What are the common problems with a 2016 Ford Transit?
The most common problems reported for the 2016 Ford Transit include transmission and driveline issues, diesel emission system faults on diesel models, electrical glitches, and wear-related failures in suspension, brakes, and door hardware.
To understand these problems in context, this article surveys owner reports, common failure modes, recall history, and practical steps for diagnosing and addressing issues on 2016 Transits across markets.
Transmission and driveline problems
Common transmission and driveline concerns reported by owners for the 2016 Transit cover symptoms and potential causes observed across units.
- Rough or harsh shifting and shuddering on a 6-speed automatic transmission, often linked to fluid condition, valve-body wear, or torque-converter issues.
- Delayed engagement or slipping when moving from Park/Neutral into Drive, which can indicate worn clutches, faulty solenoids, or low transmission fluid level.
- Limp-home or reduced power mode due to transmission fault codes in some units.
- Unusual noises such as whining or grinding from the transmission area, potentially tied to worn bearings or torque converter problems.
Concluding: These symptoms typically point to wear, fluid quality, or valve-body/software issues and often require a dealership diagnostic and a review of the vehicle’s service history.
Engine, emissions, and fuel-system management
Diesel and gasoline engines in the Transit can develop emissions-related and fuel-delivery problems as they age, withdiesel-powered versions frequently at the center of concerns.
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging or regeneration failures on diesel versions, causing reduced power, warning lights, or limp mode.
- EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve sticking or failing, leading to rough idle, reduced performance, or check engine light.
- Fuel injector or high-pressure fuel pump failures on diesel engines, causing misfires or power loss.
- Turbocharger issues or boost leaks affecting power delivery where the setup includes a turbo.
Concluding: Emissions-related components can be costly to repair; regular driving patterns that support proper regeneration and timely replacement of clogged filters help prevent issues.
Electrical and interior systems
Electrical gremlins and interior-system faults have been reported by Transit owners, affecting comfort, usability, and reliability.
- Intermittent electrical faults, warning lights, battery drain, or charging-system problems requiring software updates or module replacements.
- Problems with door locks, power sliding doors, or remote key fobs failing to operate reliably.
- Instrument cluster, infotainment screen, or climate-control displays malfunctioning or going blank in some units.
- HVAC blower motor or resistor failures leading to weak or no airflow at certain speeds.
Concluding: Electrical problems can be intermittent and may require module reflash, connector cleaning, or component replacement; always verify applicable recalls and VIN-specific service notes.
Suspension, brakes, and safety-related components
Wear and tear in the suspension and braking systems can create noise or affect handling on older Transits, with fleet use amplifying issues.
- Front wheel bearing noise or premature wear on high-mileage vehicles, often accompanied by a rumble at highway speeds.
- Brake wear, disc warping, or ABS sensor faults triggering warning lights or affecting stopping performance.
- Suspension components such as ball joints, control arm bushings, or tie-rod ends wearing out, causing clunking or imprecise steering.
- Steering rack leaks or stiffness, sometimes related to power-steering hose wear or seal failures.
Concluding: Regular inspection of suspension and brakes is essential; replacing worn components promptly helps maintain safety and ride quality in aging fleet vehicles.
Body, corrosion, and general wear
As a workhorse van, the Transit endures exposure to road salt, moisture, and heavy use, which can lead to body wear and corrosion in some markets.
- Rust and corrosion along wheel arches, door bottoms, and frame sections in salt-prone areas.
- Water leaks around door seals or roof areas in certain trims, particularly as seals age.
- Loosening of exterior fixtures, trim, or mounting points for racks, steps, and other aftermarket equipment.
Concluding: Body integrity and corrosion are common concerns for older fleet vehicles; proactive rust prevention, seal maintenance, and timely repairs help preserve value.
Buying, maintenance, and recall considerations
For buyers or current owners, focusing on maintenance history and recall status is crucial to understanding a 2016 Transit’s condition.
- Check service history for regular oil changes, filter changes, transmission fluid service, and diesel-emissions-system maintenance if applicable.
- Verify recall status for the VIN; Ford issued multiple recalls affecting various Transit systems in this era, with remedies that are VIN-specific.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection and a road test to evaluate transmission behavior, power delivery, and braking performance.
- Inspect for rust, frame corrosion, and structural integrity, especially in vehicles used in harsh climates or with high fleet mileage.
Concluding: A thorough inspection,VIN-based recall checks, and maintenance history review help mitigate the risk of costly repairs down the line.
Summary
The 2016 Ford Transit shows several common trouble areas typical of a high-mileage commercial van: transmission and driveline issues, emissions and fuel-system management on diesel models, electrical and interior-system glitches, and wear in suspension, brakes, and body components. Prospective buyers and current owners can reduce risk by reviewing service history, confirming open recalls, and scheduling proactive maintenance. When properly maintained, a 2016 Transit can still serve as a capable workhorse, but awareness of these issues and timely addressing them is key.
