NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, inverted, or blank image when you shift into reverse.
This page covers 18 recalls and 95 owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Transit.
Powertrain complaints dominate what 2017 Ford Transit owners report, making up nearly a third of all complaints filed for this model year. The most commonly described issue is transmission behavior at highway speeds, owners report abrupt or aggressive downshifting that feels unsafe and, in some cases, requires manual intervention to prevent engine over-revving. Engine complaints are the next most-reported area, with owners describing oil leaks onto the exhaust causing smoking, coolant consumption, and diesel particulate filter failures triggering check engine lights. A smaller cluster of electrical system complaints rounds out the top three, though those reports are less specific in pattern. A handful of owners also mention accelerated brake wear and subframe corrosion, though those appear in far fewer reports. The transmission downshift behavior at speed is the most consistently repeated symptom across multiple owners.
95
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Ford Transit has 18 recalls, the most serious involving the driveshaft flexible coupling, which can fail and leave the vehicle unable to move while the detached shaft damages brake and fuel lines, raising the risk of fire.
On vehicles modified with an XL hybrid system, the front driveshaft's universal joint can also fail and detach, causing sudden loss of drive power. On tow-equipped vehicles, water can corrode the trailer tow module wiring, causing erratic turn signals, a blank instrument cluster, unintended seatbelt pretensioner deployment, or an electrical short that can start a fire. A separate issue affects the parking brake cable, which can be worn by contact with a driveshaft damper shield and fail to hold the vehicle on a slope.
Several recalls affect modified Transit vehicles used as shuttles or mobility vans. Across multiple converters, Freedman foldaway seat backs can fail to lock into the upright position and fold forward in a crash or hard stop. Wheelchair lift platforms installed by multiple converters can travel above the vehicle floor height, causing a wheelchair user to tip inward when exiting. The rearview camera can display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when reversing, reducing visibility behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a distorted, inverted, or blank image when you shift into reverse.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An incorrect driveshaft damper kit may allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, which can cause the parking brake to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with one that clears the damper shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible coupling that connects the transmission to the driveshaft may wear out prematurely and fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the flexible coupling with a driveshaft section that has a mechanical u-joint. Until the final fix is available, interim replacements occur every 40,000 miles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The back seat cushion on Freedman Go-ES foldaway seats may not stay locked in place when rotated from stowed to upright position, especially during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Freedman will repair the foldaway seats at no cost. Contact Freedman at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat cushion may not stay locked in place when rotated from storage to upright position, especially during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
A Fenton Mobility technician will repair the foldaway seats at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat cushion may not lock securely when rotated upright, potentially shifting during crashes or sudden stops.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's positioning input cam can fail during use, causing the platform to rise above the vehicle's floor level.
What the fix does
Ricon will provide replacement parts and instructions. Contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884 for details.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The back seat cushion may not lock securely when rotated from stowed to upright position, risking displacement during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the seat to ensure it locks properly in the upright position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat cushion may not stay locked in the upright position during a crash or sudden stop, potentially allowing it to move.
What the fix does
Freedman will provide and install a repair kit at no cost. Contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The back seat cushion may not stay locked in place when rotated to upright position, especially during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Freedman Seating will provide a repair kit to secure the seat cushion in the upright position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Freedman GO-ES foldaway seat back cushion may not stay locked in place during a crash or sudden stop, posing a safety risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's positioning input cam may fail during use, causing the platform to rise higher than the vehicle floor, creating a gap hazard.
What the fix does
A technician will install the Ricon Recall Parts Kit RI61396 to correct the positioning mechanism at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat back cushion may not lock securely when rotated to the upright position, risking dislodgement during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Freedman dealers inspected and repaired the foldaway seats at no charge to restore secure locking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The universal joint connecting the front driveshaft may fail, potentially causing the front driveshaft to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The foldaway seat cushion may not lock securely when rotated to the upright position, potentially shifting during a crash or sudden stop.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep into the trailer tow module, corroding internal wiring. This may cause rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, electrical shorts, or unintended seatbelt pretensioner deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add a drainage hole to the driver's door stepwell and install a fuse in the wiring harness to prevent water damage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the trailer tow module, corrode the wiring, and cause flashing turn signals, loss of instrument display, electrical shorts, or unexpected seatbelt pretensioner deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and install a fuse in the wiring harness to prevent water entry and corrosion.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible coupling that connects your transmission to the driveshaft may wear out prematurely and fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the flexible coupling. A permanent fix using a redesigned coupling or revised driveshaft is being developed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.