2016 Ford Transit Safety Report
2016 Ford Transit: High recall count and persistent powertrain issues raise safety concerns despite fair frontal crash rating.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Ford Transit
Reliability Score
The 2016 Ford Transit receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Ford Transit
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Ford Transit:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveshaft Coupling Failure Multiple complaints detail driveshaft coupling detachment, leading to loss of motive power, abnormal vibrations, and potential damage to other vehicle components. This issue is linked to recall 19S38, but some complaints indicate recurrence even after recall repairs. |
High | Common | 57000-110000 miles |
| Rearview Camera Malfunction The rearview camera frequently displays inverted, distorted, blank, or blue screens, significantly reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. This is covered by a recall (e.g., 19V579000) but some owners report their VINs are not included despite experiencing the problem. |
Medium | Common | new-unknown miles |
| Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling Vehicles unexpectedly lose motive power or stall while driving, sometimes displaying 'Reduced Power' warnings. This can be linked to fuel system issues (e.g., HPFP failure mentioned in recall 16S32) or transmission problems. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Erratic Shifting/Failure Complaints describe abrupt downshifting at highway speeds, transmission kicking out of gear, or complete loss of transmission function, leading to loss of motive power. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Parking Brake Failure An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, potentially leading to parking brake failure and unintended vehicle movement, as addressed by a recall. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Ford Transit:
The most frequently reported component, with 45 complaints, indicating widespread issues with the driveshaft, transmission, and overall power delivery, often leading to loss of motive power or abnormal vehicle operation.
13 complaints fall into this category, suggesting a variety of less common but still present issues not fitting neatly into other classifications.
8 complaints related to engine performance, including stalling, reduced power, and issues potentially linked to fuel system components like the high-pressure fuel pump.
7 complaints related to the vehicle's structure, which could encompass various body or frame integrity issues.
5 complaints regarding seat belts, which is a critical safety component, though specific failure modes are not detailed in the summary.
4 complaints, often related to the rearview camera malfunction or other electrical glitches affecting vehicle operation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Ford Transit
Is the 2016 Ford Transit safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Ford Transit has a concerning safety record. It has 142 total complaints, including 6 crashes, 4 fires, 7 injuries, and 1 death. It also has a high number of 21 recalls, many addressing critical components like the driveshaft and rearview camera. While it received a 4-star frontal crash rating, the lack of side and rollover ratings prevents a full assessment of its crashworthiness. The high volume of powertrain complaints suggests potential reliability and safety risks.
What are common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Ford Transit are related to the POWER TRAIN, with 45 complaints, often involving driveshaft coupling failures and transmission issues leading to loss of motive power. Other common problems include rearview camera malfunctions (often displaying blank or inverted images), engine issues (8 complaints), and various 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' problems (13 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Transit have?
The 2016 Ford Transit has a significant number of 21 recalls. These recalls address a range of issues including rearview camera malfunctions, parking brake failures, driveshaft problems, and numerous recalls related to aftermarket seat installations and wheelchair lifts.
Are there any recurring issues after recall repairs for the 2016 Ford Transit?
Yes, there are complaints indicating recurring issues even after recall repairs, particularly concerning the driveshaft coupling. Some owners reported the same driveshaft failure occurring again after the initial recall fix (e.g., recall 19S38), suggesting the 'permanent fix' may not always be effective.
What are the crash test ratings for the 2016 Ford Transit?
The 2016 Ford Transit received a 4-star rating for frontal crash tests from NHTSA. However, it does not have specific ratings for overall, side, or rollover safety, making a complete crashworthiness evaluation challenging based solely on NHTSA's published ratings.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high number of recalls and persistent powertrain complaints, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is crucial, focusing on the driveshaft, transmission, and rearview camera. Verify all 21 recalls have been addressed, and be aware of potential recurring issues with powertrain components.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Ford Transit
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Ford Transit. The data includes 142 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 21 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.