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 ↗2016 Ford Transit powertrain problems
severe 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 57 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Powertrain accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 57 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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
Owners of 2016 Ford Transit vans report the flexible coupling between the transmission and driveshaft fails repeatedly, with chunks breaking off or the coupling disintegrating entirely while driving. The failure typically starts with a loud pop or boom underneath the vehicle, followed by vibration, rattling, and loss of motive power. Some owners heard it first at 30,000 miles; others at 100,000 or higher. When the coupling fails, the driveshaft itself can fracture and detach, severing brake and fuel lines simultaneously. Multiple owners report losing all braking ability—brake pedal goes to the floor with zero pressure—while traveling at highway speeds, forcing violent emergency stops on roadsides.
Ford issued recalls (17S15, 17V408000, 19V767000, 19S38) requiring interim coupling replacements every 30,000–40,000 miles, but parts have been perpetually on backorder. Several owners took vehicles to dealerships, were told parts were unavailable and the vehicle was unsafe to drive, and waited months with no follow-up communication. One owner's part remained on backorder from January through April 2024, when the coupling finally failed at 142,000 miles, destroying brakes, fuel lines, and the driveshaft.
Even after recall repair, the coupling failed again within 40,000–70,000 miles in multiple cases. One owner was charged $800 out-of-pocket for the second replacement because Ford denied it was covered. Another discovered the "permanent fix" coupling cracked 50,000 miles later. When cascade damage to transmissions or torque converters resulted from coupling failure, Ford refused coverage, claiming the owner should have complied with the 30,000–40,000-mile service window—a requirement owners often did not know existed because dealers did not clearly communicate it, and second owners received no recall notification at all.
Same Ford Transit powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Driveshaft Flexible Coupling Disintegration
The rubber/polymer flexible coupling between the transmission and driveshaft fails catastrophically, with pieces breaking off or disintegrating entirely. Owners report loud popping noises, rattling, and visible chunks missing from the coupling material. This failure often occurs even after recall repair attempts.
When: 30,000–170,000 miles; typically first failure around 30,000–100,000 miles; recurrence within 40,000 miles of recall repair in multiple cases
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop or boom under the vehicle followed by rattling; Vibration and shaking, especially when accelerating or shifting; Abnormal grinding, burning, or rubbing noise from front end; Vehicle loses motive power while driving; No warning lights; failures occur without driver notification
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000 (Power Train driveshaft coupling), NHTSA Campaign 17V408000 (Power Train driveshaft assembly), Recall 17S15 (Driveshaft assembly), Recall 19S38 (Driveshaft flexible coupling)
Repairs/costs cited: Coupling replacement at 30,000-mile intervals per interim recall; permanent fix via recall applied to some vehicles; owners cite $800+ out-of-pocket costs when repair deemed not covered; parts frequently on backorder, delaying remedy; coupler part numbers cited: CK4Z-4602-N, CK4Z-4421-F, CK4Z-4635-A, JK4Z-5A669-A
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recalls 17V408000, 17S15, 19V767000, and 19S38; required interim repairs every 30,000–40,000 miles under some recalls; denied coverage for failures occurring after recall parts not installed on schedule; stated permanent fix applied; refused financial assistance citing vehicle not receiving timely interim service; manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts availability in multiple cases; dealerships cited parts on backorder
Driveshaft Assembly Failure (Secondary Damage)
When the flexible coupling fails, the driveshaft assembly itself fractures or becomes detached, severing fuel lines, brake lines, and damaging the transmission bell housing. The driveshaft can separate from the transmission and strike the vehicle body, firewall, or floorboard.
When: 55,000–260,000 miles; often cascade failure following coupling deterioration
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of hydraulic brake function; brake pedal goes to floor with no stopping; Loss of motive power; vehicle cannot accelerate or move; Loss of fuel delivery due to severed fuel lines; Vehicle comes to abrupt, uncontrolled stop on roadway; Loud pop or clang preceding loss of control; Driveshaft physically visible as missing, detached, or fractured underneath vehicle
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000, NHTSA Campaign 17V408000
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft assembly replacement required; brake line replacement; fuel line replacement; transmission bell housing repair; one owner cited $6,394.33 retail repair cost; owners report vehicle deemed total loss in collision cases; repairs not approved by manufacturer when driveshaft failure occurred after recall parts backordered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Denied repair coverage; stated failure was due to coupling not replaced on 40,000-mile schedule; case opened but repair claim denied; referred owners to NHTSA Hotline when claim denied
Transmission Loss of Power and Shift Failures
Engine revs but vehicle fails to accelerate; transmission kicks out of gear unexpectedly while driving on highway; transmission range sensor failures; vehicle shuts down motive power during normal operation.
When: 60,000–170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs with no acceleration response; Transmission shifts out of gear while driving (e.g., drops from 6th to 5th, 4th, or neutral); Vehicle unable to restart after power loss; Dash displays 'Service Immediately' or 'Motor Failure' message (though motor is running normally); 'Transmission Service Required' error message on dash; Vehicle unable to accelerate above 15 mph or fails to maintain highway speed
Codes mentioned: P0707 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low), P01702 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent), P1921 (Transmission Range Signal), P0706 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance), P0316 (Misfire Detected on Start Up), NHTSA Campaign 19V767000 (related to powertrain loss)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission range sensor with molded leadframe replacement quoted at $3,159.99; transmission replacement at 60,000 miles (unusual for that mileage); one owner declined repair citing cost; one owner reported torque converter damage ($3,546 repair) caused by failed recall coupling damaging transmission
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission range sensor failures attributed to internal sensor defect; owner's VIN not included in some recalls despite same symptoms; one owner told Ford repair not covered because vehicle didn't meet recall eligibility; manufacturer refused assistance when failure linked to unrepaired recall condition
Brake Line Damage (Secondary to Coupling Failure)
Driveshaft failure severs or fractures brake lines, causing complete loss of hydraulic brake pressure. Vehicle loses all braking ability while at highway speeds.
When: 55,000–142,612 miles; occurs as cascade failure after coupling/driveshaft failure
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floorboard with no resistance; Vehicle cannot slow or stop with brake pedal applied; Vehicle comes to violent or uncontrolled stop on roadway shoulder; Brake fluid visible under vehicle after driveshaft failure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000, NHTSA Campaign 17V408000
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line replacement required; total repair cost not itemized separately in narratives but included in larger driveshaft failure repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair denied as secondary damage of unrepaired recall condition; manufacturer refused financial assistance
Recall Parts Unavailability and Delayed Remedy
Ford issued recalls but parts were not available for extended periods (months to over a year). Owners took vehicles to dealerships for recall repair but had to wait indefinitely for parts, with some vehicles never receiving parts and failures occurring while on backorder.
When: Multiple cases occurring 2019–2024; delays of 3–12+ months documented
Symptoms owners cite: Customer notified of safety recall but told parts unavailable; Dealership unable to schedule repair due to parts backorder; Weeks/months pass with no communication from dealership regarding parts arrival; Vehicle remains at dealership unsafe to drive per dealership statement; Failure occurs while part remains on backorder
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000, NHTSA Campaign 17V408000, Recall 17S15, Recall 19S38
Repairs/costs cited: Parts listed as backordered; one owner's part on backorder from January 2024 until failure April 2024; dealership initially issued invoice showing parts installed, then issued corrected invoice denying parts were installed (discrepancy between physical evidence and records)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated parts distribution issues but did not provide alternative remedy or timeline; dealership stated parts unavailable and vehicle unsafe to drive; manufacturer ultimately denied coverage when failure occurred during backorder period, claiming owner should have rescheduled after recall time window
Incomplete or Failed Recall Repairs
Even after recall repair performed, the driveshaft coupling failed again within months or thousands of miles, with the same failure mode recurring. Owners received interim repairs but were not properly informed of the 30,000–40,000-mile replacement requirement.
When: Recurrence within 40,000–70,000 miles of initial recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Same vibration, noise, or coupling failure occurring after recall service; Visible cracks in 'permanent fix' coupling upon reinspection; Coupling disintegration weeks or months after recall repair
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000, NHTSA Campaign 17V408000, Recall 17S15, Recall 19S38
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair performed but coupling failed again; one owner charged $800+ for second replacement, told second failure not covered by recall; one owner reported torque converter damage caused by second coupling failure; one owner notified recall was 'permanent fix' but coupling cracked within 50,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claimed 'permanent fix' applied; denied coverage for recurrence if interim 40,000-mile service was not performed; refused to cover collateral damage (transmission, torque converter) caused by recall part failure; referred owners back to dealer or NHTSA Hotline
Insufficient Recall Notification and Owner Awareness
Owners as second/subsequent owners did not receive recall notice; dealers did not proactively inform owners of interim repair requirements; recall notices sent years after issuance to some owners.
When: Recalls issued 2017–2019 but some owners notified 2023 or later
Symptoms owners cite: No recall letter or notice received by second owner; Dealership stated recall open but parts unavailable without proactive follow-up; Owner unaware of 30,000–40,000-mile interim service requirement; Multiple years elapse between recall issuance and owner notification
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000, NHTSA Campaign 17V408000
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed until failure occurred; one owner reported being told by Ford case was closed and referred to NHTSA Hotline
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refused to cover failure repair, citing owner failure to comply with interim 40,000-mile service schedule; manufacturer claimed no obligation to assist because owner did not receive timely notification; case marked 'inactive' without resolution by Ford
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that there was a rubbing burning order coming from inside the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle also had a vibration sensation whenever the vehicle was being driven. There were no warning lights on the vehicle. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the flex disc had failed. The contact stated that this was a known issue for…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off; however,…
My ford van has vibrations between 20-40 miles. Many other ford transits has recalls for this. The issues is with the drive shaft and the drive shaft yoke.
Dealership (wickstrom Ford Lincoln) in barrington il refuses to repaid my vehicle safety recall (code: geuxoim). I scheduled an appointment on 9/22/2020 and the dealership sent me home because the part needs to be ordered. The dealership said they would call when parts arrive. Dealership never called, I called twice on 11/25/2020 and left a message. The dealership has not called.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford transit. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 17v408000 (power train) by autonation Ford bellevue (411 116th ave ne, bellevue, wa 98004, 425-243-5203), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. While driving 25 MPH, the engine made an abnormal noise. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle seized and…
On 17 November, 2023, at approximately 12 PM, I was traveling down the highway at approximately 55 mph. I suddenly heard a loud pop coming from directly under the cab and a subsequent rattling. It lasted for about 15 seconds, went away, and then lasted for another five seconds before completely stopping. Upon parking the vehicle, I crawled underneath and noticed that the flex coupling between the…
The driveline broker from it's holding mount while driving and tangled up the fuel line and brake lines going to the rear of the van. Making the van lose power and not be able to be driven anymore. This happened while driving on the freeway. This is extremely dangerous. Also they have a recall on the rear flex joint which the Ford dealership has recognized but are refusing to pay for the total…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Ford Transit?
It's a meaningful issue. 57 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 86,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 104,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 86,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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/2016/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.