Ford Transit shudder problems

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Wheels · 49 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal, without warning. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer on numerous occasions; however, the dealer had failed to duplicate or diagnose the failure. On the third visit to the dealer, the contact was advised to test-drive two or three of the same model vehicles. The vehicles were test-driven. During the test-drive, both the contact and the mechanic experienced the same failure, but the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer had notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, neither the dealer nor the manufacturer offered further assistance. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, Winner Ford of Cherry Hill (250 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034), where it was discovered that all four rims were bent. The dealer emphasized that the damage on the rear passenger-side rim was severe and a replacement was needed. The vehicle was taken back to the original dealer, who confirmed the damage and agreed to replace both the rim and the tire. The parts were replaced; however, the contact stated that during a post-repair test-drive, the failure returned at 75 MPH and faded away at 60 MPH. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 49.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Tires · 20,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit 250 equipped with Sentury Lionheart Tires, Tire Line: Lionclaw, Tire Size: 235/65/R16, DOT Number: [XXX] . The tires were replacement tires. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed a blowout of the front driver's side tire. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire was cracked by the side wall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local tire dealer were notified of the failures. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unavailable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shuddered while shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while slowing down the transmission downshifted smoothly. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact used a hand scanner but was unable to retrieve a fault code. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling and humming sound. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure increased, and the vehicle made an abnormal loud grinding sound. The contact later noticed a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft flexible coupling was fractured. The mechanic determined that the flexible coupling needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V767000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2024 · Transmission · CO · crash

Rear differential or axle suffered catastrophic failure on highway, causing both rear wheels to lock up and the driveshaft to shear off/separate from the differential housing. Locking rear wheels at 55mph caused the vehicle to lose traction and spin out. Vehicle crossed multiple lanes of interstate highway, colliding with a snow bank facing the wrong direction. Fortunately traffic was light (incident occurred approx. 5:30AM on Sunday) and snow prevented the vehicle from colliding with the median wall. Had the incident occurred at another time or another place, injuries or fatalities would have been considerably more likely. Only advance warning was approx. 5 seconds of loud noise and intense vehicle shuddering from the rear before the wheels locked and control was lost. Once traction was lost, multiple driver-assist indicators lit up, but shut off after motion stopped. Vehicle was immobilized afterwards and had to be 'shaken' off the tow truck as the rear wheels would not turn. New vehicle, approx. 4,000 miles. Vehicle is currently at the local Ford dealership awaiting inspection.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Transmission · CO

This is an update on the same problem I reported a year ago...January 2022, it started to shudder during acceleration but it was intermittent. February 2022, it started to occur more. March 2022, it started to do it while cruising at a higher speed on the freeway. Then going up a steep hill one day, it started to shudder and could not exceed more than 30 mph up a very steep hill. The transmission is progressively getting worse...It seems to stay in 1st gear and then jump to 6th gear...and now I smell some burning...There is a recall on the Ford Focus transmission for the same reason...Although it may be a different transmission, the problem is a carbon copy of my Ford transmission...This should be a RECALL ISSUE because it is happening a lot in other documented cases. Please inform us of the steps to get this issue INVESTIGATED and RECALLED.

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive(D), the vehicle would shudder and shake until the vehicle accelerated to 30 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become constant. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft coupling had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2022 · Transmission · CO

Multiple occurrences after traveling on the highway and then slowing down or when coming to a stop, the vehicle autonomously makes one or more very hard downshifts. It is enough to unexpectedly propel the occupants forward in their seats/seatbelts. ...while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into limp mode. The shuddering and vibrations along with the slipping of gears and the inability to go uphill before it goes into limp mode...The vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. There's a recall on the Ford Focus and the problem is a carbon copy. Reading about other Transit vans having the same problem, I felt that I should make you aware of the issue.

Filed Mar 31, 2022 · Engine · 39,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver's and passenger's exhaust manifold bolts were fractured and leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had a cylinder # 2 misfire with code P0302 and the spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Transmission · NC

My vehicle is suffering from driveline vibrations, which should be recalled under Ford Safety Recall 19S38. My vehicle build manufacture date and build location fall within the recall window, but for some reason my VIN is not found in the database for this repair to be covered or authorized. To be clear, I am experiencing driveline vibrations at various speeds, which are high frequency, and cause a vehicle pulsing shudder that is relatively violent and loud, causing items in the vehicle to rattle. This recall is a safety concern as Ford describes in their own words: https://ford.oemdtc.com/4634/safety-recall-19s38-driveshaft-flexible-coupling-2015-2017-ford-transit "If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in ‘Park’ but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury." There are no warning lamps to identify there is an issue. The vehicle is available for inspection. Ford is requesting a diagnostic fee to address the issue that should be covered under recall as my vehicle's build date and location fall well within the recall window.