2019 Ford Transit Van recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
9 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
What could happen: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
The fix: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V103000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-833-953-5338.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
Consequence: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
Remedy: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van Builders) is recalling certain vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit and 2019 Ram Promaster vans equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Ve…
What could happen: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: National Van Builders will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or National Van Builders customer service at 1-800-527-7477.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V250000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-443-4540.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van Builders) is recalling certain vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit and 2019 Ram Promaster vans equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: National Van Builders will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or National Van Builders customer service at 1-800-527-7477.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.
What could happen: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service a…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V631000 (manufacturer code 21S39).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.
Consequence: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
4. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. The wheel mounting surface of the axle flange may be warped and cause the wheel studs to fracture.
What could happen: Fractured studs may allow the wheel to detach, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the rear axle shaft assembly, axle shaft mounting bolts, and rear wheel lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S21.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V324000 (manufacturer code 21S21).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Transit T150, T250, T350 vehicles equipped with aluminum alloy wheels. The wheel mounting surface of the axle flange may be warped and cause the wheel studs to fracture.
Consequence: Fractured studs may allow the wheel to detach, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the rear axle shaft assembly, axle shaft mounting bolts, and rear wheel lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S21.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
5. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
What could happen: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: TransitWorks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2020. Dealers can contact Freedman Seating Company for parts and reimbursement information at 1-800-443-4540.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V222000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-443-4540.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: TransitWorks is recalling certain Driverge vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit vans equipped with Freedman Seating Company (FSC) PT Foldaway and GO-ES 3-point Foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: TransitWorks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2020. Dealers can contact Freedman Seating Company for parts and reimbursement information at 1-800-443-4540.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
6. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
What could happen: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V229000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-443-4540.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS
Summary: TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
7. Backup camera
What's wrong, in plain English: The rear camera may not show an image when reversing. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
What could happen: 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.
The 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 25S…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V572000 (manufacturer code 25S89).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Notes:
8. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. LA West Inc. (LA West) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with glass roof hatches. Temperature and vibration stresses may cause the tempered glass roof hatch to shatter.
What could happen: If the tempered glass roof hatch shatters, glass fragments may fall onto passengers, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: LA West will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hatch lids, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2019. Owners may contact LA West customer service at 1-704-498-4940.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V439000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-704-498-4940.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT
Summary: LA West Inc. (LA West) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with glass roof hatches. Temperature and vibration stresses may cause the tempered glass roof hatch to shatter.
Consequence: If the tempered glass roof hatch shatters, glass fragments may fall onto passengers, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: LA West will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hatch lids, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2019. Owners may contact LA West customer service at 1-704-498-4940.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
9. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
What could happen: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2019 TRANSIT VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V876000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-956-6668.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
Summary: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2019 Ford Transit Van owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (7), Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical system (5), Body / structure (4), Vehicle Speed Control (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/18/2026 · Airbags
Air bag failure at 35 to 45 mph. All sensors on front end should have been activated to deploy. I am reporting this due to this vehical having prior mvc and has been serviced. I am wondering if air bag system was not repaired from prior incidents
03/09/2026 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Ford Transit. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The vehicle was purchased March 7, 2026. The mileage was recorded at 74,127 at the time of the purchase. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was provided a Carfax Report. The Carfax Report last reported the mileage at 200,156 on January…
01/30/2026 · Seat belts
This fall 2025, my kids started saying they couldn’t get out of this one particular seat. It would get stuck and they had to try to slide out from under the seat belt to get out. Shortly after that it wouldn’t even click anymore or lock into place. So we stopped using the seat. Then about a month ago we had a second seat belt that will not stay latched to k…
11/20/2025 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
After SYNC 3 software update, rain sensor wiper software malfunctioning.
10/02/2025 · Brakes
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact's wife was parking the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled i…
09/25/2025 · Engine
Smelling exhaust fumes inside vehicle and not safe to drive with only 46,000 miles on odometer. Took it to Ford Dealer and found two manifold bolts have broken off flush to engine block and manifold is now leaking. This is a very common occurrence with the 3.5 Ecoboost motor.
07/30/2025 · Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manu…
05/30/2025 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 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 private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,342, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 295,327.