Is the 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT reliable?

The 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 144 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: VISIBILITY problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Top problems: VISIBILITY (22 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (17 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

The 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT is approximately $1,390/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.8x the segment average of 38. The most common issue is visibility problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: 2016 ford transit connect titanium. consumer writes in regards glares on windshield which they feel to be a safety hazard while driving. *ld *js. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 1 crash report 4 injuries

144

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

VISIBILITY

22 complaints

15%

• 2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TITANIUM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS GLARES ON WINDSHIELD WHICH THEY FEEL TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE MOON ROOF BECAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIDWAY FORD (8155 W FLAGLER STREET, MIAMI, FL 33144), BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALE
• 1/2 OF THE WINDSHIELD SEAL FAILED LEAVING THE WINDSHIELD UNATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED IT WAS LOOSE WHEN CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO A GLASS REPAIR SHOP. THE MANAGER SAID NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AROUND DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BEC

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TITANIUM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS GLARES ON WINDSHIELD WHICH THEY FEEL TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Based on 85 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Earlier than typicalmedian 16K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 55K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 10K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Reported earliermedian 48K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 50K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 49K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (10)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT27/05/2020

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,390

Full coverage / month

$116

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-17%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1390

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford TRANSIT CONNECT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2016 TRANSIT CONNECT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 144 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
VISIBILITY: 2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TITANIUM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS GLARES ON WINDSHIELD WHICH THEY FEEL TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: EXTREME WINDSHIELD LEAK HAVE TRIED TO GET FORD TO FIX. THEY REFFED ME BACK TO THE DEALER. LEAK ALL DOWN THE FRONT AROUND THE ROOF. WATER LITERALLY POURS IN AND I CAN NOT DRIVE ON A RAINY DAY. HAVE TO CAR MAX DEALER TWICE AND THEY STILL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A CHIME SOUND ALERTED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT VAN. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX WIRING HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)