2016 Ford Transit Review: Versatile Cargo & Passenger Van With No Widespread Problems

Nov 9, 2022

The 2016 Ford Transit lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor throttle body and coolant leak issues reported. At $19,350 to $23,100, it’s close in price to other full size vans while offering excellent reliability ratings.

The Good

Cargo space is fantastic for its size, the seats hold up well over time and the engines last longer than other large vans.

The Bad

The entry-level stereo system is extremely basic, when the van is empty the suspension is bouncy and the taller models have trouble fitting into garages.

Is the 2016 Ford Transit a Good Used Van?

Overall Rating 7/10 – 2016 is a good year for the Ford Transit since it offers great passenger or cargo room with good reliability. Owner reviews praise the A/C system, extra high roof options, as well as the dependable engines.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are utilitarian, there’s a lot of space for up to 15 passengers with comfortable seats, cargo space is great as well for commercial buyers.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2016 Ford Transit. Models from 2015 through 2022 have all proven to be dependable choices.
Performance 4/10 – Performance is weak from all of the engines, although the transit is built to haul up to 7,500 pounds, so it’s not going to be a fast van.
Safety 7/10 – The 2016 Transit gets an overall 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests with 4 stars in the front & side impact tests. There’s a standard rear view camera. Optional upgrades include parking sensors as well as a lane departure warning system.
Gas Mileage 5/10 – Fuel economy is low at up to 16 MPG giving 416 miles of range from the 26 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other full size vans at $400 per month.
Value 8/10 – If you’re in the market for a large van, the 2016 Transit is a great value for a dependable choice.

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Transit?

Consumer Reports says the Transit is a great upgrade over older full size vans, with decent owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Transit at 2.5/5, praising the relatively efficient engines, but doesn’t like the lack of a V8 option.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Transit a 3.7/5 enjoying the endless customization available, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2016 Ford Transit Have?

Common problems found on the 2016 Ford Transit include the engine losing power, coolant leaks, as well as premature brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to other full size vans on the market, leading to average repair costs as well.

The engine losing power is a common complaint on the 2016 Ford Transit at around 30,000 miles. The throttle body is a known weak spot on the engines found in the Transit which fails as they age. Replacing the throttle body costs $500 to $700, depending on local labor rates.

Coolant leaks have been reported on several 2016 Transit models at around 100,000 miles. Fortunately, the source of the problem is usually a damaged coolant overflow hose. Replacing the hose only costs around $30, making it one of the cheapest repairs possible on the van.

Premature brake wear shows up on some Transit vans at around 30,000 miles. When you tow or haul heavy loads with the van, the brakes will wear out quicker than when the van is empty or only has passengers. Replacing the brake pads costs $400, while a new set of rotors is $600.

There are 20 recalls on the 2016 Ford Transit, which is more than other vans on the market. The most serious recalls cover the parking brake cable as well as the diesel fuel pump. Ford will replace parts on affected models for free. Many of the recalls cover the seat backs, which are not a mechanical concern.

How Long Will the 2016 Ford Transit Last?

A well-maintained 2016 Ford Transit should last around 250,000 miles, which is good compared to other full-size vans like the Chevy Express Van. Regular annual maintenance costs are high, yet in a reasonable range compared to other full size vans according to Repair Pal at $937 per year. This is estimated based on the van being driven significantly more miles than normal passenger cars.

Since many 2016 Transit models will have over 100,000 miles on them, buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel injectors for $300, EVAP canister costing $375, as well as the stabilizer bushings which cost $250.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is basic on entry-level Transit models with a standard 4-inch multifunction display. Optional upgrades include Sync 3 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen stereo system. Safety technology is poor for its age, offering a standard rear view camera. Parking sensors & lane departure warning are optional upgrades.

Is the 2016 Ford Transit a Good Value?

Yes, the 2016 Ford Transit is a good value if you’re in the market for a large van for cargo or a lot of passengers. Blue book prices range from $19,350 to $23,100, making it close in price to a Ram ProMaster or Nissan NV200. When new, the price range was $30,960 to $41,690. Depreciation is similar to other full size vans, losing about 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Transit?

There are two models of the Ford Transit available including the base XL and the more well-equipped XLT. Three roof heights are also available including a low, medium, and high option.

XL is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Vinyl Seating
Rear view Camera
Power Windows & Locks
2-Speaker Stereo System
4-Inch Screen

XLT is a step up, adding:

Cloth Seats
Parking Sensors
Lane Keep Assistance
Cruise Control
LED Cargo Lighting
Remote Start
Sync 3
5-Inch Touchscreen Display

Options on both include:

Sliding Rear Cargo Doors
Spray-In Bed Liner
Longer Exterior Mirrors
Different Axle Ratios For Towing

What Engines Come In the Ford Transit?

The base engine is an average 3.7L V6 which makes 275 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 16 MPG.
A step up is the stronger 3.2L turbocharged 5-cylinder diesel, which generates 185 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
There’s also an optional 5L turbo V6 which produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, while getting up to 16 MPG as well. The towing capacity is high at up to 7,500 pounds, as is the payload capacity at 4,560 pounds.

What Colors Does the Ford Transit Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Ford Transit?

The 2016 Ford Transit is a very comfortable full size passenger or cargo van depending on the configuration, with seating for up to 15 people. The seats are basic, although they do hold up well over time.

Passenger room is fantastic throughout the passenger van model with enough space for adults to easily fit in all of the rows. There’s even enough space for adults to stand up in the high roof model.

How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Transit Have?

Cargo space is where the Ford Transit excels. There is plenty of space in the back of the cargo van model to easily fit several pallets full of products. If you’re looking to build a camper van, the cargo van also has enough space for a bedroom, kitchen, and sitting area.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Ford Transit Van was released in 2015 and is still in production as of 2022.

2015: Brand new model in the United States which was originally introduced for European markets.

2016: Rear view camera & tow hitch are both standard, SYNC 3 stereo system added.

2017: Standard 3.7L V6 engine, short wheelbase 350 model added, new LED lights available.

2018: Bluetooth connectivity & power folding mirrors are standard.

2019: Revised rear door hinges to open wider.

2020: 10-speed automatic transmission added, all-wheel-drive available, new engine choices.

2021: Standard electronic parking brake added to RWD models, 2.0L Diesel engine discontinued.

How Does the Ford Transit Compare to the Competition?

The Ford Transit is one of the best full size vans from 2016 since it offers a very dependable engine, as well as excellent passenger & towing capabilities.

The Mercedes Metris is another van which costs around $1,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Mercedes Metris passenger van, while cargo space is better in the Ford Transit since it has a longer wheelbase. We recommend the Ford Transit since it’s a better all-around van.

The Nissan NV is a competitor which costs about $500 less. The towing capacity is slightly higher on the Nissan NV at 9,500 pounds, while the Ford Transit has more room for passengers or cargo. We recommend the Ford Transit since ownership costs are lower and they break down less often.

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Transit?

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Dennis on May 20, 2021

5 cylinder diesel engine problems

I have a Ford Transit 2016 with a 5 cylinder diesel engine that after 55000 miles the head gasket blew went into the Ford shop to get repaired and was told that Ford would pay for repairs after 6 weeks of waiting for repairs to be made was told that the head would be on backorder and didn't have a date that it would be in at this time I called the Ford Company and filed a complaint and they in turn bought a brand new engine to put in the vehicle,the question I have is the new engine going to be any better than the old engine they are also looking in to do in a good buyback on the van. I am still waiting on the answer and I am still waiting on my van to be repaired going on 9 weeks now

Kurt F on March 25, 2021

I enjoy everything about my vehicle other than the amount of legroom it has for a tall person like myself.

The most important thing is that it is very reliable and has not had any mechanical problems since I've owned it.

Lauren T on March 23, 2021

Plenty of room! Drives great. Backup camera works great!

The air condition cause condensation to sit on the driver and passenger floorboards. This is causing the floorboards to become wet. I love the backup cameras. The van is very roomy and comfortable. It is great for trips and has plenty of room for luggage.

Lindy S on March 18, 2021

Perfect for large families.

The transit is a great vehicle for our extra large family. It is has lots of room for growing legs and car seats fit comfortably alongside boosters. Gas wise, it is no worse than having and SUV. Parking it can be a challenge at times, it does not always fit in among other vehicles in parking lots. Overall it, our family loves it.

Kara L on February 20, 2021

Great family van. The van fits large families needs with ease and is affordable.

I absolutely love my ford transit. My family uses it as our main source of transportation. We have had zero issues with our vehicle. I appreciate that we can road trip in it and fit both our family and our stuff. It's also great for daily use. I am able to grab my groceries with the entire family and still have room for us to get in and out easily. We've taken the transit on a road trip with another family and everyone fit comfortably with no complaints.

Angela M on January 28, 2021

Ford transit is stylish in red, reliable, and carries a lot for my 4 show dogs.

It constantly tells me that I need an oil change, even when I do not. Not sure why. I love the color & the length for my dog showing needs. I wish it were quieter inside. The cargo van is loud and it is hard to hear the radio. It's been very reliable and steady on my very long trips.

james G on December 10, 2020

High step van, not a high top. Maybe if you have long legs it will be fine.

Ride is very rough. Do not try to drink coffee in this van. Carry a step to get in cargo area, very inconvenient. Know where on sides to attach retainer straps for my cargo. It has ran great and had no issues with motor. Performance wise it is great. Even empty there is not much noise.

Lynn B on December 7, 2020

Comfortable with plenty of space.

It does not handle very well in the snow. I have found that putting weight in the back of the van helps with that. It drives smoothly and very comfortably fits my family of 7. There is plenty of space in the back of the van for hauling things. The driver’s seat sits high and is very comfortable.

Darryl F on December 3, 2020

Love my roomy work truck!

Great work vehicle! Good interior space, decent gas mileage. Easy to drive and good visibility with added convex mirrors.

Chris Hackbarth on November 29, 2020

Piece of trash

Junk 3000 miles needed throttle body, 25000 miles complete rear end.42,000 miles crank case sensors all 4 crank case vent, 55000 miles another rear end. 70000 mot crank case sensors. Note at 90000 still have check engine faults for crank case that dealer cannot explain and Sync/gps module not working so touchscreen inoperable. $55000 van used for electrical business for 2 years and is worth$0. Last Ford I ever own

Mike B on November 21, 2020

Although it is a big vehicle, it is a nice ride and handles well for Its size.

If is large enough to carry a lot of people. It handles well and has a good, comfortable ride. No mechanical issues yet. It is not great in the snow. And of course being a large vehicle it does not get great mileage, but really no worse than should be expected.

Denise H on November 13, 2020

Nice rider, but still with a few perks & flaws.

There is not enough room for people to get in and walk to back of van. Seats are too narrow if you have large people. There’s no place for items if shopping and for luggage. The side doors wears. Out and does not shut tight. The side windows do not come down for fresh air. The vents in the back does not blow real hard and a full van with a load of people it seems it gets hot, it cannot cool it down.

Chuck T on October 7, 2020

The vehicle has an excellent cargo area and is easy to use.

I have had great experiences with the vehicle. The vehicle is great in adverse weather and has excellent cargo space. Highly recommend as a highly economic vehicle and useful.

Dustin G on September 9, 2020

The white ones look a very industrial, blue makes it look more family-friendly.

We love our Ford transit! It is a 10 seater which provides plenty a room for a family of six. Provides for a great travel very comfortable lots of storage space. It would be nice if it had USB ports. I would also be nice if the rest of the seats would come out as easily as the back row.

Ryan S on August 30, 2020

Best multi child family vehicle on the market.

We have 10 kids. This is the best vehicle we have ever driven in which the list includes the ford escape, Chevy suburban, and Chevy 15 passenger van. The isle in the middle works perfectly for me to be able to get to all of my kids if I need to. I am 6’ 1" and can stand up completely anywhere in the van. The floors and seats are vinyl which allows me to bring in a water hose to spray down the mess left behind by the 10 kids if I wanted to. The power of the engine is excellent allowing to merge into traffic very easily. The extra cargo room in the back allows us to go on vacations and have plenty of room for luggage.

Peter Handler on August 26, 2020

Transmission Issues

I am a furniture maker, and put a lot of miles transporting materials and furniture, going to craft shows, etc. I love the Ford Transit (2015) except for one big issue. My transmission started rumbling under load in 6th gear. Ford tells me that this is normal. It is not normal. It is loud and can last 10-15 seconds, with vibration. It started for me at around 60,000. I spoke to a transmission mechanic who owns an F-150, and it started for him around 100 miles! Ford says it will not cause transmission failure, and that may be. And it is very annoying. It is the 6th gear clutches. I think Ford has no idea how to fix it, so says it is not a problem. Their lack of responsiveness give bad taste about Ford.

Rebecca L on August 15, 2020

I love my Ford transit van! It proves to be definitely the best work van.

No problems, it works great for work, moving things, vacations. . Etc. Just bought new tires for it this past weekend and it feels like a brand new vehicle. It has never broken down or had any major issues with it. And the vehicle only has about 60, 000 miles on it.

Kelly L on July 18, 2020

Reliable vehicle! Highly recommend.

This ford, like all, is reliable. The vehicle sits at the perfect height. The car is so very comfortable as well. It is a great size for a work vehicle or a family vehicle. The car is easy to drive, not overly huge or boxy feeling, very smooth ride. When you come across bumps or potholes, you do not feel it as you do in other vehicles.

Joseph I I on July 12, 2020

It sits high for a good view of the road ahead.

I love this van because it has plenty of room for the things that I need to do. I use if for deer hunting, I use it for fishing. I use it for camping. When I use it for any of these things I usually over load it and still have plenty of room for five people and haul my boat or camper. When it's overloaded it still has plenty of power.

Laura T on June 8, 2020

Rides smooth, but has a serious lack of storage space.

I love how it drives, so smooth, like a car. I love that it has a sliding door. I don't like the mirrors/lack of viability. You cannot see out of the back window at all, and there are many blind spots. The seats are very tiny, which is perfect for kids, but uncomfortable for grown ups wishing to sit in the back. Also, I don't like that all 4 seats in the back do not come out, only the middle 2, making storage space difficult to find.

Carlos Villalva on May 14, 2020

Engine and transmition

How much ford paid to get good recommendation?

Carlos Villalva on May 14, 2020

Transmition and motor

I never see a garbage engineering lake this.

Julio L on May 1, 2020

Trust on this car, you will really love it while you are driving.

I love this car, is super comfortable, reliable, great stabilization, good performance, once you are getting into it, you will be in love with it. I like the front collision sensor, that's really helps a lot. The screen is one of the best of its kind. I will fully recommended this car.

Shasta D on April 14, 2020

The Transit is exceptionally roomy. There is an amazing amount of trunk space for a van with 12 seats. It turns very easily and is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The built in stereo system is a bit buggy and not very intuitive and the plastic driver's handle at times comes off completely in the driver's hand when pulled. It does not get great gas mileage, but what van of its size does.

It is comfortable and even boasting so many seats it still has a great deal of trunk space.

John B on March 26, 2020

Very dependable, rides good

Drives and rides good. Has good ac. Is a little small though

Kendra B on March 23, 2020

There is nothing else I want to say about this vehicle

No complaints works great for my business and personal life

Karissa H on March 13, 2020

Excellent van for large families

We have Owned this van for 2 years and haven't had any problems! Excellent van for large families, we have 7 children.

Lynn E on March 12, 2020

The van is very convenient and spacious. I can load a lot in.

I like the space and openness. I don't like the loudness. It's loud when driving. Sounds like you're in a tunnel.

Nan H on March 5, 2020

There is no visibility out of the rear of the van without the backup camera.

To date, we've had no major mechanical issues with our 12 passenger Ford transit. It seats our family of 10 comfortably, including 3 car seats, with plenty of storage space in the back cargo area. The cargo area easily fits a double stroller and single stroller with room for other items as well. We sometimes struggle adding phone to and using the link system. I find the backup camera to be very easy to use and accurate with ample lighting when reversing in the dark. I do wish that there were more latch accommodating seats. Also, we find that we often have to run the ac even when it is not hot outside because there is no natural air circulation in the rear of the van.

Mk B on February 21, 2020

Ford transit van review for large families.

It works. It is basic. Not a lot of options. It is not well made. It does have decent gas mileage. It is fine for our large family.

James B on January 27, 2020

It's a great "all around vehicle", good for business and pleasure use.

My van has done everything I've asked of it since day one. We do a lot of light hauling, loading and unloading are a breeze due to the height of the rear doors. The large windows allow for maximum visibility in all directions. The two outside mirrors are large and well placed giving good rearward visibility.

Denise F on January 22, 2020

Great for camping and luxury driving.

Very easy to drive with lots of legroom and overhead room to stand up. Great for camping with a medium roof. Sliding door is easy to open. Dual batteries means reliability for not having a dead battery. I do wish there were more 12v sockets. A large windshield and large mirrors make for great visibility driving and passing.

Jessica W on January 12, 2020

I love the space, especially the cargo space in the back. I like the double doors better than the sliding doors on my old van. I dislike that there is no center aisle. It makes buckling kids into car seats more challenging. The gas mileage is terrible too but that is to be expected in a van of that size.

It is easier to drive than you think! I was really intimidated the first time I drove it because it is so big! But the mirrors and back up camera really make it just as easy as a mini van. Plus you feel super safe being taller than all the other little cars driving next to you.

Adam M on December 1, 2019

2016 ford transit van, work vehicle.

Tech features are great, but there is a serious lack of power from the engine and a transmission that never seems to know what gear to be in. Plenty of storage in the back and the shelving is great for tools. I drive this 5 days a week for work. Like the van but it's much more gutless and has too much lag. The previous model years with a v8 were much more responsive.

Corrie A on November 24, 2019

It doesn't fit in a typical garage. This doesn't bother us, but i know it's a deal breaker for some people.

We have a large family, so we need a large van. The Transit handles like a minivan and has a lot of room! The visibility in the front is awesome. I love all the cup holders.

Tina M on September 27, 2019

Transit van - great storage.

I love that there is so much room for cargo. It drives better than I thought for a large van. The back up camera and sync audio system come in handy. The seats are removable, but super heavy. All the seats are also fairly narrow. I wish that more of the windows opened.

Steve R on September 21, 2019

It is very easy to drive, even though it is a large vehicle.

The vehicle gets great mileage and has a diesel turbo motor. It is huge inside, it is the longest, tallest model they make, with dual rear wheels. It is a very comfortable and easy vehicle to drive, much better than the vans that were used for decades prior to the Transit.

ken e on July 24, 2019

I have no complaints about the car and i think most people would enjoy

It is comfortable to sit in,good on gas,has not had any major problems

David V on July 2, 2019

Ford transit. The American made, American built cargo van of the future.

My 2016 extended length & extra high roof makes my life as a delivery driver much easier. The walk around room in the cargo area makes getting in and out a breeze. The eco boost gives you all the passing power needed when driving on the highway. Features like satellite radio, backup camera, and ice cold a/c give the cab a comfort level not seen in work vehicles. I've put just about 300,000 miles and it runs just as good as it did on mile 1.

Jeanette M on June 21, 2019

Perfect for large families!

This van is perfect for large families. It has plenty of space for multiple carseat and room to transport all of the necessities that come with having kids, especially multiple littles.

Julie B on May 27, 2019

High off the ground so if you have mobility issues this is not the car for you.

We live that it has rear air that works well most of the time. Each seat slightly reclines which is also nice. It does get a bit cramped if all of the seats are filled with adults, but with 10 kids in the car it really isn't too bad. I wish it had a sliding side door, but I like that the back doors can open all the way and attach with magnets to remain open until ready to close. There are clips to attach car seats, but not in every seat. I like that the car is up of the ground, but it is difficult to climb in if you have mobility issues.

joanne L on May 23, 2019

Tires are super expensive, and no dvd players for the kids

Love the space and how it handles but the gas mileage is bad

Alexx A on February 4, 2019

Our van has great cooling and A/C, with vents all throughout so passengers get plenty of air.

The van is incredibly comfortable, versatile, and is easy to use. We use it often for long trips, and even lived IN it for a short while during Hurricane Harvey Evacuation.

Kris L on January 24, 2019

Nice and reliable work van for some construction work.

No problems at all very reliable I drive it 500 miles a day and so far no failures. I did have the battery die out on me on around 15% and wouldn't start but after changing it like new. Traction when raining is a bit poor as front tires tend to spin a little when accelerating but other than that vehicle has performed quite good.

Sarah M on December 15, 2018

15 Passenger Ford Transit a great family van

We have a 15 passenger 2016 Ford Transit. We bought it used, as a large family (We have 8 children) we needed something with ample room and would handle well for trips. We love it. Great gas mileage, handles like a dream, and it looks nice! The seats could be a bit more plush but they are not bad. It does not do well in snow at all, but hopefully with snow tires this winter it will be better. We had hopes to be able to pull a camper with our van but sadly that will not be possible due to its pulling capacity that of a Honda accord lol. Buy regardless we would buy it again today in a heartbeat. So much vehicle for the money, well made to boot.

Lisa V on December 7, 2018

Overall a pretty good vehicle, just takes time to adjust to the long wheelbase.

Long wheel base makes it difficult to park and turn corners without swinging way out first. Rear hatch is extremely heavy. Very difficult to pull closed. Spring loaded upon opening, so step back! It will hurt you. When opening. Very comfortable riding.

Destiny P on November 28, 2018

The back is big and can fit all the equipment my parents need for their work.

There's not much of an issue with our vehicle, the air condition works, the radio works, the heat works, no problems with the doors breaking. But for some reason after some time the vehicle started to show an issue. We had no clue what it was of a while and nothing we did fixed it. But now we know the problem but we haven't been able to fix it.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.