This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason for update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update theParts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator plate for Aviator
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Ford Transit powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2023 Ford Transit have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Transit | 3 |
| 2020 Transit | 16 |
| 2021 Transit | 4 |
| 2022 Transit | 3 |
| 2023 Transit (this page) | 11 |
| 2024 Transit | 3 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain complaints filed for the 2023 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Owners are still filing on this — the most recent NHTSA powertrain complaint for this vehicle was logged 7 days ago.
Powertrain accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 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 bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator plate for Aviator. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes 25-2587. Reason For Update: update the Parts list to add the F-clutch friction plates HL3Z-7B164-D and the F-clutch steel plates PR3Z-7B164-A for the proper vehicle lines, replace the transfer case mounting bolt part number from W714288-S438 to W714288-S437, update the part number W720688-S439 quantity from 2 to 1, update the part number ML3Z-7869-C claim quantity from 2 to 1 (only if necessary), update the description of CXT-10-LV6 and XT-10-QLVC by adding "transfer case fluid, 4WD only", move HL3Z-7A191-B and L1MZ-7F396-A fluid pan gaskets to the parts to inspect and replace list, and remove TL1Z-6775-A self adhesive heat shield from the F-150/Expedition/Navigator
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-D), add the rear driveshaft flange CV joint-to-pinion flange cup bolts and retaining straps (LK4Z-4B496-B) for Transit, and update the parts description for the transfer case fluids applicable for each vehicle line. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I purchased a new [XXX] on XXX from La Mesa Rec Van in [XXX]. The RV is a built on a 2023 Ford Transit Trail 350 chassis, but the vehicle is registered as 2025 as [XXX] completed the conversion to a Class B motorhome in XXX. Upon purchase, it was not disclosed to me by Ford or La Mesa Rec Van in [XXX] that the vehicle was speed limited to 81 mpg. I went to pass a car on a two lane highway…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V102000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution…
Power train malfunction and loss of power in vehicle may cause accident due to sudden loss of speed. Vehicle makes noises and kicks when accelerating. Turbo doesn’t work properly and hesitates when engaging. The wrench light comes and goes off when turning the car back on. Vehicle often looses power while driving either due to the turbo or the power train. May cause accidents, we have had to pull…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually accelerated after repeatedly depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Ford Transit?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 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?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 41,865 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 $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/2023/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.