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 ↗2017 Ford Transit powertrain problems
moderate 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 37 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 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 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 37 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
The 2017 Transit's powertrain is plagued by multiple failure modes. The driveshaft flexible coupling is the most serious: it fractures or separates without warning, no lights illuminate, and suddenly the van has zero power. When it lets go, the disconnected shaft damages the transmission, fuel lines, and brake lines. Ford covers the coupling under recall (17V-408, 19S38, 19V767000) but refuses to pay for the secondary damage—transmission repair, fuel line repair, brake line repair. Owners are stuck with thousand-dollar bills for collateral damage.
The coupling has also failed again in vans that were already repaired under the first recall. OEM replacement parts have been discontinued or unavailable for months; some dealers quote 10-week waits or won't schedule work without a service agreement for parts cost.
Transmissions downshift hard and fast at highway speeds—sometimes into first gear at 70 mph—causing engine over-rev and violent deceleration. No warning. The only fix owners have found is shifting to neutral and back to drive, a workaround that risks accidental reverse selection at speed.
Torque converters fail early, as low as 35,000 miles, requiring $1,500–$6,200 transmission rebuilds. No recall exists despite similar recalls on other 2017 Ford models. The converter reportedly fails again after rebuild. Valve covers leak oil onto exhaust manifolds, causing heavy smoking. Dealerships refuse warranty coverage citing incomplete service records. Engine coolant disappears rapidly, requiring refills every 2–3 days. Turbochargers buck and hesitate on acceleration. Fuel economy drops to 12 mpg or worse. One case documented a rear axle bolt shear causing wheel separation at highway speed.
Same Ford Transit powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Driveshaft Flexible Coupling Failure
The flexible coupling connecting the driveshaft deteriorates or fractures, causing complete loss of driveline power and potential driveshaft separation. When separation occurs, the disconnected driveshaft can damage transmission, brake lines, and fuel lines. No warning lights precede failure. Some couplings fail again after recall repair.
When: Typically 100,000–200,000 miles; some failures reported as early as 31,000 miles after recall repairs; one case at 10,000 miles post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling, humming, grinding, or banging sound from under vehicle or rear; Severe shuddering and vibration throughout vehicle; Loss of motive power; vehicle will not accelerate or move; High-frequency driveline vibration with violent pulsing shudder; Burning odor inside vehicle; Items in vehicle rattle and shake; Steering wheel vibration and shakiness
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 17V-408, NHTSA 17V408000, NHTSA 19S38, NHTSA 19V767000, NHTSA 19V103000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement coupling required; OEM parts discontinued or on backorder in many cases. Owners report dealers unable to provide parts for months. When driveshaft separates, secondary damage to transmission, fuel lines, and brake lines occurs; manufacturers cover only coupling replacement, leaving owner liable for collateral damage repairs. One case required entire driveshaft replacement with aftermarket part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued (17V-408, 17S15, 19S38, 19V767000, 19V103000). Recall remedy initially stipulated replacement every 40,000 miles until final solution available. Phased mailing of recall notices cited parts unavailability; some owners never received notices. Ford refuses to cover collateral damage from coupling failure. Some VINs not included in recall database despite matching build date and location criteria. Ford has discontinued OEM parts.
Transmission Unexpected Downshift at Highway Speed
Transmission abruptly downshifts to a much lower gear (sometimes first or third) during highway driving or deceleration without driver input, causing engine over-revving, violent deceleration, and potential loss of control. Requires neutral-to-drive sequence to restore normal operation. No warning lights illuminate.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (55–70 mph) or during deceleration; one case at 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended downshift to low gear (first, third, or fifth) at highway speeds; Engine RPMs spike past redline; Violent deceleration and forward lurch into seat; Vehicle shuddering and pulsating speed; Transmission growling noise; Transmission skipping gears; No warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Transmission sensor failure indicated in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as transmission sensor failure; vehicle not repaired. No repair costs stated by owners. Workaround: shift to neutral then back to drive, but owners report risk of accidental reverse shift at highway speed.
Valve Cover Oil Leak onto Exhaust Manifold
Oil seeps from valve covers and drips onto the exhaust manifold, causing heavy smoking under the hood. Fire hazard noted by owners. At 140,000 miles, one dealership refused repair under their 'Lifetime Powertrain Warranty' citing incomplete service records.
When: Reported at 140,000 miles and other mileages unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dripping from valve covers; Heavy smoking from under hood; Burning odor
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership (Johnson City Ford) offering 'Lifetime Powertrain Warranty' refused repair citing lack of complete service records despite owner performing only oil changes per vehicle schedule, tire service, and brake service.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter deteriorates and fails, causing transmission shuddering, vibration, and inability to accelerate. Multiple owners report this as common across 2017 Transit fleets; parts are on backorder or unavailable. No recall exists despite similar recalls on other Ford models the same year. Repair requires full transmission rebuild.
When: As early as 35,000 miles; typically 60,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and shaking felt throughout vehicle; Vibration in steering wheel; Vehicle vibrates and shudders under light acceleration, like driving over rumble strips; Loss of acceleration or failure to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic charge $159 at one dealer. Full transmission rebuild or torque converter replacement $1,500–$6,200. One owner reports converter failure recurs after rebuild every 60,000 miles. Multiple owners note parts on backorder or unavailable; rebuilds required instead of replacement.
Engine Turbocharger Malfunction
Turbocharger does not spool smoothly; engine bucks, hesitates, and backfires during acceleration, particularly when pulling into traffic from a stop or accelerating after coasting. No warning lights. Dealer with 'Lifetime Powertrain Warranty' refused repair citing incomplete service records.
When: Occurs during traffic maneuvers; unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Bucking and hesitation under acceleration; Backfiring; Loss of power when pulling into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership (Johnson City Ford) refused repair under warranty citing lack of complete service records.
Coolant Loss and Possible Blown Head Gasket
Engine loses coolant at high rate, requiring refilling every 2–3 days (approximately 1 gallon per 2 weeks per one owner). Possible blown head gasket indicated by one owner. Associated with EcoBoost engine issues on this model.
When: Ongoing; unspecified mileage onset
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid coolant consumption; Need to refill coolant every 2–3 days
Transmission Sensor Electrical Failure
Transmission sensor fails, causing unexpected shift behavior and 'Transmission Needs to be Placed in Park' warning message with blank instrument panel. Unrepaired in reported case.
When: At 150,000 miles in one case; 32,000 miles in another (electrical failure, different issue)
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected downshift; 'Transmission Needs to be Placed in Park' warning message on dash; Instrument panel goes blank
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer visit diagnostic only; no repair performed. Cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: dealership stated VIN not included in any recall.
Rear Axle Bolt Shear and Separation
Five bolts securing rear axle to wheel hub sheared simultaneously at same location (not loose or gradual failure) causing wheel and axle to separate from vehicle while moving. Vehicle continued to drift to shoulder. Speed 35 mph on highway on-ramp. No injuries reported; no skid marks at scene.
When: Unspecified mileage; one incident reported at 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Rear axle and wheel separation from vehicle; All five bolts sheared at same location simultaneously
Electrical Throttle Body Failure
Electronic throttle body fails during driving, causing complete loss of engine power and vehicle immobilization.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Vehicle immobilized
Excessive Brake Wear
Brakes wear abnormally fast, requiring replacement every 10,000 miles per one owner's report. Cause unspecified but may be related to transmission downshift issues or other powertrain problems.
When: Approximately every 10,000 miles per one owner report
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid brake pad and rotor wear
Repairs/costs cited: New brakes every 10,000 miles.
Poor Fuel Economy
Fuel economy significantly lower than expected, approximately 12 mpg or less per owner report. Likely related to EcoBoost engine and transmission issues.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel consumption approximately 12 mpg or less
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
When driving my transit 250 it vibrates a lot and I was told that the transmission is going out. After I researched I find that this is a common problem with this Ford vehicle. It cost about $4000 to fit and Ford is not helping customers with their vehicle. Why is there no recall on this problem?
Transit van experiences a resonating vibration in the driveshaft or u-joints just as described in existing recall for transit vans however, my van was not listed as affected - I contest and would consider it to be affected. Tries and brakes have been changed and nothing changed the vibrations noticed at 40-50 miles per hour. They seem to dissipate above 60 MPH. The vibrations or frequency seems…
The transmission will downshift when deceleration and will actually throw you forward in the seat due to dropping into a lower gear. Vehicle has also developed an oil leak where oil is dripping onto the manifold, possible engine fire hazard. Engine is losing coolant due to possible blown head gasket.
Transmisin jumps in low gears and when using cruise control it also jumps
Transmission will downshift on its own when vehicle is decelerating making engine RPMs over rev. Only way I have found to prevent this is to shift to neutral and then back to drive. I don't like doing this because it could accidently get shifted into reverse while driving at highway speeds! Valve cover leaks dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold causing the vehicle to smoke very badly and could…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 41,123 and 127,000 miles, with the median around 106,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,123; a quarter make it past 127,000. 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/2017/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.