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.
Ford Transit engine failure problems
16 of the 797 owner complaints about the Ford Transit describe engine failure, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 78,000
By model year
- 20231
- 20211
- 20183
- 20163
- 20158
Often reported together
Check engine light 6Stalling 3Water leak 2Misfire 2Loss of power 2Won't start 1Overheating 1Fuel pump 1
What owners say
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started losing power, after driving over 200 yards, the vehicle became inoperable. The check engine and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road as a ramp was coming up and called AAA. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a timing chain and engine failure. The contact was informed by the dealer of an extended warranty; however, the warranty had expired two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The engine was replaced with a used engine, new timing chain, new gaskets, engine oil, water pump, rear sealant, coolant, and spark plugs. The vehicle was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,206.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 59,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while making tight left or right turns, the driver’s side rear wheel seized as if the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving approximately 75 MPH. The contact also heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle with an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V102000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
The Van looses all power. This has happened 4 times. The display will appear brake boost failure or engine failure. We were driving on the 60 fwy in the number one lane when this happened last. My husband was able maneuver to shoulder without causing an accident.
Freeway driving at rush hour, engine light came on suddenly, no other previous warning, with catastrophic engine failure, pull over immediately. I was able to coast to shoulder. No injuries. Could have caused an accident. Van is now at dealer, diagnosis unknown.
Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to strip and come loose Dealer appears to have never inspected vehicle as per Pennsylvania law and the purchase contract. I have more phots and a video showing the extent of damage The r/f hub assembly worked loose and could have fallen off, seized or collapsed to the ground pulling the vehicle severely to the right and causing an accident. The heat generated by the failure is evident by the discoloring of the bearing and race.
While on a road trip with my 6 kids, I had a brake issue with my 2016 Ford Transit. The first time it happened, I was driving about 55 mph, hit the brakes and the engine revved & accelerated. I pumped the brakes, engine stopped revving. Honestly thought I did something wrong. Same thing happened again two days later. I stopped and cleaned the sensors hoping that would resolve the issue. The next day the same thing happened making it hard to stop. I went straight to Ford and had two Ford dealerships tell me the vehicle was fine. Brakes were checked and was told no problems. I asked if it could be a leak in brake booster and was told no. No lights were coming on. I took the van to Les Schwab and was told the same thing. Unsure what to do, my brother came to the rescue and took the van. He started driving it home to California from Colorado. I rented an RV and continued our road trip. 80 miles later, the engine on the van made a loud bang and ceased. No engine lights. My brother said the engine started having acceleration problems so he stopped and checked all of the fluids. Everything was fine and engine was not overheated. But, complete engine failure at 79,000 miles. This was July. Since then, we paid to have a new engine installed. My husband flew out to pick up the van and new engine started having problems. He had to fly back home. Ford has said that the new engine is bad so they are paying for rental car and getting another new engine installed. Still do not have van. It's been three months. My concern is something else is going on...just seems extremely strange. I am still worried about the braking and revving bit and wonder if anyone else has had a similar issue.
Failure and stall occurred 8-9-21. Throttle body internal fault. A Ford dealer in Aurora, Colorado diagnosed, has the vehicle, and the defective part. I don't know if they will hold on to it for inspection. My vehicle stalled while driving on a busy road and lost power. The warning message said something to the effect of "terminal engine failure, requires service" I was lucky enough to get my vehicle to the side of the road in heavy traffic, but it was stalled in a precarious spot and the vehicle did in fact get hit while I waited for the tow truck. I was worried for my safety, so I was waiting off of the road about 15 feet from my vehicle rather than in it. This is a potentially life-threatening issue. Had I been on a highway in heavy traffic, this could have caused a major accident. This appears to be a common issue, so I am not sure why it has no recall at this time. In my opinion, it needs one for the safety of the vehicle owners and those around them in traffic.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- 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 engine failure
Which Ford Transit years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (8 complaints), 2016 (3 complaints) and 2018 (3 complaints).
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