237 of the
1,064 complaints filed about the Ford Transit
are about the transmission —
22% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
237
Complaints
22%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
2
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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, who confirmed that the rubber transmission coupler had failed and needed to be upgraded to the metal version by the manufacturer. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Winner Dover Auto Body Shop (591 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754643 — 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.
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 control for a bit on the freeway while trying to stop safely. Before I got the vehicle towed, I noticed the coupling was destroyed and it was all made of rubber. At the time I didn’t know about the recall repair that was supposed to replace this rubber coupling with a more robust version. Since I had a service contract with STG, they performed the repair and installed the same type of rubber coupling that had just been destroyed. I got the vehicle back and it drove fine for a few months, and last month the coupling blew out again. I did some due diligence and found out about the recall. I informed STG about it and they said the vehicle was sent to a dealership that is now out of business for the recall repair. The car has been sitting on their lot for over a month while they “source” parts and try to figure out who’s going to pay for repairs. Please help, I need the vehicle back to transport my family.
NHTSA complaint #11742889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission, 6 speed, drops into 2nd gear locks up rear wheels. I was driving at highway speeds and the rear wheels locked up. My van skidded into another lane and almost caused an accident. My van has been down shifting for years but the rear wheels have never locked up. I shifted into neutral quickly to avoid an accident. I do not understand why this vehicle is not included in the recall. Ford has known of this problem and has done nothing for 10 years. I'm lucky my rear end did not blow up. (damage has been done) Ford should be responsible to repair any components that have been damaged from the downshifting and the rear end locking up. This is causing damage to my entire drivetrain. Please help me out, I have been waiting for this recall for years. I should be included. I need my faulty lead frame replaced. Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11739195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to complete a recall related to NHTSA campaign number 19V767000 (Power Train). The vehicle began shaking when put in drive and when idling. A vibration was felt when beginning to drive, but when reaching 15 to 20 mph, the vehicle began shaking harder. The front driveshaft was replaced. The dealer stated that the rear driveshaft needed to be replaced but it is not part of the recall previously mentioned. The vehicle ultimately was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2015 Ford Transit. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was at first humming loudly...thought initially it was a neighboring noisy car muffler, but the van starting shaking and vibrating abnormally. Upon decreasing the speed, a loud thumping noise from beneath the car was heard, then squeeling while debris was being left in the road behind, and finally a violent shaking that was almost impossible to pull over safely. The "hill assist" light was flashing on the dash. I towed the vehicle to an independant transmission show as I was 50 miles from my local Ford dealer.ntact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the drive shaft flexible coupling was no longer present. The mechanic said that this is a known Ford issue and to have it towed there for the warranty/recall fix under NHTSA Campaign #19V767000 and #17S15 (Power Train) and the supercede Campaign #19S38. The vehicle had received an early version of the at-the-time fix of an updated flexible coupler. When contacting the Ford dealer, I was told that there were no recalls noted for my VIN. I contacted Ford, and was told that since I already had the "one-time permanant fix" that I was not eligble for any repairs under NHTSA 19S38 (which now specifies that that the flexible coupling is to be replaced with a new u-joint shaft connection). I thought safety recalls don't expire and the latest fix should be applicable/availble for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11737913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed an inspection and determined that the driveshaft flexible coupling had cracked which lead to transmission damage. Upon investigation, the mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number:19V767000(Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they acknowledged the recall; however, they informed the contact that the transmission was not covered under recall and the contact was given an estimate for the transmission repair. The contact contested that her son-in-law never received a recall notice about the recall; therefore, the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that it was the owner's responsibility to alert them of any address changes and they are not responsible for the contact not being aware of the recall. The contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission intermittently struggling to reach 3rd, 4th, 5th gears. Performed IDS diag at shop, found hitorical code P0734 for "Incorrect gear 4 ratio" TSB 26-2046 to overhaul transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11736616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission, drive shaft and rear axle "grenaded" and shut down the vehicle. Symptoms included erratic shifting at highway speed, clunking sounds, hard downshifts at low speeds, mis-shifting gears causing performance issues. No warning lights. Codes appeared in FordPass app after vehicle shut down.
NHTSA complaint #11736503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall Number: 19S38 (Ford Transit Driveshaft Flexible Coupling) Subject: Inaccurate Recall Reporting Statement of Fact: I am reporting a discrepancy between physical vehicle evidence and official dealership records regarding the completion of Safety Recall 19S38. Conflicting Records: On April 8, 2026, Crossroads Ford of Apex issued Invoice #XXX stating the recall was performed with parts CK4Z-4602-N , CK4Z-4421-F , CK4Z-4635-A , and JK4Z-5A669-A. However, on April 14, 2026, the Service Manager issued a "corrected" Invoice (#XXX) stating: "No parts were installed for Recall 19S38." Physical Evidence: A video documented physical inspection of the vehicle on April 15, 2026, confirms that all recall-specific parts are currently installed on the vehicle and they appear in new condition. The dealership’s written denial of the April 8 recall repair appears intended to avoid refunding a $6,394.33 retail repair for the same components, which was performed while Safety Recall 19S38 was active and unaddressed. Implications: The dealership has issued a formal written denial of a safety repair that is currently physically present on the vehicle. This falsifies the safety maintenance history of the vehicle and misrepresents the status of the safety remedy to federal authorities. Physical Documentation: The following link is an unlisted video documentation of the physical parts currently installed on the vehicle (VIN [XXX] ). It is provided for regulatory investigation purposes only: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while in drive, the transmission slammed into fourth gear. The hill assist feature was activated during the failure. The contact believed that the failure was caused by an inoperable back over prevention camera. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and offered a buyback, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 23,459.
NHTSA complaint #11729343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2015 ford transit 150 and I was driving home on the highway and out of nowhere my van downshift into I believe 1st or 2nd gear causing the engine to redline and the rear tire to lock up and cause me to lose control of the vehicle! For about 3-7 seconds in that time the cars behind me had to slam on there breaks almost rear ending me due to the abrupt deceleration from my vans rear tire locking up and as that happened the back of my van began to sway out from behind me and right at the time I believed I would have rolled over possibly killing me and injuring other drivers the van randomly went back into the proper gear allowing me to gain control and pull over. After I had time to process what just happened the check engine light came on and with my scan tool I read the code and it said that the speed sensor for the transmission had malfunctioned and after some research I found that similar year ford f150s with that same transmission and that same part number had recalled that part for the same issue! And I ask that if you would please save life’s by recalling this part it is not a debate it is a necessity please please recall this part
NHTSA complaint #11728683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On March 11, 2026, a 2024 Ford Transit (VIN: [XXX] ) was being operated under normal driving conditions when the check engine light began intermittently activating. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of dashboard functionality. While attempting to safely maneuver to the shoulder, the operator experienced loss of power steering and reduced braking capability. During this time, flames were observed originating from the engine compartment. The operator was able to safely pull the vehicle over, exit, and contact emergency services. The vehicle subsequently became fully engulfed in flames and was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. A preliminary fire investigation determined the area of origin to be the passenger side of the engine compartment, with evidence of possible electrical involvement. The specific failed component has not yet been identified. This incident created a significant safety hazard due to the sudden loss of vehicle control systems combined with an active vehicle fire during operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V860000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive(D) to reverse(R). The contact stated that before the failure occurred, the message "Hill Assist" was displayed on the screen. The contact clicked "OK," and shortly afterwards, the gear shifter shifted independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that it might be an electrical failure; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11722040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The driveshaft coupling was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired; however, months later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V767000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had many issues with this vehicle. The engine leaks oil onto the exhaust causing the engine to smoke, the engine uses antifreeze, the transmission will downshift at highway speeds to such a low gear that I need to put the van into neutral so that the engine doesn't blow up. It uses brakes quickly, (New brakes every 10,000 miles or so). Gas milage is less then 12MPG as well.
NHTSA complaint #11721118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission sensor had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While traveling straight at approximately 30 miles per hour, the front differential locked, causing the front wheels to lock and abruptly stopped the vehicle. Vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership, which verified the differential failed, and not due to lack of lubricant. There were no symptoms prior to failure. The abruptness of the stop caused the operator to suffer whiplash like symptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11711509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle shakes violently on or about 65 to 70 mph. Upon slowing to approximately 60 mph the shaking stops. Also at slower speeds the vehicle pulls to the right. Contacted Ford Fairfield, California dealer two days ago; left voicemail no reply at this writing.
NHTSA complaint #11710770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.