2019 Ford Transit Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 Ford Transit has a Complaint Index of 18 with 37 complaints and 9 recalls, ranking 10th out of 12 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped because of the 9 recall campaigns despite a relatively low complaint index.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 18/100
- #10 of 12 Transit years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 37
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 14 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2019 Ford Transit problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes8 (22%)
- Engine7 (19%)
- Other7 (19%)
- Electrical System5 (14%)
- Structure & Body5 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
- Airbags2 (5%)
- Seat Belts2 (5%)
- Steering2 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report brakes squeaking or howling, sometimes with a delayed transmission engagement when accelerating.
- Some drivers describe the rear end fishtailing or swaying at 40 mph, making the van hard to control.
- Sliding doors reportedly become stuck or frozen, in one case leaving the only working exit non-functional.
- Power steering assist reportedly cuts out mid-turn and does not return until the vehicle is restarted.
- Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds has been linked by an independent inspection to a torque converter needing replacement.
- A hood prop rod reportedly broke, letting the hood slam down while stationary.
2019 Ford Transit recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V876000Dec 17, 2025Other86 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:
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 vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
- 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.
2019 Ford Transit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 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.
2019 compared with other Transit years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Ford Transit reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2019 Transit has a Complaint Index of 18 and 37 complaints, ranking 10th of 12 model years, but its verdict is Caution rather than better because it carries 9 recall campaigns.
- What problems does the 2019 Ford Transit have?
- Brakes are the top complaint area with 8 complaints (22% share) and a median failure mileage of 4,000 miles, followed by engine issues (7 complaints) and electrical system reports (5 complaints).
- Does the 2019 Ford Transit have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2019 Transit, covering brakes, seat belts, structure and body, and camera-related components, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2019 Transit compare to other years?
- With a Complaint Index of 18, the 2019 Transit ranks 10th worst of 12 years; 2015 and 2016 score much higher (100 and 91) and carry Avoid verdicts, while 2021 has the lowest index at 27 among years with a listed verdict.