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2016 Ford Transit Connect: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2016 Transit Connect has 104 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and 10 recalls[2]. Both counts are among the highest of any model year, so check every recall by VIN before you buy.
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 104 owner complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash, one a fire and 3 injuries are reported, with no deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
The largest groups are:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes[5] | 17 | 72,000 |
| Electrical system[6] | 14 | 50,000 |
| Structure[7] | 14 | 49,000 |
| Visibility[8] | 14 | 66,500 |
| Engine[9] | 13 | 16,000 |
| Power train[10] | 13 | 84,000 |
| Steering[11] | 8 | 55,000 |
Another 13 complaints fall under unknown or other[12].
We read a small sample of the complaint texts for four groups. Here is what owners describe in that sample.
- Brakes. Owners describe front brakes that grab or stay applied, and several tie this to the stability control recall below[5].
- Electrical. Owners describe lost power steering assist and airbag warning lights[6].
- Structure. Owners describe roof glass coming loose, water leaks and door latches that do not hold[7].
- Visibility. Owners describe windshields that leak or lift, plus waits for recall parts[8].
The engine group has 13 complaints, and its median mileage at failure is 16,000, the lowest of the groups listed[9]. It also holds the only fire mention[9][1]. We did not read enough to say what caused it.
Recalls
NHTSA shows 10 recalls for the 2016 model year[2]. Some cover many Ford models and still apply to this van[13][14][15][16]. Newest first:
- Rearview camera (25V572). The camera image can be distorted, upside down or blank in reverse. That cuts the driver's view behind the van and raises crash risk. Dealers inspect the camera and replace it when needed. Owner letters were planned in phases from January 2026[13].
- Front door latch (23V502). The latch part in the front door can crack, so the door may not latch and could open while driving. Dealers inspect and replace the latches as needed, at no charge[17].
- Shifter cable bushing (22V413). The small bushing linking the shifter cable to the transmission can wear out or come off. The van may not go into the chosen gear, may move unexpectedly or may roll after you select Park. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap[14].
- Windshield adhesion (22V192). The windshield may not be bonded well enough to the body. In a crash it could come loose. Dealers inspect it and reinstall it if needed[18].
- Shifter cable bushing, 2.5L engines (21V376). This is the same bushing problem, listed for vans with the 2.5L engine[19]. Dealers replace the bushing and add a cap[19].
- Door latch repeat check (20V331). Earlier door latch repairs may not have been done properly. A door could seem shut and not be. Dealers check the latch date codes and replace latches if needed. Owners may also check date codes themselves on a website[15].
- Seat belt pretensioners (20V305). The pretensioners in front seat belts may not fire in a crash. Dealers inspect and replace the belt assemblies as needed[20].
- Panoramic roof (20V260). On vans with the Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof, the glass may be poorly bonded. That can mean wind noise, leaks and sometimes the glass coming off. Dealers remove, clean and reinstall the panel[21].
- Door latch (16V643). A part inside the door latch can break, so a door may seem latched when it is not. Dealers replace the latches with an improved part[16].
- Stability control pump (16V482). A brake pump in some vans built between February 22 and June 16, 2016[22] may be contaminated with metal debris. Stability control and related brakes can weaken, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the pump[22].
Use the VIN lookup on NHTSA.gov to see which of these are still open on a specific van[13].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on engine and body style. The estimated annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the van was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Van, 1.6L turbo[3] | 22 / 29 / 25 | $2,700 |
| Wagon, 1.6L turbo[23] | 22 / 29 / 24 | $2,800 |
| Van, 2.5L[24] | 20 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 |
| Wagon, 2.5L[25] | 19 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 |
| Long-wheelbase wagon, 2.5L[26] | 19 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 |
The flex-fuel (gasoline or E85) versions with the 2.5L engine have the same city, highway and combined ratings as their gasoline-only twins[27][28][29].
Safety ratings
NHTSA rated the front-wheel-drive wagon 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 for side and 4 for rollover[4]. Its rollover risk is 17.9%[4]. The front-wheel-drive van has 4 stars for frontal and 5 for side crash[30]. We have no overall rating for the van[30].
Engine and size
The EPA test list shows two engines. The 1.6L four-cylinder is rated 170 hp[31]. The 2.5L four-cylinder is rated 169 hp[32].
Size figures are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans.
How 2016 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 42 | 2 |
| 2011 | 24 | 1 |
| 2012 | 26 | 1 |
| 2013 | 32 | 4 |
| 2014 | 127 | 15 |
| 2015 | 66 | 11 |
| 2016 | 104 | 10 |
| 2017 | 28 | 6 |
| 2018 | 22 | 6 |
| 2019 | 51 | 8 |
| 2020 | 32 | 8 |
| 2021 | 11 | 4 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
Across the model years on file, 2016 has the second-most complaints with 104[2], behind 2014 with 127[2]. Next is 2015 with 66[2].
On recalls, 2016 has 10[2]. Only 2014 (15) and 2015 (11) have more[2]. Later years look lighter. 2017 has 28 complaints and 6 recalls, and 2019 has 51 complaints and 8 recalls[2].
These counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so use them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2016 Transit Connect?
This model year has a long recall list, and its complaint count is the second highest for the Transit Connect[2]. Each recall in the list says the repair is free at a dealer[13][17][14][18][19][15][20][21][16][22], so a van with all of them done is a fairer bet than one with open items., so a van with all of them done is a fairer bet than one with open items[13][17][14]. Ask for the VIN and check NHTSA.gov for open recalls, especially the latches, shifter bushing, windshield and roof glass. Have the brakes and power steering inspected, since both appear in the complaints we read[5][6]. If you want a lighter record, 2017 shows 28 complaints and 6 recalls, against 104 and 10 for 2016[2].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
- Brakes lead with 17 complaints, followed by electrical, structure and visibility with 14 each[5][6][7][8].
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect have?
- NHTSA shows 10 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover door latches, the shifter cable bushing, the windshield, the panoramic roof, seat belt pretensioners, a brake pump and the rearview camera[13][17][14][18][20][21][22].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
- The 1.6L turbo van is rated 25 mpg combined[3]. The 2.5L van is rated 23 combined[24]. The 2.5L wagon is rated 22 combined[25].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 104 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Transit Connect model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Van 2WD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, WAGON FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V572, filed September 3, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V413, filed June 10, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V331, filed June 8, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V643, filed September 6, 2016: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V502, filed July 21, 2023: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V192, filed March 25, 2022: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V376, filed May 24, 2021: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V305, filed May 27, 2020: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V260, filed May 8, 2020: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V482, filed June 29, 2016: Electronic Stability Control (Esc). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Wagon FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Van 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Wagon FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Van FFV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Wagon FFV, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Transit Connect with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2016 Ford Transit Connect with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 169 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRANSIT CONNECT VAN XL/XLT: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,580 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRANSIT CONNECT WAGON XL/XLT/TITANIUM: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,977 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov