2016 Ford Transit Connect
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Van Xl/Xlt, Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 189.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,580–3,977 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 10 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2016 special purpose vehicle (21 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints104 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 0 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Ford Transit Connect is a special purpose vehicle offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb (Van Xl/Xlt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 19% better than the 2016 special purpose vehicle average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Transit Connect — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Transit Connect →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Xl/Xlt | 189.4 in | 72.4 in | 70.5 in | 120.5 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,580 lb | 55/45 |
| Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium | 189.4 in | 72.4 in | 70.5 in | 120.5 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,977 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Van 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +19% | $2,700 | 362 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | +14% | $2,800 | 364 |
| Transit Connect Van 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 407 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2016 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |


Similar 2016 special purpose vehicles
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Transit Connect (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2016 Ram Promaster City | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2016 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Nissan NV200 NYC Taxi | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Mobility Ventures LLC MV-1 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (10)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 3, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 · 1,456,417 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jul 21, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V502000 · 112,225 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.
- Risk
- An unlatched door can open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front door latches as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S36.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Visibility › Windshield · Mar 25, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V192000 · 39,720 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
- Risk
- During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S20.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · May 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V376000 · 192,080 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · May 27, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V305000 · 1,616 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S25.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · May 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V260000 · 5,088 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S22.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V643000 · 2,046,297 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
- Risk
- A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jun 29, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V482000 · 1,895 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured February 22, 2016, through June 16, 2016. The brake Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) pump may be contaminated with metallic debris. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- If the brake HCU pump is contaminated, the performance of the electronic stability control and related brake systems may degrade, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the brake HCU pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C10.
Not every 2016 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 12 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 59,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Transit Connect years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2021 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 12 |
| 2020 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 32 |
| 2019 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 51 |
| 2018 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 22 |
| 2017 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 28 |
| 2015 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 66 |
| 2014 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 125 |
| 2013 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2012 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2011 Transit Connect | 22 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →