Common Ford Transit Faults: Problems And Opinions
The Ford Transit is a best-selling van that has been produced since 1965. There have been four generations of the Transit, with facelifts changing the look of each generation and in this post we bring you the common Ford Transit faults, which have been reported . by some owners, so stay with us and read on.
Known for its worldwide popularity and for being the third best-selling van of all time, the Ford Transit has also achieved critical acclaim. Car critics and long-term owners alike have praised the Transit for its sheer durability and reliability.
Common faults of the Ford Transit
Although it has cemented its place among the best cargo vans, the Ford Transit has had its share of failures throughout its years of manufacture. In the rest of this article we will talk about the most common problems that have been present in this van.
1. Loss of power
One of the most common complaints about the Ford Transit is the constant loss of power, especially in the 2016 models.
Some owners have also reported that their check engine light came on just before the vehicle lost power.
Possible causes and solutions:
Here are the possible causes of this problem and how to solve them:
1. Clogged air and fuel filter
The air and fuel filter, like any other filter, prevents debris from entering the fuel system. However, the air and fuel filter can fail and become clogged over time, effectively blocking the flow of fuel into the vehicle’s engine.
When this happens, it becomes difficult for the car to muster enough power to accelerate or climb a hill.
In the same vein, the air filter keeps debris away from the combustion chamber, and it’s also prone to clogging. A clogged air filter can take a big hit to engine power.
2. Clogged fuel injector
A clogged fuel injector can also cause the Ford Transit to lose power. When the injector becomes clogged with dirt, it hinders the flow of fuel into the van’s engine, reducing the vehicle’s power.
In this case, you may also notice engine misfiring, stalling, and the smell of fuel.
3. Clogged exhaust system
Another component that can become clogged and cause a loss of power is the Transit’s exhaust. Over time, the exhaust pipe can collect a lot of debris, including gravel, leaves, and similar debris, which can affect its functionality.
So, if you’ve been dealing with a loss of power, check the exhaust and blow out any debris.
4. Terrible compression
The Ford Transit, like other vehicles, has valves and a head gasket, which manage compression within the engine. However, if the components develop failure, the compression becomes poor and the vehicle loses a substantial amount of power.
5. Engine warning light
While it is true that the check engine light means a problem with the engine, it can also create more problems by stopping the engine.
The check engine light usually reduces power to help reduce the chance of an accident.
To do?
The truth is that there are several reasons why the Transit experiences a loss of power. So the best thing is to have a trusted technician diagnose the problem and give you a viable solution.
2. Premature brake wear
During our investigation, we found multiple complaints about the brakes on the Ford Transit. Owners seem to be dissatisfied with the durability of the Transit’s brakes, especially the rear brakes.
We also found this problem to be common on late model Ford Transits from 2015 onwards.
Possible causes and solutions:
Here are some of the possible causes of this problem and their solutions:
1. Misaligned brake pads
Front brakes typically wear faster than rear brake pads, and that’s to be expected due to the stress on the front pads. However, if you notice that your rear brake pads are wearing faster than your front brake pads, it may be due to misalignment.
When installing new brake pads it is important that they are aligned. If not, it can cause one to wear out suspiciously faster than the other.
Your best recourse in these cases is to get yourself some new, top-quality brake pads and make sure the technician installs them correctly.
2. Modern stability and traction control programs
Many modern vehicles, including Ford Transit models, are now equipped with stability and traction control systems. While this is a welcome development as it keeps vehicles safer, these systems could also be the reason rear brake pads wear out prematurely.
Electronic brake-force distribution, for example, often applies the rear brakes to prevent the vehicle from skidding. Additionally, this action transfers some of the weight from the front to the rear to ensure stability.
Although it can be a noble function that saves lives, it could be the reason for the rear brake pads on your Ford Transit to wear out prematurely. Other functions that the rear brake pads usually activate are traction control, stability control and automatic hill descent, among others.
3. Problems with the brake caliper
The failures in a brake caliper , it is not good. A brake caliper has the responsibility of connecting the brake pads and rotors to brake the wheels and stop a car. However, calipers have a habit of getting stuck, which could leave the pads snagging on the rotors and wear out the brake pads, eventually.
4. Driving habits
Brake pads wear out as often as they are used. Adverse driving conditions are perhaps the most common causes of premature brake pad wear.
Spending time in traffic, braking hard in off-road conditions, and traveling long distances will put a strain on your brakes. This of course will cause them to wear faster than brake pads that are not used in these conditions.
Please note that this is not an indictment of these driving habits. Reducing the stress on the brake pads can help them last longer; however, we understand that this is not possible. In that case, we advise you to invest in top quality brake pads and have them installed by certified experts.
To do?
Brake pads typically last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles (40,000 and 104,000 kilometers), so they need to be replaced and serviced frequently.
However, if you are concerned about the longevity of the brake pads, we advise you to consult a technician or dealer for high quality brake pads. If possible, you can also try to reduce the stress on the brake pads by avoiding traffic and other conditions that put stress on the brakes.
3. Insufficient cooling of the air conditioner
In summer, it’s so hot that you just want to turn on your vehicle’s air conditioning and leave it at maximum capacity. However, some Ford Transit models have air conditioners that do not cool below 80 degrees and several owners have taken to the forums to express their frustrations.
Also, it seems that the cooling problem is more common on the 2015 Transit models.
Possible causes and solutions:
Here are the possible causes and solutions to this problem:
1. Accumulation of waste
If you’re fond of keeping your vehicle’s AC on for long periods of time, debris can clog the vents. If this happens, the air conditioner will not provide the ideal cooling effect. To avoid this, we advise you to carry out a biannual review of the air conditioning, which will help you clean the ventilation of residues.
2. Electrical short circuit
There are many things that can cause a short, including wear, improper installation of accessories, and age. The short circuit may affect the performance of the air conditioner or stop it from working completely.
Fixing a short circuit is an uncomplicated but technical task, and we advise you to let an expert take care of it.
3. Clogged condenser
A clogged A/C condenser is no good, as this is an A/C component that helps keep the refrigerant cold and turns hot air into cold air. This component can, over time, become clogged with debris, which can cause overheating and affect the cooler.
The good news is that a qualified auto technician can fix the problem relatively easily.
4. Defective compressor
Vehicle air conditioners have compressors that help circulate the refrigerant. However, if the compressor fails, the air conditioner could start blowing hot air, which will impede the cooling process.
5. Clogged Cabin Air Filter
One of the most common reasons for the air conditioning not cooling well is that the cabin air filter is clogged. This is diagnosed by opening the dash mount and removing the filter to check for debris.
If the filter is dirty or damaged, you may need to get a new one to restore cooling.
To do?
If your Transit does not cool below a certain point, we recommend that you go to your dealer or technician to carry out a proper diagnosis. You can also get a free repair if your vehicle is still under warranty.
The good and the bad of the Ford Transit
We have already presented you with the most common Ford Transit faults, you know what the cause is and how you can solve the problem. However, it is also good that you keep in mind some positive aspects of this van that more than one buyer falls in love with:
Advantages of Ford Transit
The following are some of the points in favor of the Transit:
1. Great ride quality
Normally, people expect large vans like the Ford Transit to have some bumps and bumps in the road due to their size. However, the Ford Transit has gas-pressurized shock absorbers that help absorb any bumps in the road. This helps keep passengers comfortable in their seats and cargo stable.
2. Excellent urban utility
Oversized vans are used to transport cargo, which sometimes has to be delivered within a busy metropolis. However, this has proven to be a problem because most vans are often too large to maneuver in tight public spaces.
Fortunately, Ford makes this easy by giving Transit a 38-foot turning radius, which improves its maneuverability in tight spots. Plus, it doesn’t take up as much parking space as other vans.
3. The XLT finish is perfect for dealers
There is an edition of the Ford Transit known as the XLT with many great features that small businesses will find useful. One such feature is the touchscreen with built-in navigation that can help drivers find shortcuts and make deliveries on time.
Drivers also get smartphone connectivity with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, which would help them stay in touch with offices. Not to mention a gorgeous Wi-Fi hotspot that can boost productivity on the go.
Although it is a more expensive version, it certainly produces more than commensurate value.
4. Decent fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy, one can’t realistically expect hybrid numbers from a van like the Ford Transit. However, the Ford Transit isn’t remotely bad in that regard, especially for a vehicle in its class.
Fuel economy numbers show an impressive 27 miles per gallon on the highway and 24 miles per gallon in the city. Using auto-stop/start technology, long idles temporarily stop engine activity to save fuel.
5. Security features
The Ford Transit has tons of safety features that serve several beneficial purposes.
Advanced technological features include Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other important features are Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Configurable Gear Lights and Rain Sensor Windshield, among others.
These features will be very useful, especially if you intend to use the Transit for business activities in confined urban spaces.
Disadvantages of the Ford Transit
The most notorious cons of the Ford Transit are the following:
- Power loss
- Premature brake wear
- Insufficient cooling of the air conditioner
What do reviews and opinions say about the Ford Transit?
Despite having some flaws, this van is still one of the favorites and that is something that many owners let you know in their comments and opinions about the Ford Tansit.
“The Transit drives more like a crossover than a truck, making it just as suitable for urban tasks as it is for longer cross-country trips. Cargo versions with a high roof offer ideal space for a tradesman to work at the rear while standing. The passenger versions are also sufficiently equipped and comfortable to be used as family transport vehicles”.
“The Ford Transit Connect has the configurability that appeals to both dealers and those who value versatility. This city van can be outfitted to carry up to seven people or emptied to haul things, depending on whether the cargo van or passenger wagon is selected.”
“Despite its pragmatic personality and ride quality, the small van has agile driving characteristics that will be appreciated in traffic and in tight spaces. With its countless configurations and long list of popular options, the 2021 Transit Connect proves to be quite the useful tool.”
