Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit uneven steering effort. This may be due to the steering column slider length. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to adjust the steering column slider length.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Transit steering problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 7 steering 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
Of the 5 model years of Ford Transit we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 7.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
Some 2015-2019 Transit vehicles may exhibit a power steering fluid leak at the steering pump or gear. This may be due to a cut or damaged O-ring on the power steering line connection. To repair, refer to parts catalog call out 3334 for service kit BK2Z-3F886-A which contains all four O-rings utilized on the line assembly connections.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Online automotive service information system for March 2016
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Unknown •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Van completely shuts down, lights on dashboard shut off, can’t not accelerate or brake, and hazard lights do not turn on. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Problem could not be…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford transit van. The contact stated that he had a temporary fix for a recall repair for a drive shaft flexible coupling done back on 11/2017. The repairs were done at the dealer wyatt johnson Ford 646 thompson ln, nashville, tn 37204 (615) 244-3615. The issue recurred again in 09/2018 when the part was discovered to be cracked. The vehicle was taken to another unknown…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2016 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 39,807 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.