2016 Ford Transit Connect
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 32 |
| 2014 | 127 |
| 2015 | 66 |
| 2016 | 104 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
16% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20201019
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230919
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE DIVER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED. THE VEHICLE'S MAINTENANCE HISTORY WAS LOOKED AT. THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER IMPLICATED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200131
13% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
13% of complaints: visibility — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and sun/moon roof assembly.
13% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl).
SAFETY TIMELINE
Door Latch Failure
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V482000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V643000 — check if this car was fixed
Door Latch Failures
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V331000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V305000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V260000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 21V376000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V192000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 22V413000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V502000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 25V572000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Ford Transit Connect — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V482000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V643000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V331000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V305000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V260000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V376000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V192000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V413000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V502000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V572000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Ford Transit Connect is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.