YearToAvoid

2016 Ford Transit Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 15 brake complaints for the 2016 Ford Transit, 10% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 32,000. One related recall, campaign 21V631000, covers a parking brake cable clearance issue.

Brakes complaints
15
10% of 155
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
32,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden brake failure at low speed accompanied by a banging noise and the vehicle pulling to one side.
  • Some describe rear brake pad and caliper misalignment causing excessive heat, metal-to-metal noise, and reduced fuel economy.
  • Several owners report ABS tone rings cracking repeatedly, disabling hill-assist, ABS, and traction control.
  • One owner reported the driveline breaking loose and tangling with the fuel and brake lines, leaving the van undriveable on the freeway.
  • Owners under the parking brake recall report long waits for replacement parts and a fractured brake cable line discovered after an abnormal noise while driving.

When 2016 Ford Transit brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 18, 2017, latest Aug 26, 2025.

2016 Ford Transit brakes complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2017Dec 2017May 2020Aug 2021Oct 2023Aug 2025
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2017 to Aug 2025; peak Dec 2017 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 Ford Transit

  1. NHTSA 21V631000Aug 11, 2021Brakes30 vehicles

    Parking brake:conventional:mechanical:linkage and cable

    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 resulting in parking brake failure.

    Risk: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.

Brakes complaints by Transit model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20140 (0%)
  2. 201521 (11%)
  3. 201615 (10%)
  4. 20175 (5%)
  5. 20182 (4%)
  6. 20198 (22%)
  7. 20205 (6%)
  8. 20211 (4%)
  9. 20223 (8%)
  10. 20232 (4%)
  11. 20241 (4%)
  12. 20251 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2016 Ford Transit have?
NHTSA lists 15 brake complaints for the 2016 Transit, which is 10% of the 155 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 Ford Transit?
Yes. Campaign 21V631000 covers 2015-2020 Transit vans where an incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit could let the damper shield contact the parking brake cable. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall, and Ford replaces the passenger side parking brake cable.
At what mileage do 2016 Transit brake problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this brake issue is 32,000 miles.
Did the brake issue cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries tied to brake complaints on the 2016 Transit.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.