The Ford Transit is a family of light commercial vehicles sold globally. The first Transit was introduced in 1965 and has since spawned four different generations. More than 10 million of these have been sold throughout that time which makes it one of the best-selling vans of all time. Understandably, such great van credentials can only be had superior usability.
Even though the Transit is a huge success for Ford, it sure isn’t perfect as that is the case with all vehicles out there. As such, we are going to mention the most common Ford Transit 4×4 problems and tell you what you need to look out for if you are in the market for a used one.
Loss of power is by far the most commonly reported problem for the Transit while faulty electrics are also a thing, especially the A/C. Premature brake and tire wear also seem to be a problem with the Transit 4×4 while traction control and stability problems can fail as well.
Lastly, the driveshaft coupling can break off the vehicle and cause a myriad of issues in its path. It may not be as common as all the other issues on this list, but it sure is the most serious one of them all as it can end up costing you a fortune to fix this.
Loss of Power
As mentioned in the introduction, issues surrounding the loss of motive power seem to be the most common issue with all versions of modern Transit vans. These problems are especially common with 2015-2016 models which are also the most popular used iterations of the Transit. These problems are always followed by a check engine light as well.
The first components you need to inspect if you sense your Transit is suffering are fuel filters, air filters, fuel injectors, the exhaust system, and really poor compression. These problems can very easily be caused by low-quality fuel and lack of timely maintenance which is usually the case. All in all, inspecting all of these parts and replacing them if needed should do the trick in most instances.
Electrical Problems
All modern-day cars these days suffer from some form of electrical trouble. In the case of the Transit, it’s due to A/C in most cases. Owners keep on reporting that the van refuses to cool down the cabin efficiently, or at all. If that does indeed take place, be sure to check the condenser for blockage as debris can build up over time which should also clog the vents and possibly the A/C lines as well.
Electrical problems with the EGR valve are also a possibility while accessories lighting problems on the interior are common, especially across older Transit models. Some have reported issues with the power windows not wanting to go up or down while power locks can also fail.
Premature Break and Tire Wear
The internet is full of people complaining about brake issues with the Ford Transit which typically leads to needing to replace the brakes every 15,000 to 35,000 miles which is way too frequent, especially for a vehicle that’s often doing thousands of miles every week. As it seems, this problem is due to Ford using sticky calipers which can grind against the disks and cause both of them to deteriorate quickly.
This will lead to pressure being applied to a specific wheel which could also lead to uneven premature tire wear. These problems are even more exacerbated for 4×4 Intelidrive Transit versions as uneven tire wear seems to inherently be more common with AWD Transit models.
Traction Control and Stability Control Problems
Modern-day traction control and stability control systems are an essential part of keeping us safe and modern Transit models are also equipped with these. However, these systems can sometimes brake the rear wheels to prevent the van from slipping even when it’s not and that could cause you to lose control.
Granted, these problems aren’t common, and not too many people have complained about these problems, but either way, they should be mentioned for those wanting to buy a used Transit.
Driveshaft Coupling Falling Off
Last, but not least, we need to mention arguably the most dangerous and worrisome problem for the Transit which is the rear driveshaft coupling falling off the van and causing immense damage in its wake. If this happens, you will hear a loud bang and the van is likely to stall and cut off all power.
As these hardware components are fairly sturdy, they could damage nearby components while ravaging, especially the brakes which can be an even more dangerous situation. This was also the reason why Ford recalled a bunch of these back in 2022.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford Transit 4×4 Better than the RWD Transit?
If you are using your Transit for highway driving and you don’t take it through any serious terrain, you are better off with just a RWD system. Also, if you don’t encounter any snow or not too much of it, it’s best to save those extra costs and just get yourself a pair of high-quality winter tires as that is what makes the real difference.
The AWD model is better for those who drive over adverse terrain often and need all the traction they can get. The reality is that the Transit 4×4 is the better version, but the necessity for it is not 100% there.
Which Vans Rival the Ford Transit?
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter van is likely the most fearsome competitor to the Transit and is often being compared to the Transit in head-to-head matchups. The reality is that older Sprinter vans are the same as Transit’s, but newer iterations are much different.
The VW Transporter and the RAM ProMaster are also often considered Transit competitors as they have similar payloads and the size is pretty much the same.
Why is the Ford Transit so Popular?
The Ford Transit is an easy decision to make for many businesses as it is a really cost-effective van to buy. It has efficient engines, good reliability, good size, space, and is usable in pretty much any kind of environment. For those looking for fleet vehicles, the Transit is a safe bet as the Transit has been the fleet van pick of choice for a really long time.
