FaultScore

Ford Transit fuel system problems

63 of the 1,064 complaints filed about the Ford Transit are about the fuel system — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

63

Complaints

6%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

Fuel & Propulsion complaints by model year

2015 Transit 32 50.8%

Median failure at 59,160 miles

2016 Transit 14 22.2%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2017 Transit 4 6.3%

Median failure at 172,000 miles

2018 Transit 4 6.3%

Median failure at 61,320 miles

2022 Transit 4 6.3%
2023 Transit 3 4.8%
2024 Transit 2 3.2%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

What owners said

2024 Ford Transit Bismarck, ND

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This is the second time this occurred. Please refer to 11757120. While travelling approximately 65 mph the vehicle had a complete shutdown including the engine and all electrical systems in the chassis. When a vehicle has a complete shutdown while driving it is inherently dangerous and life threatening. The problem has been confirmed by Westlies Truck Center in Minot ND again. To my knowledge the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone other than the staff at the truck center. There were no warnings of any kind prior to this occurrence. We were on a busy 4 lane highway.

NHTSA complaint #11758299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Transit Louisville, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2016 Ford Transit experienced a sudden loss of engine power while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, stalled, and emitted excessive black smoke from the exhaust, creating a hazardous situation for me and surrounding motorists. I was forced to pull off the roadway because the vehicle could no longer operate safely. When a warning first appeared, I promptly took the vehicle to an authorized dealer, the dealership preformed some type of update and a DPF regeneration and instructed me to drive the vehicle on the highway for 50 miles to complete the regeneration process, I followed these instructions. The light returned and the vehicle was inspected by another authorized Ford dealership, All-State Ford, which confirmed the condition covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 23M01 involving the catalytic converter system. The dealership confirmed that the required repair cannot be completed because Ford has not supplied the necessary replacement part after I called to get an update. Approximately five months have passed since the vehicle was diagnosed, and the required part remains unavailable. During this time, my vehicle has remained unusable. Ford has been unable to provide a repair date or any estimated timeline for when the part will become available. Ford’s response has been to direct me back to the dealership. However, the dealership has confirmed that it cannot obtain the part, provide a repair timeline, authorize reimbursement, or offer any alternative remedy because those decisions are controlled by Ford Motor Company. In researching this issue, I found online discussions from owners describing similar catalytic converter failures and extended delays across multiple Ford vehicle models. While I cannot independently verify those reports, they suggest this may not be an isolated incident. I respectfully request the NHTSA review whether the remedy offered under CSP 23M01 is adequately addressing the safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11746436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Transit Mammoth Lakes, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

2017 Ford Transit at 172,000 miles Fort Lauderdale, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that DTC: P2002 was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01 (Certain 2015-2019 Ford Transit 3.2L Diesel Replace Diesel Particulate Filter); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.

NHTSA complaint #11731837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit Vancouver, WA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2015 Ford Transit 350 equipped with the 3.2L diesel engine experienced a failure of the high-pressure fuel injection pump at approximately 72,000 miles. The pump generated metallic debris which contaminated the entire fuel system. The vehicle began experiencing drivability problems including loss of power and intermittent stalling. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford dealership, where metal contamination was found in the fuel system. The repair required replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, high-pressure fuel lines, and fuel rail, along with flushing and cleaning of the fuel tank and fuel system. The total repair cost was approximately $11,500. This failure appears to match the defect described in Ford safety recall 16S32 for certain 2015–2016 Ford Transit vehicles equipped with the same 3.2L diesel engine, where scuffing in the fuel injection pump can create metallic debris that contaminates the fuel system. My vehicle was built July 16, 2015, essentially within the same production period described in the recall, but my VIN was not included in the recall population. Because this failure required replacement of most of the fuel system components and created a sudden loss of power risk while driving, I am reporting this issue so it can be investigated and considered for inclusion with similar failures.

NHTSA complaint #11724153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Transit Poway, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. ​My vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. ​Ford is currently denying assistance because my vehicle’s production date falls just one day (24 hours) outside the official recall window. It is mechanically impossible for a manufacturing defect present in the recalled batch to not exist in a vehicle produced only 24 hours earlier. ​I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this arbitrary 1-day exclusion. Ford should not be allowed to avoid responsibility for a known safety defect based on a marginal production date error, especially when the failure and the parts involved are identical to those covered under the recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11719118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Transit at 165,000 miles Canal Fulton, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the warning message "Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure reoccurred later. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the fuel injector, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The dealer determined that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced, including the fuel pump, the fuel valves and the fuel injector. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V618000(Fuel System, Diesel, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA complaint #11707743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Transit Miami Beach, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Since I purchased this vehicle, it has experienced severe safety-related failures in the electrical system, battery, vacuum pump, powertrain, and other components. All warning lights would activate on the dashboard, messages appeared such as “Service Immediately” and “Power Reduced,” the vehicle became limited to about 10 mph, and on several occasions it shut off completely while in use. Six days before taking it to Midway Ford, Metro Ford replaced the battery, but within days the vehicle became inoperable again. Midway Ford kept the vehicle for weeks and eventually claimed the battery was defective, but attempted to charge me over $2,000 for sensors and a fuse box despite my Ford 5-year/8-year warranties and an extended service contract. I opened formal complaints with Ford, Metro Ford, and Midway Ford. Ford acknowledged factory defects, and the vehicle has more than six prior repairs since 2022, consistent with known issues in similar models (vacuum pump failures). During active state and federal investigations—and without my authorization—Midway Ford moved the vehicle off their property. I have evidence from the Ford app showing it was relocated to an apartment complex, then a private house, and finally to an unauthorized tow yard. When I returned to the country, police accompanied me to the location where I found the vehicle hidden, vandalized, with deflated tires, scratches, and surrounded by stripped and crashed cars. Midway Ford initially denied having the vehicle and later changed their statements. Afterward, all alerts were cleared from the Ford app without explanation. Midway Ford acted without permission, moved the vehicle during an open investigation, manipulated its condition, and returned it damaged. I request a full safety investigation due to repeated failures, loss of power, shutdowns while driving, and the dealer’s negligent handling of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11704499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Transit Miami Beach, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2022 Ford E-Transit has experienced repeated electrical, propulsion, and powertrain failures that cause the vehicle to become completely inoperable. On September 8, the van displayed multiple critical alerts including powertrain malfunction, brake system failure, vacuum pump failure, and full electrical system fault, and it would not start. The next day, the same failure occurred again and the van had to be towed. The dealer replaced the 12V battery without proper diagnosis and returned the vehicle with all warning lights still on. A technician privately stated that the issue was more complex than the battery and that the system had only been reset, not repaired. No written authorization for the repair was requested, and the underlying electrical/propulsion failure was never addressed. Five days later, the vehicle became fully inoperable again with the exact same failures. These repeated shutdowns and inability to start happen without warning and create a serious safety hazard because the van can lose all function while parked or potentially while driving. The system faults affect essential components related to braking, propulsion, and overall vehicle control. The pattern indicates a significant defect in the electrical and propulsion systems of the vehicle, and the problem persists despite attempted service. The vehicle is unsafe and unreliable due to recurring total system failure.

NHTSA complaint #11702040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Transit Miami Beach, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

From the moment I purchased the vehicle, HGreg Nissan withheld essential information and misled me about its condition and warranty status. They told me the vehicle had a “bumper-to-bumper” warranty valid until October 2025 because it was a 2022 model, but they never informed me about the actual manufacturer warranties (5-year and 8-year EV warranties), which remain active and override any extended warranty they sold me. To justify selling me a six-year extended warranty through NESNA, HGreg Nissan hid the fact that the manufacturer warranties were still in effect. They also added three additional warranties I explicitly said I did not want. All documents were signed on a tablet, and I was never given physical copies. The USB they provided did not include any warranty information. I repeatedly requested the warranty documents and received no response. NESNA later confirmed that the extended warranty could not be activated because the manufacturer warranty was still active. HGreg Nissan also failed to disclose that the vehicle had been part of a commercial fleet in California, was auctioned, retitled, and then sold to me as if it were a clean personal-use vehicle. Since day one, the vehicle has experienced serious and repeated failures: electrical system malfunctions, powertrain warnings, brake system faults, vacuum pump failures, sudden loss of power, reduced speed mode, and spontaneous shutdowns. The vehicle is unsafe and is currently completely inoperable. HGreg Nissan sold me a defective vehicle, concealed critical history, misrepresented warranty coverage, added unwanted contracts, and refused to provide documentation or support. These failures pose a serious safety risk to me and other drivers.

NHTSA complaint #11702044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Transit at 12,000 miles San Antonio, TX 1 injured

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds; an abnormal fuel odor would leak into the interior cabin, which caused health issues. In addition, the contact stated that while stopped around other vehicles in daily traffic, the exterior exhaust fumes would leak into the interior cabin of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact sought medical attention for vomiting and severe dehydration due to a high carbon monoxide poisoning level of 2.6 as a non-smoker. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed a leak on the passenger side manifold and under the flexing coupling. The vehicle was taken to 3 separate dealers, where the vehicle was declined to be diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, no failures were identified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA complaint #11675384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit Woodbridge, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Initially my van began with a simple engine stall and total electrical failure while driving down the highway. The check engine light came on and the van was taken to the dealer to explore the problem. Multiple codes were found and were fixed which included coils, O2 sensors, fuel pump control module and several other things. Then a few days after picking the van up from the shop it had another engine stall while driving and check engine light. After taking it to the auto shop we informed of additional codes and problems which include catalytic converters, new battery, new alternator, and other things. Picked the vehicle from dealer and a few hours later the engine light came on along with engine stall while driving. I took it back to the dealer and I report problems with poor engine performance vehicle misfiring, rough running, poor fuel performance, check engine light, several engine stalls. Dealer diagnosed the van with needing a new Powertrain Control Module. Repairs were completed and upon picking the van up from the dealer the van wouldn't start, and dealer diagnosed the van with a bad fuel pump. To date we have spent over 30K in repairs, nearly 4 vehicle accidents due to engine failures, over 4 vehicle tow's, 5 battery replacements, and the van is currently awaiting new fuel pump replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11672923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit at 109,000 miles Oceanside, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Exhaust filter overloaded, drive to clean", after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The vehicle was repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11641960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit at 120,000 miles Toledo, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front windshield cowl. In addition, rainwater was entering the engine compartment due to the fractured windshield cowl. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed fuel rail. The contact was informed that the fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel system, failed fuel injector, and a failed glow plug. The contact was informed that the fuel system, fuel injector, and glow plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact researched Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2091. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11630974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit Hugo, CO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

2023 Ford Transit Hesperia, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

A very strong gas smell was detected on the vehicle cabin. It lingers for a long time when it seems to be going away, it comes back strong again. This began July 2nd 2024. I have not taken my vehicle to get checked out because I cannot afford it, but i did ask around and everyone including some that know about cars said the car is too new and it is not normal, it is bad for our health since we are inhaling those nasty fumes everyday. This vehicle has never been hit or has had any type of damage to it in any way. It has been driven 85k miles and it is still in perfect condition. Honestly since I purchased this vehicle it has been nothing but problems. This is not the only issue this vehicle came with since day 1. I reached out to dealer at first but had no luck. Please help with this vehicle, I really believe this vehicle was not made correctly in so many ways.

NHTSA complaint #11599583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Transit Manasssa, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

2015 Ford Transit Auburn, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car stalled without warning while driving in heavy fast traffic which nearly caused a accident. It turns out that the recall Ford program [XXX] that addressed this issue was not performed by the dealership (even when it was serviced repeatedly at dealer) as they did not have the parts. Now Ford claims they will not fix the issue as the program expired months ago. Former ford stock owner (never again). [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11580052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Ford Transit Georgetown, DE, DE

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Rodent chewed on fuel line and gas sprayed all over engine bay and under car on start-up.

NHTSA complaint #11572814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit Dyer, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle has an open recall for flexible coupling from the transmission to the drive shaft. This broke and damaged the fuel line, broke the brake lines and damage some other components. Took it to the Webb Ford in Highland IN and they informed me they will cover just the flexible connector and not the other damage caused by the failure, stating they send a lot of recall notices to the previous owner. Cost for the repairs are aprox $3,100. Since the failed coupling caused the damage, why i am asked to pay for the repairs caused by the recall component. I am a new owner of the vehicle and never received any notices from Ford. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11564579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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