Problem Lookup › Ford › Transit Connect › 2016
Car problem report
2016 Ford Transit Connect problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Ford Transit Connect has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 10safety recalls
- 104owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 25%fail the UK MOT
104 complaints, against an average of 40 for the other 10 Ford Transit Connect model years.
Every Ford Transit Connect model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2016 Ford Transit Connect? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
The components named most often in the 104 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Ford Transit Connect owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 104 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2016 Ford Transit Connect stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners · 7.7%
- Why does my 2016 Ford Transit Connect overheat?5 owners · 4.8%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2016 Ford Transit Connect?5 owners · 4.8%
- Why does my 2016 Ford Transit Connect smell of burning or smoke?4 owners · 3.8%
Fault codes 2016 Ford Transit Connect owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2016 Ford Transit Connect been recalled?
10 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 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 driver’s 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch 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: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) 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.
Visibility: Windshield 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: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch 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: Front 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.
Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 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 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Control Unit/Module 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.
Is the 2016 Ford Transit Connect recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAMvl: rear-view camera distorted and/or loss of image
Risk: Affected vehicles may have an issue with the rear-view camera. Drivers may experience a distorted or loss of image.
Fix: Check vehicle and replace camera as required.
UK DVSATransit Connect Panoramic Roof
Risk: Transit Connect vehicles fitted with glass panoramic roofs may be subject to wind noise water leak and in rare cases separation from the vehicle.
Fix: Remove and re-install glass roof.
UK DVSAAn improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body
Risk: An improper bond may exist between the panorama roof and the vehicle body.
Fix: Remove clean and reinstall the panoramic roof glass on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAVehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture
Risk: A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel Wrench light and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
UK DVSAClutch pressure plate may fracture
Risk: A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel Wrench light and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
EU Safety GateThe diesel particulate filter (DPF) may be cracked on 2.0 l EcoBlue Diesel and 1.5 l EcoBlue vehicles.This could cause the vehicles to fail the legally required roadworthiness test, as exhaust emissions of soot may be above the authorised limit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateImproper cleaning of the components during primer application can leave contaminants like silicone, which weakens the adhesion of the…Improper cleaning of the components during primer application can leave contaminants like silicone, which weakens the adhesion of the glass roof plate. This may cause wind noise, water leaks, and potential detachment of the roof from the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe selector lever may malfunction, leading to unintentional movements of the vehicle.These movements of the vehicle will increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe adhesive bond between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body is inadequate.As a result, the panoramic roof may completely detach from the vehicle, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.This may result in reduced vehicle performance.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/12/2018
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break.If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, propulsion may be lost.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Ford Transit Connect owners report?
12 of the 104 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 “explosion” 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…
Was driving to work passenger front wheel locked overheating brakes and smoking had to have towed to jones ford in Shalotte North Carolina today
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…
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…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at various speeds, the sunroof collapsed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The contact noticed that the sun visor was not installed. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
I am writing to report a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2016 Ford Transit Connect. On four separate occasions, the rear sliding doors on both the driver and passenger sides have completely detached from the vehicle during the normal process of closing them. These incidents occurred without the application of any excessive force or unusual use. The doors unexpectedly slid off their tracks and fell from the vehicle, creating a dangerous situation. Each time this occurred, my family was left stranded, unable to complete our trip or return home safely. As a result of this repeated…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. While the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Wayne Ford (444 US-46, Wayne, NJ 07470); but the…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted to 1st gear without warning. The contact continued driving and while coming to a stop light the failure recurred. The contact attempted to accelerate when the light turned green, and the vehicle inadvertently shifted into neutral, and the contact nearly crashed into another vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over at a gas station and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the cable shifter bushing was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified…
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 “Hill Stop Assist Not Available" and "Parking Assist Not Available" messages. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The speedometer, power steering, and several other unknown messages were displayed intermittently. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after the original failure and was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s…
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 and sensor harnesses need to be replaced. In addition, the taillight wiring had begun to hang from the rear of the vehicle, causing the exhaust pipe to melt the wiring harness. The dealer informed the contact that the taillight sensor could not be repaired due to the part being on…
Calipers and brake pads were replaced and still front brakes locking up. Unable to drive. Also, I had to replace a brand new brain on the van over $3000 electrical. The contact stated the vehicle is not working and needs help.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contacted stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the freeway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake system HCU pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V482000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability…
2016 Ford Transit Connect: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Transit Connect; the most common categories were service brakes (17, 16.3%), electrical system (14, 13.5%), structure (14, 13.5%). There are 10 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
Across 104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (16.3% of complaints), electrical system (13.5% of complaints), structure (13.5% of complaints), visibility (13.5% of complaints), power train (12.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect; the most recent (campaign 25V572000, 2025-09-04) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Ford Transit Connect stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 104 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect (7.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford transit connect. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and misfired. once restarted, the vehicle worked as designed, but all the instrument cluster indicators were illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11253717, September 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Ford Transit Connect overheat?
5 of the 104 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect (4.8%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Was driving to work passenger front wheel locked overheating brakes and smoking had to have towed to jones ford in Shalotte North Carolina today" (NHTSA complaint 11715562, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
5 of the 104 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect (4.8%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Engine fault service now message appears, srs, traction control, and information warning lights illuminate. vehicle looses power, the accelerator pedal in non responsive, and engine begins very rough idle." (NHTSA complaint 10968004, March 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Ford Transit Connect smell of burning or smoke?
4 of the 104 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect (3.8%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11365076, October 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Transit Connect
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2016 only. How these reports are made.