The 2016 Ford Transit Connect has 10 safety recalls and 104 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (14 complaints).
Recalls10safety recalls
Complaints104filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints
2016 Ford Transit Connect in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
NHTSA recall 25V572000 · Sep 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
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.
Problem: 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.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S36.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
NHTSA recall 22V413000 · Jun 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Components: Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod; Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
Visibility › Windshield
NHTSA recall 22V192000 · Mar 25, 2022 · 39,720 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
NHTSA recall 21V376000 · May 24, 2021 · 192,080 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Components: Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod; Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
NHTSA recall 20V331000 · Jun 8, 2020 · 2,147,323 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
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.
Seat belts › Pretensioner
NHTSA recall 20V305000 · May 27, 2020 · 1,616 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Components: Seat belts › Pretensioner; Seat belts › Front
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
NHTSA recall 20V260000 · May 8, 2020 · 5,088 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
NHTSA recall 16V643000 · Sep 6, 2016 · 2,046,297 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
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.
Electronic stability control (esc)
NHTSA recall 16V482000 · Jun 29, 2016 · 1,895 vehicles
Problem: 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."
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.
Components: Electronic stability control (esc); Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.9%
2016 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Transit Connect Van 2WD
25mpg combined
City / highway
22 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
24mpg combined
City / highway
22 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Transit Connect Van 2WD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Transit Connect Van FFV FFV
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon FFV FFV
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system
14
0
0
1
50,000 mi
Structure Body; Body › Door
14
0
0
0
49,000 mi
Visibility Windshield; Sun/moon roof assembly
14
0
0
0
66,500 mi
Unknown or other
13
1
0
2
64,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
13
0
0
0
84,000 mi
Engine
12
0
1
0
16,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Power assist › Electric › Control module; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Wheel speed sensor/tone ring
9
0
0
0
71,000 mi
Steering
8
0
0
0
55,000 mi
Visibility/wiper
8
0
0
0
40,000 mi
Service brakes
8
0
0
1
—
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal
7
0
0
0
10,000 mi
Wheels
6
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 6, 2026Structure › Body On XXX at 1820 hrs CST I was traveling westbound on HWY XXX between [XXX] and Central [XXX] [XXX]. The weather was sunny, temp 88 degrees. As I was driving between 60 and 65 MPH with cars in front as well as behind me I heard a very loud âexplosionâ type noise. It was loud and quite scary and unexpected. The car then became very loud and windy. I was able to keep the car on the road, when I looked up I realized the panoramic window on the roof was mostly gone and damaged as well as the shade that covers the window. Looking in the rear view mirror I didn't see any other cars stopping or slowing and it appeared as if I was the only one affected. Backtracking to before my trip, I took my…
Oct 10, 2024Visibility/wiper 2 years ago (approx.) I brought my van to Sound Ford in Renton, WA. for the windshield recall. Two employees inspected my windshield and said they could not do the recall because they found a micro-pit in the glass. They told me to get my insurance to replace the windshield. I called my insurance but they said they won't replace the windshield unless it is cracked and I would have to pay a $100 deductible and Sound Ford is off the hook to do the recall. Since then I have been waiting for a crack to form but the windshield started to leak and on gravel and dirt roads the windshield started to vibrate. The vibration got so bad I had to duct tape the windshield on and tried to stop the leak…
Jan 15, 2025 · 100,000 milesBack over prevention The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted to reverse(R), the rearview camera image failed to display a clear image. The local dealer advised the contact that the recall warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was no longer under recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Feb 2, 2026Service brakes Was driving to work passenger front wheel locked overheating brakes and smoking had to have towed to jones ford in Shalotte North Carolina today
Oct 29, 2025Air bags See attached document for complaint.
Nov 14, 2025 · 165,000 milesVisibility › Sun/moon roof assembly The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the glass panel from the sunroof unexpectedly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the adhesive securing the sunroof glass had failed, causing the panel to detach. The contact was informed that the adhesive needs to be replaced to reattach the glass panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the failure had made the vehicle unsafe and that the children no longer wanted to ride in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Sep 4, 2025Back over prevention › Rearview system braking All these problems started when the rear camera quite working.
Aug 29, 2025Service brakes The brakes suddenly locked up while I was driving which could have caused an accident. Luckily it did not cause me to swerve into oncoming traffic and no one was behind me at the time. This was caused by the ABS unit hydraulic control assembly. It was the right front and left rear calipers locking. My vehicle only has 44,401 miles on it. The diagnosis has been confirmed at the dealer. There are other 2016 Ford Transit connect models that have had a safety recall for this specific component, but mine is just outside of the vehicle recall time period by a few months. It was manufactured at the same plant. Additionally, I wanted to add that there were no warning lights, though I noticed a very…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
RQ19005 · opened Dec 19, 2019 · closed Feb 7, 2022 · led to recall 20V177000Door Latch Failures 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 circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety…
PE16001 · opened Jan 16, 2016 · closed Oct 29, 2016 · led to recall 16V643000Door Latch Failure 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 reports related to the alleged problem on the subject vehicles.Ford reported no injury or accident claims.Ford also submitted 1,513 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated…
