Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Ford Transit owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that water had leaked through the windshield and into the air filter compartment, onto several wires for different electrical systems in the vehicle, and onto emissions components, which affected the engine timing. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was approximately 2-inches of water in the air filter box. The check engine warning light was illuminated, with diagnostic trouble codes indicating that the Oxygen sensors had failed, and the timing was not being converted correctly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired by the mechanic. The contact replaced the catalytic converter and placed a seal around the windshield. …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Exhaust filter overloaded, drive to clean", after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The vehicle was repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 23M01, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 109,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15B39 CPR and Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2091. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with water intrusion from insufficient sealing in certain areas of the engine compartment, allowing water entry into the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
While driving on the highway, acceleration shuts down and I lose the ability to control speed. I had to coast to the side of the road even though the engine was still running and I was rear-ended. After I shut off the vehicle, it turned on and returned to normal operation. This has happened multiple times. The throttle body was replaced in 2021 at 117,444 miles and is having this issue again now. I have a fleet of Transit vehicles and this has happened on 4 transits from 2015-2018 a total of 6 times now. This is an ongoing issue that Ford needs to address.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 59,000.
The 2015 Ford Transit was designed such that rainwater from the windshield drains into the engine and sometimes floods the air filter system. This issue is documented in this NTSA TSB where it's stated: To resolve this condition, install updated water management hardware and/or a revised air cleaner cover. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10156525-0001.pdf We were driving along an interstate and were on a long viaduct while it was raining. The engine stalled and we were lucky enough that the vehicle was able to reach the end of the viaduct. I had my spouse and 7 children in the van. We received a tow but myself and 2 children were forced to walk along the interstate as the tow couldn't hold all of us. …
This claim is to report that when I received the letter from Ford with the recall, I tried to book an appointment for said recall, which is impossible because they are giving them for 6 to 8 months. After trying several days, I got one in palmeto Ford, unfortunately the car failed exactly as the recall said and the transmission broke, affecting the brakes as well, which almost caused an accident in turpike, after this I left it at Ford transit at (16800 nw 57 Av, 33015) where to date they do not give me reason, I have gone 5 times and they have not received an answer, the vehicle is a work vehicle and it is the livelihood of my family, please, if in any way it can be managed, it can be fixed as soon as possible, thanks
While driving van displayed "engine fault service now" and lost all power in the middle of the road. I was able to pull over turn it off and back on and is running. This is happened to nearly our whole fleet of Ford Transits. I have put in a claim with Ford, as this is an extremely dangerous safety issue. It is causing my employees to feel like we are providing unsafe transportation, it is causing lost revenue due to vehicles being out of service and it is a potential insurance claim/workers comp issue. Ford needs to take action.
The Van looses all power. This has happened 4 times. The display will appear brake boost failure or engine failure. We were driving on the 60 fwy in the number one lane when this happened last. My husband was able maneuver to shoulder without causing an accident.
Engine complaints in other Transit years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Ford Transit?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Ford Transit, 22% of the model year's 193 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Ford Transit engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Ford Transit, though it has 26 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford Transit engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.