The 2019 Ford Transit lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor differential and acceleration issues reported. At $27,450 to $34,425, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the most capable full size vans on the market.
Is the 2019 Ford Transit a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Ford Transit since it’s reliable, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a large passenger or cargo van. Owner reviews praise the outstanding passenger room, long wheelbase, along with the reliable engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are very basic, the seats are decently comfortable, cargo space is also better than most other vans.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major issues on the 2019 Ford Transit compared to other commercial vans. Models from 2015 through 2022 are all decent choices.
- Performance 5/10 – Performance is slow in the 2019 Ford Transit, although it’s built for cargo or passengers rather than an exciting driving experience.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2019 Ford Transit is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a rearview camera, which is standard while rear parking sensors are optional.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is poor at up to 16 MPG, giving 400 miles of range from the 25 gallon tank. Gas costs are average at $317 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Ford Transit van is cheaper than many other large vans while also being a reliable choice.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Transit?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Ford Transit is a great versatile full-size van with a lot of configurations, and average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Transit at 3.1/5, praising the Sync 3 infotainment system, but doesn’t like the excessive road noise at highway speeds.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2019 Transit a 3.8/5, enjoying the spacious cabin choices, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Ford Transit Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Ford Transit include excessive noise from the differential, the engine stumbling while accelerating, along with some backup camera issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other full size vans, leading to similar repair costs to fix issues as they age.
Excessive noise from the rear differential is the most widespread complaint from 2019 Ford Transit owners at around 25,000 miles. If you use your Transit van to tow or haul the maximum weight then it causes extra wear and tear on the drivetrain components. Repairing the gears in the differential costs around $750, depending on local labor rates.
The engine stumbling while accelerating is another issue reported by 2019 Transit owners at roughly 30,000 miles. Usually, when the engine stumbles it’s either a problem with the fuel or air. The most common source of the issue is a worn-out mass-airflow sensor, which costs around $150 to replace. Some owners have reported worn-out fuel pumps, which cost roughly $800 to change.
Backup camera issues have also been reported in the first 1,000 miles of ownership. Usually when the backup camera image doesn’t display on the dash, it’s just caused by a simple software issue. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50.
There are seven recalls on the 2019 Ford Transit, which is more than some other full size vans on the market. The most serious recall covers a warped axle flange which may fracture the wheel studs, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will replace the axle flange on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the parking brake cables, and seat belts, which Ford will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2019 Ford Transit Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Ford Transit can last around 250,000 miles, which is similar to other large vans including the Chevrolet Express. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive, although similar to other full size vans at $780 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a used 2019 Ford Transit reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the oil pan gasket for $450, A/C evaporator costing $550, along with the brake vacuum pump which costs around $350.
Yes, it runs well. The brakes, engine, even lights and radio are all great. We have driven it far - over 700 miles both ways for a trip. And on a daily basis for a couple of months. No issues
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic compared to other vans on the market with a standard 4-inch multifunction display. Optional upgrades include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync 3 software.
Safety technology is also not as good as some other vans on the market with a standard rearview camera. There are optional parking sensors and a lane departure warning system. It doesn’t have any advanced features like adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2019 Ford Transit a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Ford Transit is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other full size vans on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,450 to $34,425, making it less than a Mercedes Sprinter or Nissan NV. When new, the price range was $34,000 to $39,900. Depreciation is similar to other vans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Transit?
There are two main models of the 2019 Ford Transit available from the base XL model to the more well-equipped XLT model. The Transit also offers either a standard or long-wheelbase model, along with single or dual rear wheels. For added cargo space there are also three roof heights including low, medium roof, and high roof options.
XL is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Wheel Covers
- Vinyl Seats
- Automatic Headlights
- High Mount Rearview Camera
- Dual Sliding Rear Doors
- Power Windows & Locks
- Keyless Entry
- Front A/C System
- Four Speaker Audio System
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- LED Interior Lights
XLT is a step up, adding:
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Parking Sensors
- Sync 3 Infotainment System
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Lane Departure Warning
- Remote Engine Start
- Rear Skid Plate Kit
- Engine Block Heater
- Upgraded Rear Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Optional Leather Seats
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 at up to 16 MPG. All models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. With this engine it can tow up to 6,400 pounds.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 3.2L diesel five-cylinder, which produces 185 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque while getting around 17 MPG. This motor can tow up to 7,100 pounds.
- The most powerful engine is the stronger 3.5L turbocharged V6, which is good for 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and gets 14 MPG. Since it’s the strongest engine, it can pull up to 7,500 pounds. It also has an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the Ford Transit Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Transit?
The 2019 Ford Transit is comfortable, particularly for a commercial van with seating for up to 15 passengers. The seats are supportive and well-padded, and the cabin is relatively quiet at highway speeds. The van also has a variety of technology features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, that can enhance the overall driving experience.
However, comfort can vary depending on the specific configuration of the van and how it’s used. For example, a passenger van with multiple rows of seating is likely to be more comfortable than a cargo van that’s loaded with heavy equipment. Additionally, the high-roof models provide more headroom and better visibility, which can enhance overall comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Transit Have?
The 2019 Ford Transit van is available in several different configurations, including three roof heights (low, medium, and high) and three lengths (regular, long, and extended). The storage capacity also varies depending on the body style of the van and the number of seats.
The largest cargo capacity is found on the long-wheelbase, high-roof cargo model, which has a maximum storage capacity of 487.3 cubic feet. The smallest capacity is on the regular-wheelbase, low-roof cargo van, which has a maximum storage capacity of 246.7 cubic feet. The passenger van and chassis cab models have different capacities based on the number of seats and the specific configuration.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Ford Transit came out for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the Ford Transit Van in the United States after being in Europe for years.
2016: Tow hitch and rearview camera standard on all models, optional SYNC 3 stereo system available.
2017: Short wheelbase model introduced, new LED headlights, and standard 3.7L V6 engine.
2018: Bluetooth connectivity and power folding mirrors are standard on all models.
2019: Redesigned door hinges which open up wider.
2020: New engine options offered, available 10-speed automatic transmission, optional all-wheel drive.
2021: 2.0L Diesel engine removed, electronic parking brake included on rear-wheel drive vans.
How Does the Ford Transit Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Ford Transit is one of the best full size vans on the market if you need to carry up to fifteen people or tons of cargo around, making it a great choice for shoppers.
The Mercedes Sprinter is another popular full size van which is available for around $2,500 more. The interior is more upscale in the Mercedes Sprinter while ownership costs are lower on the Ford Transit since they have fewer mechanical problems reported. We recommend the Ford Transit, although both are worth checking out if you’re looking for a large van.
The GMC Savana is a competitor which can be found for around $3,500 less. Towing performance is better with the GMC Savana’s available V8 engine, while the Ford Transit has more cargo space with its taller roofline. We recommend the Ford Transit since it’s a more capable van when it comes to carrying cargo or people in the cabin.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Transit?
Yes It isn't spacious yet narrow. We can fit our large family and storage. We can include friends on trips. Because it's narrow I feel that I have more space On the road. I think because it's not so wide it's easier to work either. Easy to maneuver into and out of parking spaces. The smaller wheels and smaller driving wheel make it more manageable.
