8 Best & Worst Ford Transit Years (Stats & Examples)

For nearly six decades, the Ford Transit has been a workhorse for businesses and individuals across the world, capable of hauling cargo and passengers with ease. 

With its longevity in the market, there have been numerous iterations of the Transit, each with its strengths and weaknesses. 

In this article, we will dive into the statistics and examples of the best and worst Ford Transit years, providing you with insights and information that will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Ford Transit. 

The Best and Worst Years for Ford Transit Are:

Owing to their sturdy construction, advanced technological features, and high reliability and consumer satisfaction scores, the 2021-2022, 2020, and 2017-2019 Ford Transit model years are the best and most reliable. However, the 2016 and 2015 Ford Transit model years should be avoided. 

What Ford Transit Years Are the Most Reliable?

Reliability is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a commercial vehicle like the Ford Transit. Whether transporting goods, equipment, or people, you need a vehicle you can count on to get the job done efficiently and safely. 

With several generations of the Ford Transit in the market, each with its unique features and performance, it can be challenging to determine which years are the most reliable. 

Below, we’ll explore the most reliable Ford Transit years based on expert opinions and consumer feedback. 

2021-2022 Ford Transit

The Ford Transit has long been a reliable choice for businesses and individuals who require a dependable and versatile commercial vehicle. 

In recent years, the 2021-2022 model years have received high marks for reliability, with both experts and consumers praising the durability and performance of these vehicles.

J.D. Power gave the 2022 Ford Transit a reliability rating of 86 out of 100, placing it among the highest-rated vehicles in its class.

Consumer Reports also ranked the 2021 model highly, with an overall score of 78 out of 100.

These Ford Transit models years have also consistently received high satisfaction scores from consumers. Owners praise the vehicles for their durability, comfort, and versatility. 

What consumers love most about the 2021-2022 Ford Transit models is their dependability. 

These vehicles are built to last with features such as:

• Rugged frames
• Powerful engines
• Reliable transmission systems

Owners report minimal problems with their Transits, even after years of use. And when issues do arise, the vehicles are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair.

In addition to their reliability, the 2021-2022 Ford Transit models also offer a range of features that make them appealing to business and personal users alike. These include:

• Advanced safety technologies
• Convenient cargo management systems
• Comfortable interiors

With high marks from experts, strong satisfaction scores from consumers, and a range of features that make them appealing to a wide range of users, it’s clear why the Transit has been a popular choice for decades.

2020 Ford Transit

The 2020 Ford Transit is a vehicle that has captured the hearts of consumers and industry experts alike. Like its successors, this versatile and dependable workhorse has been praised for its durability, reliability, and versatility.

One of the key factors that make the 2020 Ford Transit a reliable vehicle is its engine.

Some key features include:

• A 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 275 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
• Engineered to be durable, efficient, and powerful
• Capable of handling heavy loads and long drives with ease

In addition to its powerful engine, the 2020 Ford Transit has also received high-reliability ratings from independent third-party sources. 

According to J.D. Power, the 2020 Transit received a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, making it one of the most dependable vehicles in its class. 

The Transit also received high marks from Consumer Reports, which gave it an overall reliability score of 80 out of 100.

Additionally, many drivers have reported putting thousands of miles on their Transit without experiencing any major issues or breakdowns. 

This reliability is especially important for businesses that rely on their vehicles to transport goods, as downtime can lead to lost revenue and missed opportunities.

But reliability isn’t the only thing that consumers love about the 2020 Ford Transit. The vehicle’s versatility and flexibility have also won over many fans.

Whether you need a cargo van, a passenger van, or a combination, the Transit can be tailored to your specific needs.

With a powerful engine, high-reliability ratings, and a range of customizable options, the 2020 Transit is a great choice for businesses and individuals looking for a dependable and versatile vehicle.

2017-2019 Ford Transit

When it comes to a commercial van that is built to last, the 2017-2019 Ford Transit model years stand out as one of the most reliable options available in the market. 

These model years have established a reputation for dependability thanks to their robust design, quality materials, and advanced safety features.

The Ford Transit’s reliability is evident in the high ratings it has received from various automotive experts.

For instance: 

• J.D. Power rated the 2019 Ford Transit with a 4 out of 5 reliability rating, indicating that it is one of the most dependable vehicles in its class. 
• The 2018 and 2017 models also scored high marks, with 3.5 out of 5 and 4 out of 5 ratings, respectively.
• These ratings attest to the consistent reliability of the Ford Transit across the entire 2017-2019 range.

One of the reasons the 2017-2019 Ford Transit models have established a reputation for reliability is due to their sturdy construction. 

The Transit’s body-on-frame construction allows it to handle heavy loads and rough terrain without compromising performance or safety.

In addition, the Transit’s advanced safety features contribute to its overall reliability. The van comes standard with:

• Rearview camera
• Stability control
• Antilock brakes
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning

Overall, the 2017-2019 Ford Transit model years are a reliable choice for anyone in need of a commercial vehicle. 

What Ford Transit Years Should You Avoid?

Not all Transit models are created equal; some years have proven less reliable than others.

When making a purchasing decision, it’s important to consider factors such as reliability and consumer ratings, as well as recall history to ensure that you invest in a vehicle that will meet your needs and stand the test of time. 

In this section, we will explore which Ford Transit years you should avoid, providing you with the information you need to avoid costly mistakes. 

2016 Ford Transit

The 2016 Ford Transit, unfortunately, has a poor reliability record that should be taken into consideration before making a purchase decision. 

This model year has had several issues that have negatively impacted its performance, safety, and overall satisfaction of consumers.

Ford recalled over 370,000 Transit vans in the United States due to a problem with the driveshaft flexible coupling. This was a significant safety concern, and many owners reported feeling uneasy about driving their vans after learning about the recall.

In addition to recalls, the 2016 Ford Transit had poor reliability statistics. 

Consumer Reports gave the vehicle a reliability score of just 1 out of 5, which is the lowest rating possible. 

Many owners reported issues with the:

• Transmission
• Electrical system
• Suspension

These problems could result in costly repairs and unexpected downtime for businesses that rely on their vans to operate.

Consumers also reported several other issues with the 2016 Ford Transit. Many owners complained about the van’s uncomfortable seats, lack of legroom, and poor fuel economy. 

Some owners also reported issues with the van’s air conditioning system, which could be a major concern for businesses that operate in hot climates.

Overall, the 2016 Ford Transit has a poor reliability record that should be taken seriously. While some owners may have had a positive experience with their van, the numerous recalls, poor reliability statistics, and consumer complaints should concern potential buyers.

2015 Ford Transit

While the Transit is generally a dependable vehicle, the 2015 model year had several issues that left many owners dissatisfied with their purchase.

The 2015 Ford Transit model year has been plagued by poor reliability ratings and numerous recalls. 

According to various sources, including Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, the 2015 model year had a poor reliability rating, with many owners experiencing problems with the van’s transmission, suspension, and engine. 

These problems led to a higher-than-average repair frequency and cost, making the 2015 Transit a less desirable option for businesses and individuals.

Another issue that affected the 2015 Ford Transit was the high number of recalls. 

In total, there were 14 separate recalls for the 2015 Transit, covering everything from faulty fuel lines to defective airbags. These recalls not only caused inconvenience for owners but also raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Furthermore, consumers also reported several other issues with the 2015 Ford Transit that affected their overall satisfaction with the vehicle. One of the most common complaints was the van’s rough ride quality.

While the Transit is generally a dependable vehicle, the 2015 model year had several issues that negatively impacted its overall reliability and customer satisfaction.

If you are in the market for a commercial van, it’s best to look elsewhere.

What Are Some Typical Problems With the Ford Transit Models?

The Ford Transit has been a dependable workhorse for businesses and individuals around the world for over half a century. However, even the most reliable vehicles can experience issues over time, and the Transit is no exception. 

As a vehicle that is often subjected to heavy use and demanding conditions, it is important to be aware of some of the common problems that may arise with the Ford Transit models. 

Below is a list of the most typical problems Ford Transit owners experience:

• Loss of power
• Premature brake wear
• Airconditioning malfunction
• Driveshaft issues
• Throttle body issues
• Engine knocking

For more, please read our article about common problems with Ford Transit vans.

It is important to note that not all Ford Transit models may experience these problems, and regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent issues. 

If you are experiencing any of these issues with your Transit, it is recommended to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.

Go Back: See best and worst years for all ford models.

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.