Is driveshaft flexible coupling separation a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

23 NHTSA complaints have been filed about driveshaft flexible coupling separation on the 2017 Ford Transit (2018-08 → 2026-01). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11181655): "NOISE IN REAR END, STARTED AT 30000 MILES. MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN TURNING A CORNER. FORD RECALLED A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH RECALL # 17S15 IN THEIR 2017 MODEL YEAR TRANSIT VANS" Source: NHTSA.

Is unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed on the 2017 Ford Transit (2020-03 → 2026-02). Reported component: POWER TRAIN, ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11623831): "Transmission will downshift on its own when vehicle is decelerating making engine RPMs over rev. Only way I have found to prevent this is to shift to neutral and then back to drive" Source: NHTSA.

Is torque converter failure causing vibration a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about torque converter failure causing vibration on the 2017 Ford Transit (2020-02 → 2025-06). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11405980): "VEHICLE SHUDDERS UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION AS IF ONE WAS TO DRIVE OVER RUMPLE STRIPS. SHUDDER IS INTERMITTENT. TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAY TORQUE CONVERTER IS BAD. $3500 DOLLAR REPAIR" Source: NHTSA.

Is backup camera image loss or malfunction a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about backup camera image loss or malfunction on the 2017 Ford Transit (2018-10 → 2026-07). Reported component: BACK OVER PREVENTION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11750313): "Backup camera is no longer working. It has a white screen but no image, which makes it difficult to back up the van safely since it’s a large van and sits high" Source: NHTSA.

Is exhaust fumes entering passenger cabin a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about exhaust fumes entering passenger cabin on the 2017 Ford Transit (2018-01 → 2022-02). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11450258): "The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact noticed that while at idle or when the vehicle was parked, he noticed exhaust fumes in the rear of the vehicle" Source: NHTSA.

Is loss of power from throttle body or electrical fault a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about loss of power from throttle body or electrical fault on the 2017 Ford Transit (2018-07 → 2023-11). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11231213): "ELECTRICAL THROTTLE BODY FAILED DURING DRIVING. LOST ALL POWER" Source: NHTSA.

2017 Ford Transit Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is air bag non-deployment during crash a known issue with the 2017 Ford Transit?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about air bag non-deployment during crash on the 2017 Ford Transit (2019-04 → 2026-05). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11735777): "The vehicle was hit in the front end while my girlfriend was driving it. Someone ran a red light and smacked into the front end of the van at approximately 50 miles per hour. The airbags did not deploy despite significant force" Source: NHTSA.

The 2017 Ford Transit carries 18 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering driveshaft and wiring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Driveshaft flexible coupling separation.” 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.

18 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #19V103000 · Feb 21, 2019

Issue: XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.

Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.

Fix: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V275000 · Apr 30, 2018

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.

Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Note: This is an expansion of recall 17V-668 (Ford recall 17S34). Ford's number for this recall expansion is 17S34-S1.

SEATS

Campaign #19V333000 · Apr 29, 2019

Issue: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Campaign #19V183000 · Jun 3, 2019

Issue: Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit passenger vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S & K Titanium Wheelchair Lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."

Risk: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Fenton will notify owners, and a service technician will install Ricon Recall Parts Kit RI61396, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014. Fenton's number for this recall is RI61396.

SEATS

Campaign #19V205000 · Mar 18, 2019

Issue: Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.

SEATS

Campaign #18V782000 · Jun 11, 2018

Issue: National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: National Van will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1-508-222-2272.

SEATS

Campaign #19V332000 · Jan 3, 2019

Issue: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats. When the seat back cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles has notified owners, and Freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Campaign #19V271000 · Mar 4, 2019

Issue: Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Ford E-150 and Transit vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S-Series and K-Series wheel chair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.

Risk: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mobility Specialists, working with Ricon, has notified the owners. Ricon will provide instructions and materials for replacing defective parts. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #19V767000 · Oct 25, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Transit vehicles. This recall includes all full-size Transit vehicles previously recalled under 17V-408 except ones that received mechanical universal joint (u-joint) as a remedy and any 156" or 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies models. The flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.

Risk: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling every 40,000 miles until the final remedy is available. The final remedy will consist of installation of a driveshaft front section equipped with a mechanical u-joint in place of the flexible coupling. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S38. Note: This recall supersedes recall number 17V-408.

SEATS

Campaign #19V329000 · Apr 26, 2019

Issue: Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton Mobility) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Fenton Mobility will notify owners, and a Fenton Mobility technician will repair the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014.

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

Campaign #21V631000 · Nov 8, 2021

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.

Risk: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.

SEATS

Campaign #19V247000 · Mar 28, 2019

Issue: Cabot Coach Builders, Inc. DBA Royale Limousine (Royale) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit-based mini-coaches equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats recalled under 18E-076. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Royale will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the seat. The recall began June 6, 2019. Owners may contact Royale customer service at 1-800-544-5587.

SEATS

Campaign #19V313000 · Apr 18, 2019

Issue: Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.

SEATS

Campaign #19V229000 · Mar 22, 2019

Issue: TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.

SEATS

Campaign #19V238000 · Mar 26, 2019

Issue: Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #17V668000 · Oct 23, 2017

Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S34.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #17V408000 · Jun 26, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling all 2015-2017 Transit vehicles except 156" and 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies. In the affected vehicles, the flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling on any vehicle with more than 30,000 miles. A final remedy repair of a redesigned flexible coupling or a revised driveshaft equipped with a universal joint is being developed and is expected in early 2018. These repairs will be made free of charge. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S15.

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 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Ford Transit.

Reported to NHTSA

Driveshaft flexible coupling separation

POWER TRAIN

23 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-01

“NOISE IN REAR END, STARTED AT 30000 MILES. MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN TURNING A CORNER. FORD RECALLED A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH RECALL # 17S15 IN THEIR 2017 MODEL YEAR TRANSIT VANS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181655

“I am writing to formally report a critical safety failure involving Ford recall number 19S40 / NHTSA recall 19V767, which affects the driveshaft flexible coupling on my vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670867

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound underneath the floorboard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616814

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected transmission downshift at highway speed

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2026-02

“Transmission will downshift on its own when vehicle is decelerating making engine RPMs over rev. Only way I have found to prevent this is to shift to neutral and then back to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623831

“The transmission will downshift when deceleration and will actually throw you forward in the seat due to dropping into a lower gear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626151

“VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR TYPICALLY WHILE GOING DOWN HILL ON INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH OR GREATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316321

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Torque converter failure causing vibration

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-06

“VEHICLE SHUDDERS UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION AS IF ONE WAS TO DRIVE OVER RUMPLE STRIPS. SHUDDER IS INTERMITTENT. TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAY TORQUE CONVERTER IS BAD. $3500 DOLLAR REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405980

“This unit has a Failed Torque Converter. I looked online and found that there are hundreds of people (including shipping companies like Amazon) complaining about this issue, but there is no recall for the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658156

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated abnormally while driving at various speeds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670259

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera image loss or malfunction

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2026-07

“Backup camera is no longer working. It has a white screen but no image, which makes it difficult to back up the van safely since it’s a large van and sits high”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750313

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD TRANSIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK-UP CAMERA WAS REVERSED AND DISTORTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203398

“After replacing the cable with light sockets and pluging in the back-up camera, the camera went to a blue screen and no longer works”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669551

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust fumes entering passenger cabin

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2022-02

“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact noticed that while at idle or when the vehicle was parked, he noticed exhaust fumes in the rear of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450258

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD TRANSIT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, EXHAUST FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE CABIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151919

“I WORK FOR NESTLE AND WE HAVE A 2107 FORD TRANSIT VAN. FIRST THE VAN SAID TO REPLACE EXHAUST FILTER EVEN THOUGH IT WAS BRAND NEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064918

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power from throttle body or electrical fault

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2023-11

“ELECTRICAL THROTTLE BODY FAILED DURING DRIVING. LOST ALL POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231213

“Vehicle loses ability to control acceleration going into a "limp" mode while on the highway. This poses a serious safety risk to the driver, passenger and all other drivers on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555248

“THERE WERE 9 OF US IN OUR 2017 FORD TRANSIT, DRIVING ON ROUTE 15 81 MILES SOUTH OF LAS VEGAS, NV, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 75 MPH WHEN THE VAN SHUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11246223

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment during crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2026-05

“The vehicle was hit in the front end while my girlfriend was driving it. Someone ran a red light and smacked into the front end of the van at approximately 50 miles per hour. The airbags did not deploy despite significant force”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735777

“I HAVE EXPERIENCED A CAR COLLISION DRIVING THE FORD TRANSIT 2017 MODEL WORK VAN. AS I DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY A TRUCK WHICH FAILED TO YIELD TO TRAFFICK JUMPED OUT AHEAD CAUSING ME TO TBONE HIS DRIVER DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11204470

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 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 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

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)

59 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

complaints mentioning a crash

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 2017 Ford Transit 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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