The Lemon Index
20161st generation
Better than average · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
60 owner complaints, first 3 years 16–25 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2015 Ford E-Series 232015 Chevrolet Express 92015 Ford Transit Connect 45
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2015 Ford Transit
- Engine stalling24 complaintsmostly at 32,000–135,000 miles (51,000–217,000 km)
- Fuel pump10 complaintsmostly at 75,000–113,000 miles (121,000–181,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power10 complaintsmostly at 20,000–65,000 miles (32,000–105,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Transit (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 20,000 and 112,000 miles (32,000–180,000 km) (the middle half of the 43 complaints, of all 60 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K and 100K miles (97K and 161K km) Right in the range where most owners reported problems.
- At 150K miles (241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V631000 (parking brake), 19V767000 (transmission & drivetrain) and 19V333000 (seats) done? It has 26 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Ford sent dealers 203 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “When replacing a 2015-2018 Transit 3.2L Duratorq-TDCi engine assembly or block, two new…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Ford's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 60 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 112K miles (32K to 180K km) on the car (43 of all 60 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Company owns two Ford transits-same issues on both four times in for repairs for same problems since spring brakes replaced, broken calipers, broken caliper bolts, twice broken axles
2015 Ford Transit owner · NHTSA complaint 10904636
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 35.8M views · 2015–2025 Ford Transit
Most-watched topics
- Infotainment, battery & electrical710K views
Ford Transit | Radio removal 2015-2019Enfig · 308K views · 6 videos - Oil changes & service669K views
6 must-know maintenance tips for the Ford Transit 2013 to 2018Haynes Manuals · 294K views · 5 videos - Brakes & ABS451K views
2016 Ford Transit - How to Replace Rear Brake Pads - DIYDan the Fix it Man · 133K views · 5 videos - Starter, alternator & belts378K views
Urgent Timing Belt (Wet Belt) Replacement | 2019 Ford Transit at 66K Miles | The Car EditionThe Car Edition Ltd · 378K views
Show 4 more
- Gauges, lights & wiring336K views
2015-2019 FORD TRANSIT VAN OIL CHANGE REQUIRED SERVICE LIGHT RESET - DIYDan the Fix it Man · 167K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter277K views
How to Change the Transmission Fluid for 2015/2021 Ford Transit 250 350Less Expensive fix · 79K views · 4 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors159K views
2015 Ford Transit Mirror ReplacementAndrew Derr · 116K views · 2 videos - Fuel pump, filter & tank134K views
![[2/3] Ford Transit Not Starting - Fuel Pump Control Module Fix! 2015 Ford Transit Van 350 3.7L- Rd.↓](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/swpfU356yAM/mqdefault.jpg)
[2/3] Ford Transit Not Starting - Fuel Pump Control Module Fix! 2015 Ford Transit Van 350 3.7L- Rd.↓Our Family - Life Solutions · 82K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
2015-2025 Ford Transit review, 5 major problems, Ford will not. Ford Transit 15 passenger reviewrepairvehicle · 438K views
Top 5 Problems Ford Transit 250 Van 2015-2025 5th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 50K views
2016 Ford Transit T-150 Explorer Conversion Van WalkaroundPeoria Ford Commercial Fleet · 1.1M viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2015 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 203 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- When replacing a 2015-2018 Transit 3.2L Duratorq-TDCi engine assembly or block, two new…
- Front wheel bearing type noise or DTCs C0031 and/or C034
- Front wheel bearing type noise or DTCs C0031 and/or C0034
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 26
- Parking brake · recall issued 2021
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.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2019
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 bod…
- Seats · recall issued 2019
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Show all 26 recalls
- Seats · recall issued 2019
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Seats · recall issued 2019
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2019
If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
- Seats · recall issued 2019
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Seats · recall issued 2019
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Seats · recall issued 2019
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Seats · recall issued 2019
The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2019
If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2019 Hybrid only
The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
- Seats · recall issued 2018
When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
- Electrical · recall issued 2018
Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
- Electrical · recall issued 2017
Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2017
In the affected vehicles, the flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
- Fuel system, diesel · recall issued 2016 3.2L diesel only
A fuel injector or the fuel volume control valve may clog due to metallic debris within the fuel system.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2016
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are …
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2016
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
- Airbags · recall issued 2016
In the affected vehicles, the side curtain air bag may not deploy with the proper trajectory due to being folded and packaged incorrectly.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2016
The rear seat belt buckles may be damaged if a heavy object is placed on, or impacts, the top of the buckle.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2015
The affected vehicles have a left or right rear axle drive shafts that may fracture, resulting in loss of drive power.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2015
The affected vehicles may have been built with seat belt assemblies that have seat belt labels that are missing the required belt model and model year and instead state "prototype sample." As such, these vehicles fail to…
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles the fuel filter bracket mounting may detach from the frame cross member over time.
- Brakes · recall issued 2014
Brake fluid may leak from the brake hose/caliper junctions at the rear of the vehicle.
- Body structure · recall issued 2014
A sliding door without the epoxy reinforcement has an increased potential of unlatching in certain side impact crashes. A door that unlatches may open, allowing for a vehicle occupant to be ejected in a crash, increasing…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedZipcar rental concerns2018–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit VAN RWD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,400–$3,750 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Every Ford Transit year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 10 Ford Transit years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2015 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/ford-transit/?y=2015" title="Ford Transit reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/ford-transit/2015/">Lemon Index</a> (2015 Ford Transit reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2015 Ford Transit reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 52; 100 is average, lower is better). The Ford Transit year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2019.
What are the most common 2015 Ford Transit problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (32%), brakes (17%) and fuel system (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Transit have?
26 safety recalls (latest: parking brake). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Ford Transit get?
16 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Ford Transit safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford Transit problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 20,000 and 112,000 miles (32,000–180,000 km) (the middle half of the 43 complaints, of all 60 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K and 100K miles, a 2015 is right in the range where most owners reported problems. At 150K miles, a 2015 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2015 Ford Transit have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 32% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Ford Transit cost in fuel a year?
About $2,400 to $3,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Ford Transit have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
What Ford Transit year is better than the 2015?
Nearby, the 2018 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2019 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works