Summary
The Ford Transit has 83 recalls spanning the 2014–2025 model years, with the most serious current concern being a 2025 model year defect where the brake pedal can disconnect from the brake booster pushrod, causing a complete loss of braking. Also on 2025 models, connecting rods in the 3.5L engine can fail and cause sudden loss of drive power.
The 2023–2024 model years carry a substantial cluster of drivetrain and chassis recalls. On those vehicles, insufficient rear axle lubricant can cause the tail bearings to seize, break the pinion stem, and let the driveshaft separate from the axle, cutting drive power and potentially allowing the vehicle to roll when parked. A separate issue with incorrectly installed rear axle shaft bolts, stemming from an earlier repair attempt, can cause a rear wheel to lock up or separate while driving. The engine crossmember may also be improperly secured on 2023–2024 models, allowing the engine to shift and causing either a loss of drive power or brake failure. On the steering side, 2023–2024 vehicles can have an incorrect bolt securing the steering column intermediate shaft to the steering gear, allowing those components to separate and leaving the driver without steering control. Transit Trail package vehicles from 2023–2024 have two additional concerns: tires rubbing against the front wheel arch liner can damage the tires and cause sudden pressure loss or tread separation, and corrosion in the electric power steering ground connection can cause the power steering assist to drop out. On 2023 models specifically, a fuel tank vent valve that was not properly welded to the tank can break free in a crash and cause a fuel leak. Also on 2023, the rear axle shaft bolt issue noted above has a parallel filing covering that same repair campaign. A 2022–2023 HVAC software fault can disable the defroster and defogger controls, reducing windshield visibility. A 2024 model year label incorrectly states the front axle weight rating, which can lead to overloading and steering knuckle failure.
The 2022 model year has an unusually dense group of rearview camera and instrument cluster recalls. Multiple issues, some triggered by incorrect prior repairs, can leave the rearview camera showing a blank or absent image when reversing, or can prevent the instrument cluster from displaying gauges, warning lights, and the speedometer. These affect various trim configurations and upfitter-installed camera kits across the 2022 and into the 2023 model year.
On 2020 AWD models, the rear driveshaft bolts at the transfer case can loosen, separating the shaft and cutting drive power or allowing rollaway in park. The 2019 model year has a rear axle flange flatness issue on single rear wheel, aluminum wheel variants where wheel studs can fracture and a wheel can detach while driving. For 2018–2019 vehicles modified with aftermarket glass roof hatches, temperature and vibration can shatter the tempered glass and drop fragments onto passengers.
The 2015–2017 model years account for many of the oldest and most persistent recalls. The flexible coupling between the transmission and driveshaft can crack and fail on 2015–2017 vehicles, and a failed coupling can allow the disconnected driveshaft to strike and damage brake and fuel lines. Water intrusion into the trailer tow module on tow-equipped 2015–2017 vehicles corrodes the wiring, potentially triggering an electrical short, an unintended seatbelt
