in as it should. So I ordered a new one. Then I started on the passenger rear. When I tried to press and turn the piston back in it did the same thing as the other one. The piston came out of the passenger rear caliper. Upon further inspection I noticed the interior housing for the piston has a portion of it missing.
NHTSA complaint #11745147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The bolts holding the axle together to the driveshaft failed on the rear right wheel, nearly causing an accident but fortunately it was 6am with little traffic on the interstate. The axle came out and destroyed our driveshaft, requiring a full replacement. We have had the vehicle serviced regularly since our purchase.
NHTSA complaint #11744442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
!!!PLEASE MAKE A NATIONAL BROADCAST!!!: "Do not drive - brake booster pushrod cotter pin inspection" Recall incomplete Do not drive your vehicle until your recall service is complete. The dealer might be able to complete the free service at your location or you can get your vehicle towed to a dealer.Description On your vehicle, it may be possible for the brake booster pushrod to separate from the brake pedal due to a missing cotter pin. Safety Risk This may result in a loss of braking function while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Do not drive your vehicle until the vehicle passes the inspection or the repair has been performed. Parts are available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to inspect for the presence of the cotter pin and a redundant clip, replacing either, or both if necessary. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
NHTSA complaint #11744640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve been dealing with some intermittent problems with my 2022 transit for a couple years now. Basically I’ll be driving on the highway and all the sudden I’ll lose gas control, and power braking and the dash displays a message that says “shift to neutral to restart vehicle”, battery icon flashes red and I have to coast to the side of the highway. The electronics in the car will still be working when I pull over but the battery is dead. If I shift to park my engine doesn’t turn over or make any clicks at all. The few times it’s happened it eventually will turn back on after 10 min or so after using a jumper pack. I’ve taken it to dealers and they all say the computer isn’t throwing any codes so they can’t help. I’ve nearly been in 2 accidents now on the highway trying to get to a shoulder/lack of shoulder and the fact that I lose my brakes makes this an undrivable vehicle. My vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty but the ford dealers have not been able to help and keep sending me on my way with a very dangerous vehicle. I need help, I’m concerned about being involved in a a dangerous accident that could hurt myself or others when I lose brakes and gas. This has happened 5times now over the last 25k miles. I have a long video of the last incident that I would love to share if a video upload link is made available.
NHTSA complaint #11739788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Ford dealer where I bought this vehicle denies that there is a safety recall for this vehicle. That is Christina, Service Depart, Auto Nation Ford, Littleton, Colorado This recall states that I should not drive the vehicle until the recall has been serviced. I am unable to get Ford to honor the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11722969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while his daughter-in-law was driving approximately 60-70 MPH down the interstate, there was an abnormally loud, unidentifiable sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact stated that the repairs should be covered under a warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the drive shaft coupling had detached. The heater hose and brake lines had additional damage. The brake line and brake fluid warning lights illuminated after the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed that the repairs were not covered. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
NHTSA complaint #11691136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact's wife was parking the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled into the curve and stopped. The contact stated that his wife was lucky that the vehicle had not struck the building. In addition, the contact stated that one time the failure occurred while the contact's wife was driving, and the brakes independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure once occurred while the contact's wife was driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed HECU. The contact was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced a recall; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was invalid.
NHTSA complaint #11690992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Ford E-Transit 350 has had repeated safety and performance failures. The vehicle has an open recall on the rearview camera, which caused a police incident when I hit another car because the camera was not working properly. On several occasions, the vehicle has also completely shut down and would not start at all, leaving me stranded. The van often loses acceleration, gets stuck at 20 mph, and becomes unsafe to drive. The brakes, electrical system, and propulsion system have all malfunctioned. Despite multiple visits to Ford dealers, the problems remain. I have had to rent vehicles at my own expense since no loaner was provided. These failures put my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. I have police reports, medical certificates (including 12 days of medical leave), dealer invoices, and photos fully documenting everything.
NHTSA complaint #11690892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11683147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was started, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the right front wheel activated, and the ABS activated while making a hard right turn. The contact was not depressing the brake pedal during the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the brake lights remained activated. The contact stated that several functions were deactivated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's neighbor owned a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds to the end of his street in the cul-de-sac. The brakes were sticking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. A neighbor walking her dog alerted him about an abnormal sound emerging from the vehicle. While driving over the curb, approaching the driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The brakes failed to respond, and he crashed into his house. There were no reported injuries, airbag deployment, or fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. Then it was towed to another body shop. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
NHTSA complaint #11630159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
This is a fleet vehicle operated by Walmart and managed by Wheels Inc Fleet Management. Vehicle experienced loss of brake effectiveness due to brake vacuum pump failure. As operator described: "CUSTOMER STATES BRAKE LIGHT ERROR POPPED UP ON DASH AND BRAKES BECAME SPONGY AND VEHICLE FELT UNSAFE TO DRIVE... VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN." This failure has occurred on probably 30 identical vehicles in their fleet. Repair order evidence for this particular incident and several others is attached. Please contact me if further information is needed. Thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11623369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact moved to the right lane, and there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact struck the curb, ran over the curb, and pulled up the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the drive shaft being faulty and referred him to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed the failure was due to the driveshaft flexible coupling. The vacuum line, brake line, and fuel line were cut, and the transmission was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11614027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact moved to the right lane, and there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact struck the curb, ran over the curb, and pulled up the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the drive shaft being faulty and referred him to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed the failure was due to the driveshaft flexible coupling. The vacuum line, brake line, and fuel line were cut, and the transmission was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11614027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I was driving, the driveshaft came apart and everything underneath broke including fuel lines, brake lines, and turbo lines. Ford is refusing to pay for the recall repair.
NHTSA complaint #11611496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
driveshaft coupler failed Ford refuses to fix damaged parts from coupler failure. Received notice of safety recall 10-25-2023. Recall was issued 10-25-2019 but I was never notified of a recall. (recall notices are sent by mail) once recall notice was received 10-25-2023 I tried countless times to have recall done but parts were never available. Finally took to the dealer and had them place the part on order (backorder) to be filled when available on/or around 1-2024. Failure happened 4-18-2024 with the recall part still on backorder damaging all brake lines and fuel lines all at the same time. This part should have been available when the vehicle was taken to the dealership for repair in Jan. 2024 and fixed. Not until a Failure happens that could of cost the lives of X-people on a highway due to parts not being available for a Major recall like this one.
NHTSA complaint #11597015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We own a fleet of these vans and 5 out of the last 7 purchased from 2020-2023 have had total rear brake system failure. The calipers are not retracting and are overheating and freezing up the rear brake system. In some cases leaving our employee(s) stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter storm waiting to get towed putting their safety at risk. The problem has been reproduced as it has happened on 5 of the last 7 vehicles we purchased. Our local Ford dealer has inspected these issues and we contacted the Ford Consumer phone today - spoke with Rena at Ford on 6/19/24 at approximately 2pm - 2:15pm PDT. No warning lamps or message alerts. Brakes are making a squeaky noise and hot smell prior to seizing. We have had to pay thousands of dollars for some of these repairs and towing. We wanted to alert Ford and you as we are noticing an alarming trend. In speaking with Ford Motor Company, they correlate this issue as a maintenance issue but if it was a maintenance issue, the front brakes would have failed before the rear. I will be completing this form for the additional VIN numbers. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11595458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We own a fleet of these vans and 5 out of the last 7 purchased from 2020-2023 have had total rear brake system failure. The calipers are not retracting and are overheating and freezing up the rear brake system. In some cases leaving our employee(s) stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter storm waiting to get towed putting their safety at risk. The problem has been reproduced as it has happened on 5 of the last 7 vehicles we purchased. Our local Ford dealer has inspected these issues and we contacted the Ford Consumer phone today - spoke with Rena at Ford on 6/19/24 at approximately 2pm - 2:15pm PDT. No warning lamps or message alerts. Brakes are making a squeaky noise and hot smell prior to seizing. We have had to pay thousands of dollars for some of these repairs and towing. We wanted to alert Ford and you as we are noticing an alarming trend. In speaking with Ford Motor Company, they correlate this issue as a maintenance issue but if it was a maintenance issue, the front brakes would have failed before the rear. I will be completing this form for the additional VIN numbers. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11595368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.