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2016 Ford Transit Connect Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2016 Ford Transit Connect carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering front and latch. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake hydraulic control unit lockup.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #20V305000 · May 27, 2020

Issue: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #20V331000 · Aug 6, 2020

Issue: 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.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #20V260000 · Aug 5, 2020

Issue: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #21V376000 · May 24, 2021

Issue: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #16V482000 · Jun 29, 2016

Issue: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #16V643000 · Jun 9, 2016

Issue: 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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign #22V192000 · Mar 25, 2022

Issue: 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)

Campaign #22V413000 · Oct 6, 2022

Issue: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #23V502000 · Jul 21, 2023

Issue: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V572000 · Apr 9, 2025

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Ford Transit Connect.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake hydraulic control unit lockup

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2026-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687689
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544530
“Some portion of the brakes master cylinder degraded into small pieces and were found in the brake lines by a Ford Dealership technician”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480917

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield seal detachment and water leak

VISIBILITY/WIPER

15 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-06

“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 with plumbers putty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744832
“And one day while driving I hit a bump in the road and the whole windshield lifted and slammed back down cracking all over”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460371
“The contact stated that the front windshield had started to detach from the vehicle across the entire top of the windshield”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448843

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shifter cable and bushing failure

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-05

“The vehicle failed to shift into reverse causing the vehicle roll down hill when the driver expected to back up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417765
“WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE SHIFT LEVER HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED, AND THE SHIFT LEVER BUSHING WAS GONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395864
“SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING FAILURE. CAR IS STUCK IN GEAR, WON'T START BECAUSE IT SAYS IT IS IN DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11408501

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sliding and cargo door latch failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2025-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660784
“Driver-side cargo door does not latch correctly and will open while the vehicle is in motion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461466
“The contact stated that while her husband was operating the vehicle, the front driver side door failed to shut closed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588091

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Swollen wheel lug nuts

WHEELS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2023-08

“When picking up the van the service mng informed me that some of the lug nuts are "swollen" and the tire iron supplied with the vehicle will no longer fit on the lug nut”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539881
“LUG NUTS ARE ALL SWOLLEN ON ALL 4 WHEELS. UNABLE TO GET OFF WITH STANDARD WRENCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320776
“STRIPPED OFF LUG NUTS THAT RETAIN THE TIRES / WHEELS ON THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377918

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic roof glass panel detachment

VISIBILITY

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the glass panel from the sunroof unexpectedly detached from the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699417
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THE STATIONARY PANORAMIC ROOF GLASS DISLODGED, WENT INTO THE AIR AND LANDED ON THE FREEWAY IN DRAMATIC FASHION WITHOUT INJURY OR KILLING ANYONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308375
“THE HUGE GLASS PANORAMIC ROOF AND SUNSHADE CAME OFF AND TORE FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR LEAVING DAMAGE TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11299805

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic throttle body power loss

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2019-09

“VAN WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY ROADWAY. TOWED TO FORD DEALER. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030655
“THE VEHICLE THEN SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945601
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967525

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering loss

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2022-10

“POWER STEERING SUDDENLY QUIT WITHOUT ANY WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266492
“The contact stated that while making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to turn the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488037
“WHILE PULLING OUT OF A FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH STEERING JERKED TO CENTER AND I LOST POWER STEERING TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD BARELY KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE POWERING STEERING MOTOR SEEMED OVERHEATED BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11221302

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

11 crashes 1990–2024

How the 11 occupant deaths break down

9

driver deaths

2

passenger deaths

11

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2016 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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