Ford Transit won't shift problems

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Fuel system · KY

My 2016 Ford Transit experienced a sudden loss of engine power while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, stalled, and emitted excessive black smoke from the exhaust, creating a hazardous situation for me and surrounding motorists. I was forced to pull off the roadway because the vehicle could no longer operate safely. When a warning first appeared, I promptly took the vehicle to an authorized dealer, the dealership preformed some type of update and a DPF regeneration and instructed me to drive the vehicle on the highway for 50 miles to complete the regeneration process, I followed these instructions. The light returned and the vehicle was inspected by another authorized Ford dealership, All-State Ford, which confirmed the condition covered under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 23M01 involving the catalytic converter system. The dealership confirmed that the required repair cannot be completed because Ford has not supplied the necessary replacement part after I called to get an update. Approximately five months have passed since the vehicle was diagnosed, and the required part remains unavailable. During this time, my vehicle has remained unusable. Ford has been unable to provide a repair date or any estimated timeline for when the part will become available. Ford’s response has been to direct me back to the dealership. However, the dealership has confirmed that it cannot obtain the part, provide a repair timeline, authorize reimbursement, or offer any alternative remedy because those decisions are controlled by Ford Motor Company. In researching this issue, I found online discussions from owners describing similar catalytic converter failures and extended delays across multiple Ford vehicle models. While I cannot independently verify those reports, they suggest this may not be an isolated incident. I respectfully request the federal safety agency review whether the remedy offered under CSP 23M01 is adequately addressing the safety issue.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Transmission · NV

My 2018 Ford Transit 250 experienced a failure of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor in the 6R80 transmission’s mechatronic lead frame at approximately 60,000 miles. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Ford service department, which retrieved DTC codes P0715-00 and P0717-00. These codes indicate that the turbine speed sensor signal is lost, forcing the transmission into limp mode, causing loss of power and erratic shifting. This is a serious safety concern, it can occur suddenly while driving and results in loss of proper gear control. Relation to Recall 19S07 Ford has already acknowledged this same defect in other vehicles using the 6R80 transmission. In Safety Recall 19S07, Ford recalled certain 2011–2013 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator models due to failure of the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor in the 6R80 lead frame. The failure mode, symptoms, and remedy (lead frame replacement and PCM update) are identical. In my case, the failure is of the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor rather than the OSS sensor, but both are housed in the same lead frame assembly and both result in sudden sensor failure, limp mode, and unsafe driving conditions. Why Action Is Needed Despite the identical defect, Ford has refused coverage because my VIN is not included in Recall 19S07 and my vehicle is just outside the 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. This exclusion leaves Transit owners unprotected even though we are experiencing the same premature failure Ford already acknowledged. Given the safety implications, I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate whether Recall 19S07 should be expanded to include Ford Transit vehicles equipped with the 6R80 transmission. Summary Vehicle: 2018 Ford Transit 250, 60,000 miles DTCs: P0715-00, P0717-00 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor failure) Component: 6R80 mechatronic lead frame (same part as in Recall 19S07) Symptoms: Limp mode, loss of shifting, unsafe drivability Ford refuses coverage despite identical failure acknowledged in other model

Filed Feb 11, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 109,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Exhaust filter overloaded, drive to clean", after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The vehicle was repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · 200,593 miles · TN

With this vehicle when driving on highway or interstate once you go past about 40 miles the transmission begins to overheat and when it reaches a temperature of approximately 245° it will kick down into limp mode causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in front of other traffic. You have to get over to the side of the road and let the transmission cool down before you can continue at a safe pace. This vehicle has been taken multiple times the transmission has been replaced twice. They have replaced the transmission cooler, they have an auxiliary cooler, and the problems still persist. This is very dangerous to be operating when it kicks down tent mode and gears down suddenly. It has been in Fords service shop for over seven months now and we just got it back with the new auxiliary cooler on it and it is still having the same problem.

Filed Jul 22, 2022 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle would not shift out of gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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 Oct 13, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 44,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into limp mode. The vehicle would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ford transit. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled numerous times while driving on an incline or on a normal road surface, and when the cruise control was engaged. The contact had to place the vehicle in neutral and turn off and restart the engine in order for the vehicle to regain normal function. Also, while driving 30 to 70 MPH, the reduce engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to logansville ford first (3460 highway 78, logansville, ga 30052, 770‑554‑9994) diagnosed that the fuel tank failed. The fuel tank contained metal fragments. The vehicle was also taken to akins ford (220 west may street, winder ga, 30680, 770‑867‑9136) for a second opinion. Akins ford also stated that the fuel tank had metal fragments. The dealer stated that the fuel system must be cleaned and flushed. The dealer flushed the fuel system, replaced the railing five injector, the fuel tank was flushed and cleaned, and the fuel lines were cleaned. In addition, the fuel filter housing was replaced. The contact also stated that the fuel injector pump caused the metal flakes to enter the fuel tank; however, the fuel injector pump was not replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle entered limp mode and the contact had to turn the engine off to regain normal function. The failure occurred when driving 70 to 80 MPH and when driving up an incline at any speed. The manufacturer was contacted, the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in an unknown recall regarding the fuel injection pump recall. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2017 · Fuel system · 15,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ford transit. While driving 70 MPH, the engine stalled and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle was taken to fox ford mazda (3560 28th street grand rapids mi, 49512 phone: (616‑956‑5511)) where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the fuel injector and fuel tank. The fuel injector, fuel pump, and fuel filter were replaced and the fuel tank was cleaned. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v618000 (fuel system, diesel, engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Jul 27, 2016 · Transmission · 7,200 miles · MA

Dash warning lights came on vehicle stalled while driving on city street, vehicle restarted but was in "limp mode". Throttle body failure.