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2023 Ford Transit Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20269 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2023 Ford Transit has 64 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.6/ 10

Based on 64 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

10 15.6%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 14.1%

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 9.4%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 9.4%

STEERING

4 6.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 15.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 22 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2023 Ford Transit

The 2023 Ford Transit has 64 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2023 Ford Transit are POWER TRAIN (10), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9), BACK OVER PREVENTION (6).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 25 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2023 Ford Transit?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2022 Transit complaints2024 Transit complaints2021 Transit complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 22 of 22 systems

POWER TRAIN

10 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

All the dash warning lights come on. Parking limited braking. Pre collision assist not avail. Hill assist not avail. Turning hard mostly to the left the brakes are activating causing the vehicle to stop without depression the brakes. Also have to use half gas peddle to over come the brakes to get the van to move. All intermitant

7/29/2023

Rear differential or axle suffered catastrophic failure on highway, causing both rear wheels to lock up and the driveshaft to shear off/separate from the differential housing. Locking rear wheels at 55mph caused the vehicle to lose traction and spin out. Vehicle crossed multiple lanes of interstate highway, colliding with a snow bank facing the wrong direction. Fortunately traffic was light (incident occurred approx. 5:30AM on Sunday) and snow prevented the vehicle from colliding with the median wall. Had the incident occurred at another time or another place, injuries or fatalities would have been considerably more likely. Only advance warning was approx. 5 seconds of loud noise and intense vehicle shuddering from the rear before the wheels locked and control was lost. Once traction was lost, multiple driver-assist indicators lit up, but shut off after motion stopped. Vehicle was immobilized afterwards and had to be 'shaken' off the tow truck as the rear wheels would not turn. New vehicle, approx. 4,000 miles. Vehicle is currently at the local Ford dealership awaiting inspection.

1/17/2024

8 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

NHTSA Recall Number 23V122. Ford advises that parts are anticipated to be available 3rd Quarter 2023. This is six (6) months from now.

3/15/2023

Blind spot detection system has frequent false alerts when no vehicles are present. Also, it often does not activate when a vehicle IS present. Totally unreliable and a safety risk if depended upon. As you can see in the attached photo, there are no vehicles in my blind spot yet the light continues to come on. He will often not come on when cars are present.

5/25/2023

7 more complaints are available in this category.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.

12/20/2023

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

12/21/2023

4 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REAR VIEW/ 360 camera malfunction. (RECALL) all blue screen/ black screen, and no screen. I was backing up a drive way an damaged my whole right side of my roof. I did not get hurt thank god. Opened up a claim next day with Ford. I have opened 2 claims with FORD. It has been 8 months going back a forth with them. I have had my vehicle inspected at 3 dealerships an had new (camera) installed. I have sent Ford claims department all of my information, Dealerships have sent in all there information. I have gotten an email 3 months ago from Ford claims saying they have never received my information on my vehicle from me or the 3 Dealerships a they have to close the claim. I opened up anther claim waited, got anther email saying from ford claims that due to me or the dealerships I have gone to a them not receiving documents they have to close my claim. I have over $4k in damages, I have a broken camera system. And still have not gotten my camera system fully fix. I feel that because I did not get injured in this crash it’s a brush on FORDS Shoulder. I just got my van back today an have to bring back again. For Ford to do noting about this till I guess I get in a real accident. Thank u

4/26/2024

no incident, I do not feel as if the remedy being "not yet available" has been handled in what is considered a "timely manner". All lifted vehicles will have a tire rub, adjustments have to be made to accommodate the larger sized tires. Ford did a body Lift rather than a suspension lift on the Ford Transit Trail and did not have their 3rd party made the necessary "accommodations" to support this tire size. I am currently paying a loan for this vehicle and insurance and my van is at the up-fitters, awaiting the remedy. The Ford Transit Trail package is an off road package, and made for up-fitting. When weight is added to this cargo van, that is when the rub occurs. There are "simple fixes" according to the professionals on lifting vehicles. Why can't this simple fix be done in a timely manner. There are only 1900 vehicles in this recall. In the grand scheme of things this is NOT many!

5/15/2024

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

All the dash warning lights come on. Parking limited braking. Pre collision assist not avail. Hill assist not avail. Turning hard mostly to the left the brakes are activating causing the vehicle to stop without depression the brakes. Also have to use half gas peddle to over come the brakes to get the van to move. All intermitant

7/29/2023

Vehicle struggles and kicks to catch speed. At times in freeway/ street it will “jerk”/ hesitate to speed up. We have had to pull over in the middle of the freeway because it was not catching speed. No warning lights have turned on in the vehicle. It is dangerous to drive and vehicle looses speed or hesitates to pick up on speed, could cause an accident. Please help get vehicle fully checked, vehicle was made during Covid and chip shortage, I believe they rushed this vans out and did not make them properly. Other vehicles have had recalls for the problems I am experiencing with this vehicle, but mine has not been recalled. I strongly believe my vehicle is part of those recalls. Attached are the recalls made to similar vehicles, I believe mine should be included in this recalls.

7/6/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

4 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

A very strong gas smell was detected on the vehicle cabin. It lingers for a long time when it seems to be going away, it comes back strong again. This began July 2nd 2024. I have not taken my vehicle to get checked out because I cannot afford it, but i did ask around and everyone including some that know about cars said the car is too new and it is not normal, it is bad for our health since we are inhaling those nasty fumes everyday. This vehicle has never been hit or has had any type of damage to it in any way. It has been driven 85k miles and it is still in perfect condition. Honestly since I purchased this vehicle it has been nothing but problems. This is not the only issue this vehicle came with since day 1. I reached out to dealer at first but had no luck. Please help with this vehicle, I really believe this vehicle was not made correctly in so many ways.

7/6/2024

Vehicle struggles and kicks to catch speed. At times in freeway/ street it will “jerk”/ hesitate to speed up. We have had to pull over in the middle of the freeway because it was not catching speed. No warning lights have turned on in the vehicle. It is dangerous to drive and vehicle looses speed or hesitates to pick up on speed, could cause an accident. Please help get vehicle fully checked, vehicle was made during Covid and chip shortage, I believe they rushed this vans out and did not make them properly. Other vehicles have had recalls for the problems I am experiencing with this vehicle, but mine has not been recalled. I strongly believe my vehicle is part of those recalls. Attached are the recalls made to similar vehicles, I believe mine should be included in this recalls.

7/6/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Regarding safety recall - I do not feel this has been handled in a reasonable amount of time. Today is July 10th and no remedy has been determined. I have NOT taken possession of my van that was purchased on April 3, 2024. At the time I was unaware of the safety recall, until the day of training at the upfitters. To date, I have not received any notification from Ford on this recall. I have made 3 payments, have registered, paid insurance on a van that I have never driven off the lot. This is beyond frustrating because a tire rub with tires such as the ones sold in the TRAIL package are known for rubbing if modifications are not made. Ford has been negligent in testing the Trail package that we paid approximately 10K for.

7/10/2024

I have been waiting for the Transit Trail tire rub recall fix to be announced and Ford is taking FOREVER. Pretty much all of us are building out our vans and this really throws a wrench (no pun intended) into things. Ford is effectively neutering our special off-road vans by putting stock transit tires on them. It's extremely frustrating. But I would at least prefer to have them do what they are going to do then move on. Instead I am stuck, waiting. And waiting. And waiting. The recall was submitted on MARCH 22ND. It's been 3 and a half months.

7/11/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Blind spot detection system has frequent false alerts when no vehicles are present. Also, it often does not activate when a vehicle IS present. Totally unreliable and a safety risk if depended upon. As you can see in the attached photo, there are no vehicles in my blind spot yet the light continues to come on. He will often not come on when cars are present.

5/25/2023

Picked up this vehicle 3 weeks ago and the blind spot monitoring does not work. Ford supposedly took this over because WGO's product failed so easily. This Ford product didn't work from the beginning.

6/12/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

All the dash warning lights come on. Parking limited braking. Pre collision assist not avail. Hill assist not avail. Turning hard mostly to the left the brakes are activating causing the vehicle to stop without depression the brakes. Also have to use half gas peddle to over come the brakes to get the van to move. All intermitant

7/29/2023

August 2024: Vehicle started to grab/pull when breaking and turning to the right, especially around curves. This progressed to happening when the van weight shifted forward during breaking. Dealerships in Eugene, Oregon and Marin, CA confirmed this behavior is related to the wheel clearance. Dealership in Eugene confirmed damage to the wheel well liner. I was unable to get any support from Ford regarding a loaner or assistance getting my van home 900+ miles. September 2024: loaded excess weight into the rear of the van and drove slowly back to Southern California. For safety purposes, dealership advised “parking the van until Ford comes up with something.” I have been unable to use the van since, with no updates from Ford. There have been four recalls (the rear view camera is fixed) and at least one Customer Satisfaction service (software update for the transmission performed in Eugene). Van has less than 5,000 and was purchased in March 2024.

11/20/2024

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Rodent chewed on fuel line and gas sprayed all over engine bay and under car on start-up.

2/19/2024

A very strong gas smell was detected on the vehicle cabin. It lingers for a long time when it seems to be going away, it comes back strong again. This began July 2nd 2024. I have not taken my vehicle to get checked out because I cannot afford it, but i did ask around and everyone including some that know about cars said the car is too new and it is not normal, it is bad for our health since we are inhaling those nasty fumes everyday. This vehicle has never been hit or has had any type of damage to it in any way. It has been driven 85k miles and it is still in perfect condition. Honestly since I purchased this vehicle it has been nothing but problems. This is not the only issue this vehicle came with since day 1. I reached out to dealer at first but had no luck. Please help with this vehicle, I really believe this vehicle was not made correctly in so many ways.

7/6/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FORD has failed to fix 2 recalls. Rear differential is howling and potentially low on fluid per recall--my FORD dealer cannot get to it until AUGUST. Local dealer is Chapel hills ford in Colorado Springs--that is were I purchased vehicle on [XXX] 2024. They have been NO help. Both front Tires rubbing the body at any slight turn--like into a driveway--with no load in the van. Tires and body both getting damaged. No resolution from FORD. Because of tires rubbing, it has now caused the wheel well liner to dislodge from the plastic fasteners and I am worried the liner will completely fall into the front wheel and steering linkage causing a wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

5/15/2024

August 2024: Vehicle started to grab/pull when breaking and turning to the right, especially around curves. This progressed to happening when the van weight shifted forward during breaking. Dealerships in Eugene, Oregon and Marin, CA confirmed this behavior is related to the wheel clearance. Dealership in Eugene confirmed damage to the wheel well liner. I was unable to get any support from Ford regarding a loaner or assistance getting my van home 900+ miles. September 2024: loaded excess weight into the rear of the van and drove slowly back to Southern California. For safety purposes, dealership advised “parking the van until Ford comes up with something.” I have been unable to use the van since, with no updates from Ford. There have been four recalls (the rear view camera is fixed) and at least one Customer Satisfaction service (software update for the transmission performed in Eugene). Van has less than 5,000 and was purchased in March 2024.

11/20/2024

TIRES

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V226000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a slight rubbing sound coming from the wheel well. The failure mileage was 200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

2/20/2025

After purchasing brand tires from the Ford dealership, I began experiencing vibrations between 75mph-80mph. I reported this issue to the dealer, but they disregarded my concerns. Subsequently, I consulted my personal mechanic, who conducted a Road Force Balance test, indicating that tire number 4 is defective. I possess documentation supporting this claim, and the dealer manager has failed to respond to me for over a week.

7/9/2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact drives a 2023 Ford Transit commercial vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the third brake light would not illuminate. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 619.

3/27/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V071000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

11/6/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

REAR VIEW/ 360 camera malfunction. (RECALL) all blue screen/ black screen, and no screen. I was backing up a drive way an damaged my whole right side of my roof. I did not get hurt thank god. Opened up a claim next day with Ford. I have opened 2 claims with FORD. It has been 8 months going back a forth with them. I have had my vehicle inspected at 3 dealerships an had new (camera) installed. I have sent Ford claims department all of my information, Dealerships have sent in all there information. I have gotten an email 3 months ago from Ford claims saying they have never received my information on my vehicle from me or the 3 Dealerships a they have to close the claim. I opened up anther claim waited, got anther email saying from ford claims that due to me or the dealerships I have gone to a them not receiving documents they have to close my claim. I have over $4k in damages, I have a broken camera system. And still have not gotten my camera system fully fix. I feel that because I did not get injured in this crash it’s a brush on FORDS Shoulder. I just got my van back today an have to bring back again. For Ford to do noting about this till I guess I get in a real accident. Thank u

4/26/2024

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact's employer owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side sliding door failed to latch while the front driver's and passenger's side doors were closed. The contact had to open the front driver's or passenger's side doors or roll down the windows for the rear passenger's side sliding door to latch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

5/1/2024

SUSPENSION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FORD has failed to fix 2 recalls. Rear differential is howling and potentially low on fluid per recall--my FORD dealer cannot get to it until AUGUST. Local dealer is Chapel hills ford in Colorado Springs--that is were I purchased vehicle on [XXX] 2024. They have been NO help. Both front Tires rubbing the body at any slight turn--like into a driveway--with no load in the van. Tires and body both getting damaged. No resolution from FORD. Because of tires rubbing, it has now caused the wheel well liner to dislodge from the plastic fasteners and I am worried the liner will completely fall into the front wheel and steering linkage causing a wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

5/15/2024

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact's father owns a 2024 Thor Compass RV built on a 2023 Ford Transit Chassis. The contact stated while cooking on two burners of the RV stove, a flame flared up significantly and nearly reached her arms and face. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the flame emanated from the burners and appeared that the failure had occurred due to gas leaking from the stove. The contact was able to turn off the stove. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,176.

6/4/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Ford is saying that there is no remedy for the rear view camera recall at the moment. I took my van in and they inspected the rear view camera and said it was fine and that there was no problem with my vehicle. This recall has caused me several damages including losing several thousands of dollars in sales revenue as I use the van to transport goods for my business.

6/4/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 20,813 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 125,055.

6/6/2025

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Driver noticed excessive vibration when driving vehicle on June 17, 2025. The next day, the vehicle was taken to Mavis Tire & Brakes, Flagler Beach, FL, who confirmed a tread separation on the driver's side front tire. The tire is a HANKOOK Dynapro HT 205/75R16C. This tire is an original tire from when the vehicle was purchased new. The tire shop exchanged the faulty tire with the spare. If the vehicle were to continue to be driven, eventually the tread would have delaminated completely, causing a potential accident. This is the SECOND Hankook tire to fail this way on this vehicle. I did not report the first incident to NHTSA.

6/20/2025

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My cargo van has no rearward windows. It has front/rear/left/right exterior cameras which generate a simulated, 360-degree, overhead view on a monitor. The right camera functions about half of the time. Once it generated an all-orange view. Now it often generates an all-blue view. I know other Ford vehicles are subject to a recall for this software issue and Ford has (or is generating) a fix for the problem. The 2023 Transit is not part of that recall group, but it should be.

11/14/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Transit?

The most reported complaint category for the 2023 Ford Transit is POWER TRAIN, with 10 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Are complaints about the 2023 Ford Transit a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 25 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2023 Ford Transit?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2023 Ford Transit severe?

25 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Ford Transit: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
64
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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