The 2017 Ford Transit lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor windshield and engine sensor issues reported. At $21,450 to $25,225, it’s a good value for a dependable full size van with room for tons of cargo or up to 15 passengers.
Is the 2017 Ford Transit a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Ford Transit, if you’re in the market for a full size van it’s one of the best, yet it’s boring compared to other vehicles on the market. Owner reviews praise the reliable engines, cargo space, as well as the high roof model.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are very cheap, the seats are nice with good cushioning, cargo space is also excellent for commercial applications.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems found on the 2017 Ford Transit. Models from 2015–2022 are all dependable choices.
- Performance 4/10 – The 2017 Transit is slow, although it’s built to haul people & cargo, so it’s not focusing on performance.
- Safety 7/10 – The Transit earns 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard safety tech includes a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include parking sensors along with a lane departure warning system.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is low at up to 16 MPG, giving 400 miles of range from the 25 gallon tank. Gas costs are average for a large van, at around $388 per month.
- Value 8/10 – Prices are close to other large vans, while offering good reliability, which makes the Transit have a high value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Transit?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Transit offers everything a large van buyer is looking for, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2017 Transit at 3/5, praising the wide variety of models, but doesn’t like the lack of a V8 engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Transit a 3.7/5, enjoying the massive cargo space, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Ford Transit Have?
Common problems with the 2017 Ford Transit include windshields cracking easily, stalling while driving, as well as catalytic converter failures. Overall, these problems are similar to other full size vans, with repair costs which are close to other vans as well.
Windshields cracking easily are the most widespread complaints from Transit owners in the first 20,000 miles. The vertical design of the windshield on the Ford Transit makes it more susceptible to cracking when hit by stones. The only way to fix the problem is to replace the windshield, which costs around $400.
Stalling while driving has also been reported by some 2017 Ford Transit owners at around 45,000 miles. There are several reasons an engine may stall, including electrical or fuel issues. Usually the stalling is caused by a worn-out mass airflow sensor. Replacing the sensor costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
Catalytic converter failures are not very common, yet are an expensive issue which shows up on some Transit models at around 80,000 miles. It’s most common on the turbo V6 model, which produces more exhaust gas. The only solution to a catalytic converter failure is replacement, which costs around $1,800.
There are 17 recalls on the 2017 Ford Transit, which is more than other full size vans from the same year. The most serious series of recalls covers the driveshaft couplings which are known to fail, leading to a loss of power. Ford will replace the couplings for free on affected models. Most of the other recalls are for the seat-backs, which are less of a concern.
How Long Will the 2017 Ford Transit Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Ford Transit will last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles more than the highly-rated Mercedes Metris. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive, yet normal compared to other large vans based on data from Repair Pal, at $723 per year.
As a 2017 Ford Transit reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the heater hose for $700, a power seat motor costing $275, as well as the A/C condenser, which cost $500.
It has been very reliable. And have had no problems at all.. Gas mileage is good. Handles well in all types of weather. Has plenty of room.
The 2017 transit is very reliable. I have yet to have had any problems at all. Since this is work only vehicle I have had minimal mechanical issues.
Yes it’s very reliable, I have had no major issues with this vehicle. The windshield is big so it is prone to being hit by rocks easier than most vehicles.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is bad in the 2017 Ford Transit, only offering a standard two-speaker stereo system with a 4-inch display. Optional upgrades include a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen with Sync 3. Safety features are also worse than other vans with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include rear parking sensors and lane departure warning.
Is the 2017 Ford Transit a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Ford Transit is a good value if you’re in the market for a large van meant for a lot of passengers or cargo. Blue book prices range from $21,450 to $25,225, making it similar in price to a Nissan NV or GMC Savana. When new, the price range was $31,610 to $40,530. Depreciation is good for a large van, only losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Transit?
There are two main models of the 2017 Ford Transit offered, from the base XL or more well-equipped XLT. It’s offered with either a low, medium or high-roof, as well as a standard or long-wheelbase giving you two body lengths.
XL is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Wheel Covers
- Vinyl Upholstery
- Rearview Camera
- Power Windows & Locks
- Remote Locks
- Front Air Conditioning
- Two-Speaker Stereo System
- LED Interior Lighting
XLT is a step up, adding:
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Upholstery
- Keyless Entry
- Optional Leather Upholstery
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Sync 3 Infotainment System
- Upgraded Steering Wheel
- 5-Inch Touchscreen With USB Port
- Lane Departure Warning
- Remote Engine Start
- Rear Air Conditioning
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. All models come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
- A step up is the torquey 3.2L 5-cylinder diesel, which generates 185 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque while getting 16 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the strong turbocharged 3.5L V6 which produces 310 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, at up to 16 MPG as well. The towing capacity is high at up to 7,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Ford Transit Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Transit?
The 2017 Ford Transit is a reasonably comfortable van with room for up to fifteen passengers, although it’s more utilitarian than luxurious. Seating throughout the cabin on the passenger model is supportive, although the cushions are a bit thin.
Passenger room is excellent in all of the rows of seating, which offers enough leg and headroom in all of the car seats for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Transit Have?
Cargo room is where the Ford Transit excels. It’s able to haul a lot of construction materials in the cargo version of the van. There’s more than enough space to fit bulky 4 foot x 8 foot sheets of plywood.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Ford Transit came out in 2015 and is still being made as of 2022.
2015: Fully redesigned for the Fourth Generation, showing up in the USA for the first time after being European only.
2016: Tow hitch and rearview camera are added as standard, optional SYNC 3 stereo system added.
2017: Standard 3.7L V6 engine across the lineup, new LED headlights, short wheelbase version added.
2018: Power folding mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity are standard.
2019: New door hinges designed to open wider.
2020: Available 10-speed automatic transmission, optional all-wheel drive added, new engine choices.
2021: 2.0L Diesel engine discontinued, electronic parking brake added to rear wheel drive models.
How Does the Ford Transit Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Transit is one of the best full size vans offered in 2017. Whether you need a van for work, a large family, or as a commercial shuttle, it’s a very nice choice compared to similar vehicles.
The Mercedes Sprinter is another large van which costs around $6,000 more. Where the Mercedes Benz Sprinter stands out is with a nicer interior, while ownership costs are lower on the Ford Transit. We recommend the Ford Transit for most shoppers since they last longer with lower repair costs if things do go wrong.
The Ram ProMaster is another competitor which is in the same price range. The suspension is a bit softer in the Ram ProMaster, while the Ford Transit offers a higher towing capacity. We recommend the Ford Transit since there are fewer complaints from owners as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Transit?
Yes. It gets good gas mileage. Is easy to handle. Have had zero problems. Would recommend for someone who needs this type of vehicle.
Great vehicle to have. I use it daily for work purposes. Have custom racks on the top for ladders. Great buy.
Yes it is a great van, handles great and very dependable. Lots of add on options available, for a bigger vehicle it also gets good gas mileage. I drive long distance and very comfortable.