Is the 2016 Ford TRANSIT reliable?

The 2016 Ford TRANSIT has 206 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford TRANSIT?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (59 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (24 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (23 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Ford TRANSIT?

Yes, there are 21 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, SEATS, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, SEATS, SEATS, SEATS, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, SEATS, PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE, SEATS, SEATS, SEATS, SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, 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?

The 2016 Ford TRANSIT 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?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Ford TRANSIT is approximately $1,478/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

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford TRANSIT has 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.8x the segment average of 74. The most common issue is transmission problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: dash warning lights came on vehicle stalled while driving on city street, vehicle restarted but was in "limp mode". throttle body failure.. There are 21 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 8 crash reports 11 injuries

206

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

59 complaints

29%

• DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT WAS IN "LIMP MODE". THROTTLE BODY FAILURE.
• DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, VAN STALLED ON HIGHWAY, NO FORWARD MOTION. VAN RESTARTED BUT WAS IN "LIMP MODE". THROTTLE BODY ISSUE.
• FLEX COUPLING BETWEEN TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SHAFT ROUTINELY FAILS BETWEEN 30,000 - 35,000 MILES. THIS CAN CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE THE DRIVE SHAFT COULD BE FORCED INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN IT COMES INTO CONTACT WITH THE ROAD. ADDITIONALLY, THE FAILURE OF THE FLEX COUPLING COUL

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 3 crashes

“DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT WAS IN "LIMP MODE". THROTTLE BODY FAILURE.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Ford TRANSIT

Based on 131 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 44K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Later than typicalmedian 46K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

High-mileage issuemedian 60K mi · 9 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 (21)

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21/02/2019

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Ford TRANSIT

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

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

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

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 rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford TRANSIT 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, 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 206 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET, VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT WAS IN "LIMP MODE". THROTTLE BODY FAILURE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD TRANSIT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, THE BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT AND THE CONTACT'S BREATHING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS KEPT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: FORD TRANSIT IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE TURNED OFF WHILE IT'S IN ANY GEAR INCLUDING WHILE IT'S IN DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. TURNING THIS KEY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WILL CAUSE THE POWER STEERING TO GO OUT CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE DRIVER. MY VAN HAS TURNED ITSELF OFF WHILE I WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: THE VEHICLE WILL STOP ACCEPTING ACCELERATOR COMMANDS RANDOMLY. IT WILL REFUSE TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. THERE HAVE BEEN 4 OF THESE VEHICLES IN OUR FLEET DO THIS. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT TO ACCOMMODATE THE DRIVERS EVEN GOING SO FAR AS TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 21 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)