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Ford Transit check engine light comes on

29 of the 797 owner complaints about the Ford Transit describe check engine light, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
29
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
100,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2023
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    4
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    5
  • 2015
    13

What owners say

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · MA

While driving a rented 2024 Ford Transit passenger van under load (accelerating uphill and exceeding 2,500–3,000 RPM) on a highway in heavy rain, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic powertrain failure. The engine began violently misfiring, causing the vehicle to shake aggressively, accompanied by a solid/flashing Check Engine Light and a sudden, severe loss of propulsion. This created an immediate, extreme highway traffic hazard for the 7 passengers inside, including infants, elderly parents, and an individual with special needs. When roadside assistance was contacted, the vehicle owners (Commonwealth Fleet Co. LLC, operating on the Turo platform) explicitly refused to authorize a tow because they did not want to pay the associated towing fees. Instead, the host pressured us to personally drive the dangerously malfunctioning commercial-sized van to a local Ford dealership for diagnostics, wait for it, and then proceed to drive the defective vehicle all the way home. This forced us into a high-risk scenario operating an inherently unsafe vehicle on public roads because no other transit options were provided. Left stranded out-of-state, we were forced to actively facilitate these repairs for the host, navigating the defective vehicle to a local Ford facility and paying out-of-pocket for Uber ride-shares to shuttle our family back and forth between the dealership and emergency lodging. A review of the vehicle's background showed that the fleet host had completely neglected required mechanical servicing on this van since October 2025. Furthermore, despite suffering this dangerous, documented powertrain failure that left our family stranded, the platform allowed the vehicle to be immediately flipped and rented out to another consumer upon its return on October 15, 2026, without a safety inspection or mechanical repair.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 172,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that DTC: P2002 was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01 (Certain 2015-2019 Ford Transit 3.2L Diesel Replace Diesel Particulate Filter); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Transmission · NM

I have a 2015 ford transit 150 and I was driving home on the highway and out of nowhere my van downshift into I believe 1st or 2nd gear causing the engine to redline and the rear tire to lock up and cause me to lose control of the vehicle! For about 3-7 seconds in that time the cars behind me had to slam on there breaks almost rear ending me due to the abrupt deceleration from my vans rear tire locking up and as that happened the back of my van began to sway out from behind me and right at the time I believed I would have rolled over possibly killing me and injuring other drivers the van randomly went back into the proper gear allowing me to gain control and pull over. After I had time to process what just happened the check engine light came on and with my scan tool I read the code and it said that the speed sensor for the transmission had malfunctioned and after some research I found that similar year ford f150s with that same transmission and that same part number had recalled that part for the same issue! And I ask that if you would please save life’s by recalling this part it is not a debate it is a necessity please please recall this part

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL · fire

On March 11, 2026, a 2024 Ford Transit (VIN: [XXX] ) was being operated under normal driving conditions when the check engine light began intermittently activating. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of dashboard functionality. While attempting to safely maneuver to the shoulder, the operator experienced loss of power steering and reduced braking capability. During this time, flames were observed originating from the engine compartment. The operator was able to safely pull the vehicle over, exit, and contact emergency services. The vehicle subsequently became fully engulfed in flames and was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. A preliminary fire investigation determined the area of origin to be the passenger side of the engine compartment, with evidence of possible electrical involvement. The specific failed component has not yet been identified. This incident created a significant safety hazard due to the sudden loss of vehicle control systems combined with an active vehicle fire during operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine · 90,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Body, Engine · 45,000 miles · AK

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a shortage with the spark plugs and other electrical systems. The #4 spark plug was replaced. The contact researched and became aware of an issue with the cowl allowing water and debris to enter the engine and causing the #4 spark plug to be short-circuited. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that water had leaked through the windshield and into the air filter compartment, onto several wires for different electrical systems in the vehicle, and onto emissions components, which affected the engine timing. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was approximately 2-inches of water in the air filter box. The check engine warning light was illuminated, with diagnostic trouble codes indicating that the Oxygen sensors had failed, and the timing was not being converted correctly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired by the mechanic. The contact replaced the catalytic converter and placed a seal around the windshield. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Engine · 100,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Engine · 135,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · VA

Initially my van began with a simple engine stall and total electrical failure while driving down the highway. The check engine light came on and the van was taken to the dealer to explore the problem. Multiple codes were found and were fixed which included coils, O2 sensors, fuel pump control module and several other things. Then a few days after picking the van up from the shop it had another engine stall while driving and check engine light. After taking it to the auto shop we informed of additional codes and problems which include catalytic converters, new battery, new alternator, and other things. Picked the vehicle from dealer and a few hours later the engine light came on along with engine stall while driving. I took it back to the dealer and I report problems with poor engine performance vehicle misfiring, rough running, poor fuel performance, check engine light, several engine stalls. Dealer diagnosed the van with needing a new Powertrain Control Module. Repairs were completed and upon picking the van up from the dealer the van wouldn't start, and dealer diagnosed the van with a bad fuel pump. To date we have spent over 30K in repairs, nearly 4 vehicle accidents due to engine failures, over 4 vehicle tow's, 5 battery replacements, and the van is currently awaiting new fuel pump replacement.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported June 13, 2025 · 156 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S55.

Recall number 25V344000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Transit check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Ford Transit?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine failure, misfire or rough idle and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P2002.

Which Ford Transit years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (13 complaints), 2016 (5 complaints) and 2018 (4 complaints).

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