Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the Exhaust Gas Sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due to the vehicles diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) age counter being under the 120-minute requirement. Engineering is investigating this issue and working on a solution.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Transit engine problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Of the 4 model years of Ford Transit we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (4).
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Transit Vehicles Equipped With 3.2L Diesel Engine - Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Replacement
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 ↗Some 2017-2022 F-Super Duty and 2016-2022 F-650/F-750 with 6.7L diesel engines, 2015-2019 Transit with 3.2L diesel engines and 2018-2021 F-150 with 3.0L diesel engines may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P206C in the powertrain control module (PCM). Review of repair data supports that P206C is often the result of incorrect diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) concentration. Per Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Pinpoint Test (PPT) RJ, a DEF concentration reading below 28% will set P206C and cause vehicle derate. If low concentration is suspected, drain fluid and replace with known good DEF before replacing any parts. Low concentra
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ford transit. While the vehicle was idling, exhaust fumes were present inside the vehicle cabin. In addition, the rear floor was very hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to velde Ford (2200 n. 8th st, pekin, il) where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a shortened exhaust pipe; however, there was no remedy available from the manufacturer. The exhaust pipe…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 48,500 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.