AI Damage2016 Ford Transit Connect: common problems
Owners of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect filed 104 complaints with NHTSA, most often about visibility and service brakes. The maker issued 67 service bulletins for this year. We found 1 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 104
- involving a crash
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 67
- YouTube repair videos
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Visibility 21% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 16% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 13% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 13% of all complaints
- 6 Engine 12% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 7% of all complaints
- Visibility: 22 complaints (21% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
- Service brakes: 17 complaints (16% of all).
- Electrical system: 14 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 22.
- Structure: 14 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
- Powertrain: 13 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 8.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.6 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 104 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 22 | 0 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 0 | 22 |
| Structure | 14 | 0 | 5 |
| Powertrain | 13 | 0 | 8 |
| Engine | 12 | 0 | 7 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Backover prevention | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
Since then I have been waiting for a crack to form but the windshield started to leak and on gravel and dirt roads the windshield started to vibrate. The vibration got so bad I had to duct tape the windshield on and tried to stop the leak with plumbers putty.
The contact stated that while shifted to reverse(R), the rearview camera image failed to display a clear image. The local dealer advised the contact that the recall warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was no longer under recall.
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.
All these problems started when the rear camera quite working.
Additionally, I wanted to add that there were no warning lights, though I noticed a very slight drag when first accelerating (a few days prior) but didn't think much of it. I wondered if I was just imagining things. It wouldn't have been noticeable to someone who wasn't used to driving it.
The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that the failure was not related to a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related to the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V502000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at various speeds, the sunroof collapsed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The contact noticed that the sun visor was not installed.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 562 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 27% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Transit Connect has 28 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 104, above average.
What to check before buying
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15 - Supplement #1 Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
Customer Satisfaction Program 25N15 - Supplement #1 Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Inspection For One-Time Replacement
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
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NHTSA lists 67 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: visibility, service brakes, electrical system. Total complaints: 104. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (13%), windows, sunroof (12%), loss of power / limp mode (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect?
NHTSA lists 67 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Ford Transit Connect from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.