2017 Ford Transit Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
64/100
#5 most-complained of 12 Transit years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2017 Ford Transit has 98 NHTSA complaints, 18 recalls, and a complaint index of 64, ranking 5th worst among 12 model years. Its verdict is "Caution," with Transmission & Powertrain issues making up 41% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 98
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14.5 city / 18.5 hwy
Top 2017 Ford Transit problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain40 (41%)
- Engine23 (23%)
- Other18 (18%)
- Electrical System14 (14%)
- Structure & Body7 (7%)
- Brakes5 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (4%)
- Fuel System4 (4%)
- Steering4 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the stereo/subwoofer wiring smoking and catching fire behind the front driver's seat while the vehicle was parked.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crash incidents, including a highway T-bone collision at highway speed and a red-light collision at low speed.
- Owners describe the rear door lock failing to latch securely, sometimes recurring even after dealer repair.
- Some owners report the instrument panel going blank along with a warning to place the transmission in park, traced to an electrical failure.
- Owners describe unsafe swaying or vibration at highway speed, especially when passing other vehicles or in side wind.
- A separate fire was reported starting at the rear of a parked vehicle, discovered after a neighbor called emergency services.
2017 Ford Transit recalls
18 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
- 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.
- NHTSA 19V767000Oct 25, 2019Transmission & Powertrain293,558 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Transit vehicles. This recall includes all full-size Transit vehicles previously recalled under 17V-408 except ones that received mechanical universal joint (u-joint) as a remedy and any 156" or 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies models. The flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
Risk: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling every 40,000 miles until the final remedy is available. The final remedy will consist of installation of a driveshaft front section equipped with a mechanical u-joint in place of the flexible coupling. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S38. Note: This recall supersedes recall number 17V-408.
2017 Ford Transit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14.5 MPG
- Highway
- 18.5 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Transit years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Ford Transit reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 Transit a complaint index of 64 and a "Caution" verdict, ranking 5th worst out of 12 model years. It has fewer complaints than 2015 and 2016 but more than 2018 through 2022.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Transit?
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 41% of all reports (40 complaints), followed by Engine issues at 23% and Electrical System issues at 14%, per NHTSA data.
- Does the 2017 Ford Transit have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2017 Transit, covering areas including Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Brakes, Transmission & Powertrain, and Structure & Body (foldaway seat recalls).
- Are there fire risks with the 2017 Ford Transit?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires reported for the 2017 Transit, including one linked to stereo wiring and one starting at the rear of a parked vehicle.
- How does the 2017 Transit compare to other years?
- The 2017 Transit's complaint index of 64 is lower than 2015 (100) and 2016 (91), both rated "Avoid," but higher than 2018 (45, "Good") and 2019 (9, "Best").