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2016 Ford Transit Connect Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit Connect, most often about the visibility and wipers (21% of complaints, typically around 48,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Transit Connect model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2016 Ford Transit Connect problems
Visibility and wipers
22 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield, sun/moon roof assembly.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an air leak coming from the vehicle. The moon roof detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent body repair shop where he was informed that the failure was due to a…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the moon roof became detached from the frame and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to midway Ford (8155 w flagler street, miami, fl 33144), but they could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer stated that the…
Brakes
17 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: power assist, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH and coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stopped. However, as he released the brake pedal to drive from the complete stop, the vehicle failed to move. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while initially starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the main computer screen displayed the âhill stop assist not available" and "parking assist not available" messages. The check engine and ABS warning lights were…
Electrical
14 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while an employee was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that cracks had formed in both taillights which lead to water accumulation inside the taillight housing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that moisture had leaked into the taillight wiring harness and both taillight sensors…
Body and structure
14 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Water is leaking down into the vehicle from up above in the roof. There are caps located in these channels on the exterior roof of this vehicle. There was snow overnight sitting on top of the vehicle. A puddle formed inside on the back plastic arm ledge. Ceiling carpet was wet up above. I drove the vehicle in wet…
My vehicle has been at a Ford dealership for more than 6 months for NHTSA campaign id: 20v260000 my glass is cracked. The dealership took my vehicle apart and then realized the replacement glass was broken. The dealership is unable to secure the glass to complete the recall. Ford states the glass is on indefinite…
Engine
13 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 16,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
The vehicle in motion all of a sudden on fire and burned and reduced to charcoal ed frames. All equipment, tools, and parts for AC and home remodeling burned. Driver escaped in time with no visible injury. Police had it towed to their impound lot.
Vehicle has 17,888 miles on the odometer. While the vehicle was in motion at 40 MPH the motor stumbled, lost power, and the check engine light illuminated along with a message stating there was a system fault and to service the engine now. I rolled to a stop, turned off the vehicle, attempted a restart and the vehicle…
Other or unspecified
13 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles.
I was driving on the highway business 85 heading to work, I was traveling 65mph my van suddenly started to slow down, as I'm trying to pull over onto the side of highway my front brakes locked up nearly causing an accident, there was a burning smell coming from the front passenger wheel, towed the shop they changed…
1. Stationary or in motion: the top of the front windshield seems to be losing its seal because when water is poured or when it rains, it enters the car and falls onto the dashboard. Also, the plastic box that stores the rear view window and which is attached to the windshield gets filled with rain and drips down the…
Transmission
13 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
On 6-11-2020, I attempted to put my 2016 Transit Connect into drive from park. I was at a fast food drive-thru. The gear shift lever stopped in reverse. We tried the emergency neutral reset and it would not work. The wrecker driver mentioned that a part under the hood might be responsible, namely a shifter bushing. He…
Purchased certified with 15,478 and current highway miles 63,412. Transmission exhibited symptoms of sluggishness and slowing down when driving my father to er for surgery. Most miles are highway miles (mom-open heart surgery; spouse-brain tumor removal and dad-a colostomy). My spouse indicated the transmission bogged…
Steering
8 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect van. While driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the instrument panel went blank. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box wiring harness was defective and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while initially starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the main computer screen displayed the âhill stop assist not available" and "parking assist not available" messages. The check engine and ABS warning lights were…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Ford Transit Connect recalls
Backup camera: camera
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning january 2026 and june 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25s89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25v270. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning september 8, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 lincoln mkc, mustang, f-350 sd, f-250 sd, f-450 sd, 2015-2017 lincoln navigator, expedition, 2015-2018 edge, transit connect, 2016-2019 f-550 sd, transit, 2017-2019 econoline, and 2019 ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: An unlatched door can open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front door latches as necessary, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed february 2, 2024.â owners may contact ford customer service 1-866-436-7332.â ford's number for this recall is 23s36.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 transit connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.
Transmission: shift linkage/cable/rod
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed july 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed october 27, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s43.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 escape, 2013-2018 c-max, 2013-2016 fusion, 2013-2021 transit connect, and 2015-2018 edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Visibility and wipers: windshield
Risk: During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on may 11, 2022. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s20.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 transit connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
Transmission: shift linkage/cable/rod
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on june 29, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s24.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 transit connect vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on july 27, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s30.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 fiesta, 2013-2014 fusion, 2015 mustang, 2013-2015 escape and c-max, 2012-2015 focus, 2014-2016 transit connect, 2013-2014 lincoln mkz, and 2015 mkc vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15v-246, 16v-643 or 17v-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. This recall began august 7, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s25.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 transit connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.
Visibility and wipers: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk: If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on may 26, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s22.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 transit connect vehicles equipped with a panoramic fixed-glass vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on january 27, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s30.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 ford focus, 2013-2015 ford escape and ford c-max, 2015 lincoln mkc and ford mustang, and 2014-2016 ford transit connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Stability control: electronic stability control (esc)
Risk: If the brake hcu pump is contaminated, the performance of the electronic stability control and related brake systems may degrade, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake hcu pump, free of charge. The recall began on august 22, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16c10.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 transit connect vehicles manufactured february 22, 2016, through june 16, 2016. The brake hydraulic control unit (hcu) pump may be contaminated with metallic debris. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 126, "electronic stability control systems."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Door latch failures
Summary
In december 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on 235 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (my) 2012-2014 ford fiesta, and 2013-2014 fusion and lincoln mkz. Some voqs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other voqs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? Condition, however in certain somewhat rare circu
Door latch failure
Summary
In january, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation based on consumers' allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (my) 2012-2013 ford focus vehicles (subject vehicles).odi has received 464 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 200 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion.one consumer alleged an injury that occurred while driving when a door inadvertently opened and then closed on a child's arm.another alleged that a door that inadvertently opened struck a parked vehicle.in response to odi's information request, ford motor company (ford) provided 500 unique repo
Questions about the 2016 Ford Transit Connect
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: visibility and wipers (22 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles); brakes (17 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles); electrical (14 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 3, 2025 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Ford Transit Connect?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Transit Connect model year since 2000, with 104 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.