Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD

2016 Ford Transit ConnectRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 104 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve structure (14) and visibility (14). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22–25mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
10campaigns
Latest Sep 2025
Owner complaints
104
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

10 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Back over preventionReported Sep 4, 2025NHTSA 25V572000

Latches

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Jul 21, 2023NHTSA 23V502000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Power trainReported Jun 10, 2022NHTSA 22V413000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

104 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2016 – Jul 2026
  1. Structure14
  2. Visibility14
  3. Electrical system14
  4. Power train13
  5. Engine12
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic9
  7. Visibility/wiper8
  8. Service brakes8
  9. Steering8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Transit Connect model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201042
201124
201226
201332
2014128
201566
2016104
201728
201822
201951
202032
202112
20226
20231
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

14 reports
“On XXX at 1820 hrs CST I was traveling westbound on HWY XXX between [XXX] and Central [XXX] [XXX]. The weather was sunny, temp 88 degrees. As I was driving between 60 and 65 MPH with cars in front as well as behind me I heard a very loud “explosion” type noise. It was loud and quite scary and unexpected. The car then became very loud and windy. I was able to keep the car on the road, when I looked up I realized the panoramic window on the roof was mostly gone and damaged as well as the shade that covers the window. Looking in the rear view mirror I didn't see any other cars stopping or slowing and it appeared as if I was the only one affected. Backtracking to before my trip, I took my vehicle to Ford in [XXX] on XXX for three recall issues. Door latches, backup camera and panorama window issues. Later that day they called me to pick it up and said they had ordered parts for the recall items and would contact me when the parts were in. I advised the service tech I was going on a trip with the vehicle on XXX and needed to get things done before that time. He said the roof would need to be fixed by a glass company and they would coordinate when the other parts…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2026Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11751489

Visibility

14 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the glass panel from the sunroof unexpectedly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the adhesive securing the sunroof glass had failed, causing the panel to detach. The contact was informed that the adhesive needs to be replaced to reattach the glass panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the failure had made the vehicle unsafe and that the children no longer wanted to ride in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2025VisibilityODI 11699417

Electrical system

14 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while initially starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the main computer screen displayed the “Hill Stop Assist Not Available" and "Parking Assist Not Available" messages. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The speedometer, power steering, and several other unknown messages were displayed intermittently. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer after the original failure and was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side wheel position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic after the second failure, and it was determined that the same front passenger’s and driver’s side wheel position sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the steering wheel position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2023Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11560625
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Transit Connect Van 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$2,500362
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222924$2,600364
Transit Connect Van 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700392
Transit Connect Van FFV
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,700392
Transit Connect Wagon FFV
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850407
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850407
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850407
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850407
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Overall
— / 5
Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
Not rated
Rollover risk
0.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10235Vehicle 10234
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Transit Connect questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect have?

10 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Ford Transit Connect problems?

Owners filed 104 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (14), visibility (14), electrical system (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Ford Transit Connect get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Ford Transit Connect at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Ford Transit Connect 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026