Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On March 11, 2026, a 2024 Ford Transit (VIN: [redacted] ) was being operated under normal driving conditions when the check engine light began intermittently activating. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of dashboard functionality. While attempting to safely maneuver to the shoulder, the operator experienced loss of power steering and reduced braking capability. During this time, flames were observed originating from the engine compartment. The operator was able to safely pull the vehicle over, exit, and contact emergency services. The vehicle subsequently became fully engulfed in flames and was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. A preliminary fire investigation determined the area of origin to be the passenger side of the engine compartment, with evidence of possible electrical involvement. The specific failed component has not yet been identified. …
This is the second time this occurred. Please refer to 11757120. While travelling approximately 65 mph the vehicle had a complete shutdown including the engine and all electrical systems in the chassis. When a vehicle has a complete shutdown while driving it is inherently dangerous and life threatening. The problem has been confirmed by Westlies Truck Center in Minot ND again. To my knowledge the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone other than the staff at the truck center. There were no warnings of any kind prior to this occurrence. We were on a busy 4 lane highway.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 - 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to decelerate. During the most recent failure, the contact was able to drive to the dealer before the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that water was leaking into the engine, causing a shortage with the spark plugs and other electrical systems. The #4 spark plug was replaced. The contact researched and became aware of an issue with the cowl allowing water and debris to enter the engine and causing the #4 spark plug to be short-circuited. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
A very strong gas smell was detected on the vehicle cabin. It lingers for a long time when it seems to be going away, it comes back strong again. This began July 2nd 2024. I have not taken my vehicle to get checked out because I cannot afford it, but i did ask around and everyone including some that know about cars said the car is too new and it is not normal, it is bad for our health since we are inhaling those nasty fumes everyday. This vehicle has never been hit or has had any type of damage to it in any way. It has been driven 85k miles and it is still in perfect condition. Honestly since I purchased this vehicle it has been nothing but problems. This is not the only issue this vehicle came with since day 1. I reached out to dealer at first but had no luck. Please help with this vehicle, I really believe this vehicle was not made correctly in so many ways.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster went blank and the vehicle shut off, causing a loss of drive power. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and restarted. The failure reoccurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,390.
The engine 'start-stop' feature is permanently 'ON' . The ability to temporarily disable it has been removed by a Ford software update. Case #00715259 was opened with Ford, vehicle taken to Capitol Ford, Carson City NV, for verification. Dealer verifies that although the start stop feature works correctly the option to temporarily disable it was removed by a Ford software update in August 2023 with no plans to restore it. In mountain driving not being able to disengage this feature is dangerous. Attempting to enter an intersection with a loaded vehicle and having the engine stop just before accelerating will eventually cause an accident. The option to temporarily disable 'start stop' must be restored before someone loses their life at a busy intersection.
THIS IS A SECOND CASE FOR A DIFFERENT VIN WITH THE SAME ISSUE. 11524889. The battery's junction box in the engine compartment is melting. While I was driving, I heard a loud pop, I opened the hood, and saw smoke coming from the junction box. I noticed the box was melting around a fuse. The melting is significant, and the vehicle looked to be on fire. The smoke stopped, but I feel the vehicle could easily have caught on fire completely. There are recalls for this same exact issue but for other Ford Models. I have a fleet of these vans, and this has now occurred to 6 of them. I know other owners that this occurred to as well. I have called Ford Goodwill and they have declined to cover it under the 3-year, extended warranty. The melting was so bad on one that the actual harness was burnt as well. This is a dangerous issue that Ford already knows this happens. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver's and passenger's exhaust manifold bolts were fractured and leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had a cylinder # 2 misfire with code P0302 and the spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Transit years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (43), 2016 (24), 2017 (18), 2018 (15) and 2023 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Ford Transit engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 25V-344 (hard parts internal/mechanical, Jun 13, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Transit engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system (4 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (2).
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.