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Electrical systemPart report

2016 Ford Transit Electrical system Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
8%of 156 total for the year
Median mileage
28,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Ford Transit, 8% of the 156 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Ford Transit is designed to allow the ignition key to be turned off while it's in any gear including while it's in drive on the highway. Turning this key while on the highway will cause the power steering to go out causing a dangerous situation for the driver. My van has turned itself off while I was driving on the highway at 60 miles an hour four times because my knee touched the key. To make matters worse, the steering column is adjustable but it adjust itself without activating the leever causing the steering column with the ignition key to constantly come closer to my knees. …”

NHTSA complaint #11021524, filed 2017-09, 8,000 miles

“•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Unknown •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Van completely shuts down, lights on dashboard shut off, can’t not accelerate or brake, and hazard lights do not turn on. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Problem could not be reproduce at Ford the second time. The first time this happened, the Van was serviced at Ford for over 2 months for the same issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11629699, filed 2024-12, 123,402 miles

“Right side brake lights and directional are not working. They don't work at all in any situation. Could be the bcm module. This might be the recall number 17s34”

NHTSA complaint #11265719, filed 2019-10, 28,000 miles

“I was not made aware of the recall. The driveshaft separated while I was driving, causing significant damage to other parts of the vehicle, including the transmission, motor and transmission mount, cooling, electrical and brake and transmission lines, oil and fuel parts, and much more underneath the van. This happened after a very brief hard vibration moments before it “exploded” and sent me flying into the air and coming to a very quick stop, which also caused medical issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11630627, filed 2024-12

“Instrument panel turns off on and on during driving. No ability to see speed, acceleration, engine heat, fuel, or any lights at all (unable to see warning lights like engine light or airbag or tire pressure and not even able to use blinkers or high lights). Problem occurs during driving (will even turn off and on many times within same driving session) but will also happen while car is sitting just with ignition on. Took to dealer and they couldnt find the problem, told me to (and I quote) “continue driving until it gets worse” so they could find the problem later on. …”

NHTSA complaint #11572368, filed 2024-02

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026120%
2024518%
20231423%
20221128%
2021313%
20201417%
2019513%
2018916%
20171212%
2016128%
20151910%

Other parts of the 2016 Ford Transit

Transmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsEngine
20 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Ford Transit

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology