2016 Ford Transit Connect

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

Ford Transit Connect
Pictured: Ford Transit Connect (3rd generation) IMG 3395. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Van Xl/Xlt189.4 in72.4 in70.5 in120.5 in61.4 / 62.2 in3,580 lb55/45
Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium189.4 in72.4 in70.5 in120.5 in61.4 / 62.2 in3,977 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Transit Connect Van 2WD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+19%$2,700362
Transit Connect Wagon FWD1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24+14%$2,800364
Transit Connect Van 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+10%$2,900392
Transit Connect Van FFV FFV2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+10%$2,900392
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+5%$3,050407
Transit Connect Wagon FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+5%$3,050407
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+5%$3,050407
Transit Connect Wagon FFV FFV2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+5%$3,050407
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21 MPG2016 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2016 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Frontal crash test — 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Side crash test — 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2016 special purpose vehicles

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Ford Transit Connect (this car)25 MPG★★★★★10
2016 Ram Promaster City24 MPGNot rated15
2016 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van25 MPGNot rated1
2016 Nissan NV200 NYC Taxi24 MPGNot rated0
2016 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van25 MPGNot rated2
2016 Mobility Ventures LLC MV-116 MPGNot rated0

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 driver’s 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

104Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
59,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System14
Unknown Or Other13
Engine12
Structure › Body12
Power Train12
Steering8
Visibility/Wiper8
Service Brakes8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/09: 322/10: 122/11: 222/12: 123/02: 123/07: 123/08: 223/09: 323/12: 324/03: 124/04: 224/05: 224/09: 124/10: 124/12: 125/05: 125/07: 225/09: 125/10: 125/11: 226/02: 126/03: 126/06: 126/07: 122/0922/1223/0824/0324/0925/0525/1026/03max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Structure › Body — 12 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 59,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated01
2022 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated16
2021 Transit Connect26189.4 in★★★★★412
2020 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated832
2019 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated851
2018 Transit Connect23189.4 in★★★★★622
2017 Transit Connect23189.4 in★★★★★628
2015 Transit Connect25189.4 in★★★★★1166
2014 Transit Connect25189.4 in★★★★★15125
2013 Transit Connect23181.1 inNot rated425
2012 Transit Connect23181.1 inNot rated115
2011 Transit Connect22181.1 inNot rated112

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →