Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford Transit powertrain problems
moderate 71 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
71
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 71 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Ford Transit we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 71.
Powertrain accounts for 38% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes TSB 22-2444 to add 2024 model year vehicles. Some 2015-2024 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving. This noise is most noticeable at highway speeds: 112-121 km/h (70-75 mph) for 4.10 axle ratio 121-128 km/h (75-80 mph) for 3.73 axle ratio 136-145 km/h (85-90 mph) for 3.31 axle ratio The noise may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of the noted speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveline frequency transmitted through the rear driveshaft, rear axle and into the body through the leaf sp
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Transit Vehicles with 3.2L Diesel Engine - Crankcase Ventilation Hose Assembly Replacement and Powertrain Control Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 22-2271 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2015-2023 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving. This noise is most noticeable at highway speeds: 112-121 km/h (70-75 mph) for 4.10 axle ratio 121-128 km/h (75-80 mph) for 3.73 axle ratio 136-145 km/h (85-90 mph) for 3.31 axle ratio The noise may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of the noted speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveline frequency transmitted through the rear driveshaft, rear axle and into the body through
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Transit's powertrain cluster revolves around a failing driveshaft flexible coupling and its cascade of secondary failures. Owners report the coupling separates or cracks, causing loud undercarriage noise, severe vibration at highway speeds (40–75 MPH), and sudden loss of motive power. When separation occurs, the broken shaft strikes brake and fuel lines, causing immediate brake failure and fuel leaks—forcing drivers to use the parking brake to stop.
Transmission damage is common: driveshaft fragments puncture transmission cases or sheared gear teeth produce code P0731. Multiple owners faced $9,000–$12,000 transmission replacements after recall repairs, with Ford denying warranty based on mileage limits (40,000 or 100,000 miles). One owner's rebuilt transmission, delivered with used internal components, failed 51 days after pickup.
Ford issued two recalls: 17S15 (temporary coupling fix) and 19S38 (permanent driveshaft replacement). However, even permanently repaired vehicles exhibit persistent vibration, low-frequency drone, and moaning noise. Some owners' dealers diagnosed failing torque converters ($3,000–$4,000 repair) as root cause. Recall parts remained unavailable for months, leaving owners unable to schedule repairs and driving unsafe vehicles.
One separate brake issue emerged: replacement torque-to-yield bolts (Dorman brand) on rear rotors sheared, allowing a wheel to separate from the axle. Additionally, one narrative documents catastrophic electrical failure resulting in over $30,000 in repeated repairs and multiple accidents.
Same Ford Transit powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Driveshaft Flexible Coupling Separation/Fracture
The flexible coupling between transmission and driveshaft prematurely deteriorates, cracks, and separates, causing loss of motive power, brake failure (due to brake line damage), fuel line rupture, transmission damage, and secondary undercarriage damage. Multiple narratives document driveshaft separation occurring at highway speeds, with the separated shaft damaging brake lines, fuel lines, transmission cases, and rear differential.
When: Typically 50,000–250,000 miles; some failures documented after recall repairs and at high mileage where owners were refused coverage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, banging, or stomping noise from undercarriage; Low-frequency moaning or drone vibration throughout cabin; Severe vibration at highway speeds (40–75 MPH); Loss of motive power without warning; Brake pedal failure or loss of braking ability; Check engine light and transmission fault codes
Codes mentioned: P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio), Transmission speed sensor malfunction codes
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 17S15 (NHTSA 17V-408000) offered temporary fix (flexible coupling replacement); Recall 19S38/19V-767000 offered permanent fix (new driveshaft, universal joint, transmission output yoke). Owners report repair costs $2,500–$12,000+. Multiple narratives show owners paying out-of-pocket when Ford denied warranty claims post-mileage limits or when recall parts were unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17S15 (NHTSA 17V-408000, temporary coupling fix); Recall 19S38/19V-767000 (permanent driveshaft replacement). Ford denied repairs for vehicles exceeding 40,000 or 100,000-mile limits, citing mileage restrictions. Parts availability delays caused extended wait times. Ford offered partial reimbursement (e.g., $2,000–$2,500) in some cases but denied full warranty coverage.
Driveline Vibration and Noise Persisting After Recall Repairs
Even after recall coupling replacements or permanent driveshaft fixes, vehicles continue to exhibit severe vibration and drone noise. The underlying root cause remains undiagnosed—some attributed to failing torque converters, others to loose carrier bearings or imbalanced replacement driveshafts installed during recall work.
When: Post-recall repair, from 25,000 miles onward; recurrence documented 7,000 miles after first service and at 55,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent low-frequency subwoofer-like drone or humming; Vibration throughout cabin affecting steering wheel and seats; Noise audible at 45–75 MPH, worst during acceleration or uphill; Inability to hold radio conversation due to noise intensity; Vibration varies but becomes progressively worse; Shaking on downshifts
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (codes not always retrieved)
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary coupling replacements repeated on some vehicles (2–3 times without permanent resolution). Dealers diagnosed loose carrier bearings, failing torque converters (cost $3,000–$4,000), rear driveshaft replacement, and replacement driveshaft imbalance. Some owners reported independent mechanics resolved vibration where Ford dealers could not.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford initially denied approving carrier bearing repair on at least one vehicle. Dealers offered torque converter replacement as solution, but owners reported success was inconsistent. Recall repair was not retroactively revised to address persistent vibration in repaired vehicles.
Transmission Failure and Damage from Driveshaft Separation
Driveshaft separation or fracture damages transmission cases, output shafts, gears, and torque converters. Owners report transmission failure shortly after receiving recall repairs, or delayed failures at high mileage with sheared gear teeth and code P0731.
When: Failure mileage 55,000–374,000 miles; one rebuilt transmission failed at 51 days post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden transmission downshift without driver input (into 1st–2nd gear); Engine redline followed by rear tire locking up; Loss of forward motion; Vehicle unable to start or operate after stall; Sheared gear teeth in transmission; Transmission noise and grinding
Codes mentioned: P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio—sheared teeth), Transmission speed sensor faults, General transmission malfunction codes
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement quoted at $9,806–$15,000+. One owner received a 'rebuilt' transmission with used components and no effective warranty; it failed 51 days later. Another owner reported broken brake lines and fuel lines wrapped around the driveshaft, requiring simultaneous transmission and brake system work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied warranty on rebuilt transmission claimed to carry coverage. Ford refused financial assistance claiming no programs available. Denials cited vehicle mileage exceeding warranty limits (e.g., 40,000 or 100,000 miles).
Brake Line and Fuel Line Damage from Driveshaft Separation
When the driveshaft separates or fractures, the broken shaft and coupling pieces strike, crush, or puncture brake and fuel lines routed near the transmission and rear axle, causing immediate brake failure and fuel leaks.
When: At moment of driveshaft separation, typically highway speeds (40–81 MPH)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travel to floor with no stopping power; Fuel smell or visible fuel leak; Loss of brakes coinciding with loud undercarriage noise; Driver forced to use parking brake to stop vehicle; Brake line rupture confirmed on inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line and fuel line replacement cost included in driveshaft repair estimates ($2,500–$12,000+). Multiple owners required emergency stops using parking brake. One technician replaced two fuel tubes, brake lines, driveshaft, shaft seal, and couplings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer program identified. Brake line damage was treated as secondary damage included in overall recall repair assessment.
Rear Brake Caliper Bolt Failure (Non-Recall Related)
Replacement torque-to-yield bolts for rear brake rotors (Dorman part, NAPA-stocked) sheared off, allowing rear wheel and tire to separate from axle housing. This is a separate component failure from the driveshaft but impacted powertrain safety.
When: 10 months after brake service at 76,263 miles (service performed at 66,644 miles on 3-24-21; failure 10-7-21)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tire and wheel separation from axle; Audible failure during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Technician replaced failed Dorman bolts (NAPA #92601271) with Ford OEM bolts (Ford part W716084-S439, marked SPF 10.9). Dorman bolts were marked 322 10.9 but proved inferior to Ford specification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Fleet mechanics began preferring OEM Ford bolts over aftermarket Dorman bolts for future repairs.
Engine Stall, Electrical Failure, and Check Engine Light Cascade
Vehicle experiences repeated engine stalls during highway driving accompanied by check engine light, followed by cascading electrical and fuel system failures. Multiple dealer repairs failed to resolve root cause; replaced components included coils, O2 sensors, fuel pump control module, catalytic converters, battery, alternator, and PCM. Owner spent over $30,000 with vehicle still non-operational.
When: Multiple episodes over extended service period; one narrative cites over $30K in repairs spanning months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall without warning during highway driving; Total electrical failure during stall; Check engine light illumination; Poor engine performance and misfiring; Rough running; Poor fuel economy; Vehicle will not start after repair attempts; Nearly four vehicle accidents due to engine failures
Codes mentioned: Multiple unknown codes requiring coil, O2 sensor, fuel pump control module, and catalytic converter replacement, Eventually Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner spent over $30,000 on repairs at dealership without resolution; vehicle currently awaiting fuel pump replacement. Owner had four vehicle accidents resulting from stalls.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear manufacturer program or assistance documented in narrative.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter deteriorates or fails, causing transmission vibration, drone noise, and loss of power. Multiple owners reported diagnosis of failing torque converter as root cause of persistent driveline vibration, sometimes after coupling or driveshaft repairs.
When: 50,000–200,000 miles; some diagnosed post-recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Low-frequency drone or subwoofer vibration at 50–70 MPH and 2,000–2,500 RPM; Vibration can be momentarily stopped by removing foot from accelerator pedal; Vibration recurs at later time; Increasing frequency and loudness over time; Steering wheel vibration; Vehicle rumbling
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement quoted at $3,000–$4,000. Some owners pursued replacement; others deferred as root cause remained uncertain even after pulling transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for torque converter. Dealers advised replacement as out-of-warranty repair.
Transmission Output Speed Sensor Malfunction
Output speed sensor fails or malfunctions, causing unintended transmission downshifts (into 1st or 2nd gear) at highway speed without driver input, resulting in engine redline and rear tire lockup. Owner noted same part number and issue had been recalled in F-150 trucks with same transmission.
When: Multiple incidents at highway speeds; one at 70 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended downshift to 1st or 2nd gear at highway speed; Engine redline; Rear tire lockup and vehicle instability; Loss of vehicle control; Nearly caused rear-end collision as following traffic had to brake hard; Check engine light illumination with sensor code
Codes mentioned: Transmission speed sensor malfunction code
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost cited; issue identified but not yet addressed in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for Transit despite same sensor being recalled on F-150 for identical failure mode. Owner requested recall to prevent further accidents.
Accelerator Pedal Unresponsive or Malfunctioning
Accelerator pedal fails to respond or becomes stuck, with one narrative describing simultaneous knocking sound and unintended downshift to 1st gear.
When: Early in vehicle use (2,000 miles) and at highway speeds on wet surface
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal unresponsive to depression; Pedal depressed to floorboard without effect; Knocking sound from vehicle during malfunction; Vehicle independently shifted into 1st gear; No warning light initially
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed as wiring issue and wrapped main wiring with reflective tape. Not clear if resolution was permanent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty at low mileage (2,000 miles).
Recall Parts Unavailability and Delayed Service
Multiple owners received recall notifications (17S15/17V-408000 and 19S38/19V-767000) but dealers reported recall parts unavailable for weeks or months, delaying urgent safety repairs. Some owners told to wait 3 weeks or more for parts arrival.
When: Ongoing throughout 2017–2022 for both recalls
Symptoms owners cite: Owners notified of recall but unable to schedule repair; Dealers unable to source parts; Owners instructed to continue driving unsafe vehicles while awaiting parts; Multi-week wait times for parts supply
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost; issue was parts availability preventing recall execution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but parts supply chain broken. Some owners took vehicles to different dealers who could perform repairs sooner. Ford acknowledged but did not prioritize parts delivery.
Defective Replacement Driveshaft Coupling After Recall Repair
Permanent fix driveshaft coupling installed under recall 17S15 cracked and failed after only 45,000 miles of use, far sooner than design life. Owner provided pictures of cracked coupling and requested second recall; Ford refused.
When: 45,000 miles post-permanent-fix installation
Symptoms owners cite: Cracking visible in coupling installed during recall; Undercarriage banging noise indicating re-failure; Coupling disintegration
Repairs/costs cited: Coupling failed despite being the 'permanent fix' replacement. Ford refused to cover or re-repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused to issue additional recall or cover repair. Owner cited safety concern of knowingly installing defective parts.
Synthesized from 71 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns 2015 Ford transit. The contact stated that the front driveshaft was replaced under NHTSA campaign number: 19v767000 (power train). After the vehicle was repaired, it was noticed that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal squeaking sound. The vehicle was taken to schultz Ford (80 ny-304, nanuet, ny 10954; (845) 624-3600) and the contact was informed…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford transit. While driving on the highway, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft fractured and damaged the transmission. In addition, the technician stated that the driveshaft wrapped around the brake line. The technician stated that all the brake lines, the transmission, the rear end…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford transit. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the driveshaft fractured and caused damage to the torque converter and the brake lines. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the transmission, the torque converter and also the brake lines were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer…
Recalled part failed causing damage to other parts on vehicle, Ford motor company refuses to repair the damage - no recall notifiactions sent - we are not original owners of vehicle
2015 Ford transit van. Received recall 17s15 in june, 2018. Multiple calls to Ford dealership to schedule appointment to have recall fix and they say they add me to the list and will call me back when appiontments available. Despite multiple requests I have never been able to get an appointment. Filed complaint with Ford motor company and they said dealers are independently owned and they…
For more then 18 months I have been trying to get the repair/recall,(19s38) from my local dealer ventura Ford. Still after all this time I have been told 2 excuses several times 1.) "the parts are not available.", and 2.) "that the repairs were already done." I have called the customer service number (1-866-436-7332) twice this month. Each time I have been told that the parts are not available
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 Ford Transit?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 71 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 70,000 and 157,500 miles, with the median around 110,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 157,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Ford/Transit.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.