What is the recall on the Ford Transit transmission?

There have been recall campaigns affecting Ford Transit transmissions; the exact scope depends on model year and VIN, and owners should check official recall databases to determine applicability and arrange service with a dealer.

Scope of the recall and common issues

In recent campaigns, Ford Transit transmissions have been recalled for several problems that can affect shifting and driveability. The most common concerns cited in notices include unintended upshifts or downshifts, failure to engage a gear, or loss of drive. The exact vehicles covered depend on VIN and regional market.

• Unintended gear shifting or engagement, which could surprise the driver.


• Transmission not engaging drive or remaining in a gear when commanded.


• Loss of power or drive due to transmission malfunctions.

These examples show why it's critical to verify recall status for your exact vehicle.

How to check if your Transit is affected

To confirm whether your Ford Transit is part of an open recall and to learn about the remedy, use the following steps. They apply to U.S. and many other markets; regional processes may vary.

1. Find your VIN, located on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield or on the driver-side door jamb.


2. Visit the NHTSA recall database at nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN to pull up any open recalls.


3. Visit Ford's official recall page or contact Ford Customer Service with your VIN to cross-check recall status.


4. If a recall applies, schedule the repair with an authorized Ford dealer; recalls are repaired at no cost to the owner.


5. Follow the dealer's instructions, including any recommended temporary safety precautions, until the repair is completed.

Having your VIN handy will ensure you receive accurate recall information and the correct remedy for your Transit.

What to expect during a recall repair

Recall repairs are performed at no charge by authorized dealers. Depending on the campaign, the remedy may involve software updates, transmission valve body adjustments, actuator replacements, or other components. The duration of the service varies by vehicle and the nature of the repair, from a couple of hours to a full day. Ford and regulators emphasize that you should only drive as recommended until the repair is completed.

Understanding VIN-based recalls

Recall eligibility is determined by the vehicle's VIN, which encodes information about production date, assembly plant, and options. This means two Transit vans built in different months or with different options can be treated differently by recalls, even if they appear similar on the surface.

Owners should keep their contact information updated with Ford and NHTSA so they receive notice as campaigns are announced and remedies become available.

Summary

A Ford Transit transmission recall can involve several model years and configurations, and the exact vehicles affected depend on VIN. To stay informed, routinely check official recall databases (NHTSA and Ford) with your VIN, and contact your dealer for any recall-related repairs at no cost. The situation can change over time, so regular verification is advised.

What is the recall on the Ford Transit van?

Recent Ford Transit van recalls include issues with incorrect tires and steering parts on some 2023-2024 models, rear axle bearing failures that could cause loss of control in 2023-2024 models, and repeated recalls for 2022-2023 models due to rearview camera software errors. Other recent recalls have addressed potential issues with the HVAC system's ability to defrost and de-fog, and problems with the front passenger seat belt in some 2021 Transit and Transit Connect vehicles.
 
Recent recalls

• 2023-2024 Ford Transit: A recall was issued for 212 vans with incorrect tires and steering components due to a dealer error, which could lead to a loss of brake or steering control. 
• 2023-2024 Ford Transit: Some 2023-2024 Transit vans have a rear axle bearing that may seize, potentially causing rear wheel lock-up, driveshaft separation, and loss of control. 
• 2022-2023 Ford Transit: Some models have had repeated recalls to fix their rearview cameras after a previous software update was sometimes reported as successful when it was not. 
• 2022-2023 Ford Transit: Some vans were recalled due to an issue that could make the HVAC controls, including those for defrosting and defogging, inoperative. 
• 2021 Ford Transit and Transit Connect: Some front passenger seat belts may have a faulty automatic locking retractor that could prevent a child restraint system from being secured properly. 

How to check your vehicle

• Check online: Use the VIN lookup tool on the Ford support website to see if your vehicle is part of a recall. 
• Bring the letter: If you received a recall letter, bring it to an authorized Ford dealer for the free repair. 
• Contact a dealer: If you are unsure, contact a local Ford dealer. Recall repairs are always free. 

Do Ford Transit vans have transmission problems?

Common Ford Transit Problems (and What to Watch For)
Some older models (especially 2015–2017) show rough shifting or delayed gear engagement. This usually ties to transmission fluid degradation or software issues rather than hardware failure. A quick fluid change and software reflash can restore smooth shifting.

Do Ford Transits have transmission issues?

One of the common problems reported by Ford Transit owners relates to transmission. Some models may experience transmission slipping, rough shifting, or complete failure. Regular maintenance and timely fluid changes can help prevent transmission problems.

Is there a recall on the Ford transmission issue?

Ford has issued recalls for several vehicle models due to transmission-related issues, including a 2025 recall for remanufactured 10R80 transmissions that may not hold the Park position, and a 2022 recall for about 3 million vehicles (2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2015-2018 Edge, 2013-2021 Transit Connect) with a shifter cable bushing that can degrade, causing rollaway risk. Other recalls involve issues like unexpected downshifts in some F-150 trucks and a missing roll pin in a 2018 model year recall. You can check if your specific vehicle is affected by visiting the Ford Support website and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by using the Ford app.
 
This video explains a Ford recall for F-150 trucks due to a transmission issue: 31s10 Tampa BayYouTube · Jun 25, 2024
2025 Remanufactured Transmission Recall

• Vehicles affected: 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles that had a remanufactured 10R80 automatic transmission installed as a service part. 
• Issue: A missing T10 bearing during the remanufacturing process can cause the transmission to fail to hold the Park position, leading to a rollaway risk. 
• Fix: The dealer will install the correct component. 

2022 Shifter Cable Bushing Recall

• Vehicles affected: Approximately 3 million vehicles, including 2013-2019 Ford Escapes, 2013-2018 Ford C-Max, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion, 2015-2018 Ford Edge, and 2013-2021 Ford Transit Connect. 
• Issue: The bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and risking rollaway. 
• Fix: Dealers will replace the bushing and add a protective cap, free of charge. 

Other recent recalls

• 2018 F-150, Expedition, Mustang, and Navigator: Some vehicles had a faulty clip that could cause the transmission to shift out of the driver's selected gear. 
• 2014 F-150 trucks: Some trucks were subject to a recall because a sudden downshift to first gear could lead to a loss of control. Dealers will update the powertrain control software for free. 

How to check if your vehicle is affected

• Visit the Ford Support website: and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Use the Ford app: to check for recall alerts.
• Contact your local Ford dealer: to schedule a service appointment if your vehicle is included in a recall.