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 2016 Ford Transit owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, the warning message "Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as intended; however, the failure reoccurred later. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the fuel injector, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The dealer determined that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced, including the fuel pump, the fuel valves and the fuel injector. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V618000(Fuel System, Diesel, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the message "High Temperature - Pull Over Safely" was displayed. The contact stated that upon decelerating, the temperature gauge dropped, then started fluctuating from normal to high temperature. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence. The contact stated while driving to the dealer the following day, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the EGR was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact of Ford Campaign Number: 18M06; which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side shoulder. The low engine mode message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump failed, which caused fuel, metal, and debris to enter through the fuel lines. The fuel filters were replaced but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as an engine stall due to the fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
This complaint is specifically related to Ford Recall 16S32 / NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 regarding the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure. My vehicle (VIN: [redacted] ) has experienced the exact mechanical failure described in this recall, resulting in metal debris throughout the fuel system and a sudden loss of engine power while driving. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road. Ford is currently denying assistance because my vehicle's production date falls just one day (24 hours) outside the official recall window. It is mechanically impossible for a manufacturing defect present in the recalled batch to not exist in a vehicle produced only 24 hours earlier. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this arbitrary 1-day exclusion. …
I was driving for approximately 6 hours in the rain. When I returned to my home location and filled my vehicle,I only got 14 mpg. Nirmally 17-19mpg. So I figured its been a while since Ive changed thecair filter. So I proceeded to change the air filter. It was completeky saturated with water.I am surprised I made it back through the mountanious area w no cell phone connectivety w passengers. I research what I believe is the oroblem The air intake is located directly behind the front grill next to passenger side headlamp. It has a plastic tube (as a air tunnel) that goes into the botton of the air intake bosmx, in which the filter is on to, letting aur to get through to the engine. From the firce of driving, raining and the engine sucking in air. It almost cacumed the rain into as well. The air intake needs to be revised. Befire a engine stall occurs and loss power and control.
I was not made aware of the recall. The driveshaft separated while I was driving, causing significant damage to other parts of the vehicle, including the transmission, motor and transmission mount, cooling, electrical and brake and transmission lines, oil and fuel parts, and much more underneath the van. This happened after a very brief hard vibration moments before it "exploded" and sent me flying into the air and coming to a very quick stop, which also caused medical issues. Ford is refusing to repair all that their recalled part damaged claiming they "notified me" but I haven't received such notice. I stay up on all maintenance and repairs for my van, and the dealership acknowledged that when looking at the vehicle history reports.
I am a victim of odometer tampering, the odometer has been rolled back and I traded my truck for it under the premise that it had 57000 miles. I am currently taking the perpetrator to civil court to recuperate the money that is owed me by the low mileage fraud, in Cincinnati OH, Hamilton County. I would like to see this scum prosecuted because of this horrible crime. I have talked to the local police but they did nothing at all about it and said they couldn't, I was trying to look at other outlets and hopefully I have found the right one because it seems like nobody can do anything about it and even though a crime happened people want to sweep it under the rug, I want justice and to see this scum go to jail.
Exhaust manifold leaking. According to the Ford dealership at Encinitas California (see attached report by the service dept) my ford transit has a leaking exhaust manifold. Apparently, this is not an uncommon failure with these 3.5 eco-boost engines. It appears to be a design flaw in the bolt pattern which allows the manifold to warp. I noticed this problem with approximately 75,000 miles. The vehicle developed a loud chirping or ringing sound but no warning lights. This leaking and failed exhaust system is allowing noxious gas to build up in the engine compartment and possibly leaking into the passenger compartment.
Engine complaints in other Transit years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Ford Transit?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Ford Transit, 15% of the model year's 156 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford Transit engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Ford Transit, though it has 21 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 2016 Ford Transit engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.