2017 Ford Transit Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 40 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Ford Transit, 41% of all 98 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 106,000. Three related recalls (19V767000, 19V103000, 17V408000) cover flexible coupling and driveshaft failures on this model.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 40
- 41% of 98
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 106,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft fails, letting the driveshaft detach or fall out while driving.
- Some describe a noise or vibration from the rear end or differential, most noticeable when turning a corner or at highway speeds between 40 and 50 mph.
- Several report the driveshaft or u-joint causing a resonating vibration that dissipates above 60 mph, similar to the recalled condition but on vehicles not included in the recall.
- One owner reported the rear axle wheel bolts sheared off evenly, causing the wheel and axle to separate from the van at highway on-ramp speed.
- Another owner reported the vehicle randomly shifting into first gear while descending a hill at highway speed, causing the engine to over-rev and the vehicle to decelerate suddenly.
- One owner reported a shuddering under light acceleration diagnosed as a bad torque converter.
When 2017 Ford Transit transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 3, 2018, latest Feb 28, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Ford Transit
- 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.
- NHTSA 19V103000Feb 21, 2019Transmission & Powertrain174 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
Risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
Remedy: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
- NHTSA 17V408000Jun 26, 2017Transmission & Powertrain372,991 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling all 2015-2017 Transit vehicles except 156" and 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies. In the affected vehicles, 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling on any vehicle with more than 30,000 miles. A final remedy repair of a redesigned flexible coupling or a revised driveshaft equipped with a universal joint is being developed and is expected in early 2018. These repairs will be made free of charge. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S15.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Transit model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Ford Transit?
- NHTSA lists 40 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Transit, which is 41% of the 98 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2017 Ford Transit transmission or driveshaft?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three related recalls: 19V767000, 19V103000, and 17V408000, all covering flexible coupling or driveshaft components on the Transmission & Powertrain system.
- At what mileage do 2017 Ford Transit powertrain problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 106,000 miles.
- Did the 2017 Ford Transit powertrain problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2017 Transit shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
- How does the 2017 Transit compare to other model years for this problem?
- The 2017 Transit's 41% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is similar to 2015 (40%) and 2016 (39%), and higher than 2018 (21%) and later years like 2019 (8%) and 2022 (8%).