Own a Ford Transit in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Ford Transit for model years 2014 to 2018, 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Transit owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 592 owner complaints on file for the Transit and 38 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (209), engine (90), electrical system (66).
Most-Reported Ford Transit Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Transit (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 209 | 35% | |
| Engine | 90 | 15% | |
| Electrical System | 66 | 11% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 44 | 7% | |
| Structure | 38 | 6% | |
| Service Brakes | 37 | 6% | |
| Seats | 32 | 5% | |
| Steering | 27 | 4% |
Power Train
209 of the 592 complaints (35%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
90 of the 592 complaints (15%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
66 of the 592 complaints (11%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Ford Transit Complaints by Model Year
The Transit model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2015, 2016, 2017. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 | |
| 2015 | 193 | |
| 2016 | 156 | |
| 2017 | 98 | |
| 2018 | 58 | |
| 2020 | 84 |
Most Common Ford Transit Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Transit. The most-cited is P2111 (throttle actuator control stuck open), mentioned in 4 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2111 | Throttle actuator control stuck open Dirty or failing electronic throttle body; can cause stalling or reduced power. | 4 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Ford Transit Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 38 recall campaigns for the Transit in these model years, most often involving seats, equipment adaptive/mobility, power train. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V572000): 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...
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V442000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD,...
- 2025 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 25V876000): Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster...
- 2023 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 23V499000): Quality Vans (Quality Vans) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ford Transit vans equipped with Onan QG 2800i EVAP generators, part number 2.8HGLAA-8303A.
- 2021 recall, Parking Brake (campaign 21V631000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly...
- 2021 recall, Power Train (campaign 21V978000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Transit vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Transit, 17 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, 39 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Ford Transit Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Ford will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Transit that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Transit owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Ford Transit, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Ford Transit Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Ford Transit repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Ford Transit FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Ford Transit?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Ford Transit are power train (209), engine (90), electrical system (66). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Transit model years have the most complaints?
The Transit model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2015, 2016, 2017. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Ford Transit?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Ford Transit, the codes cited most often are P2111 (throttle actuator control stuck open). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Ford Transit have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 38 recall campaigns for the Ford Transit across model years 2014 to 2018, 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Ford Transit in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Ford vehicles including the Transit, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Ford Transit?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Ford Transit in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Ford Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.