2015 Ford Transit
The 2015 Ford Transit marked a significant redesign and expansion of Ford’s commercial van lineup. Available in multiple configurations including cargo van, passenger wagon, chassis cab, and cutaway, the 2015 Transit offered a versatile platform for businesses and individuals alike. Engine options included a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 producing 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivering 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2L Power Stroke inline-5 diesel engine with 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Transit’s spacious interior, improved fuel economy compared to its predecessor (the E-Series), and car-like handling. Common dislikes include some reliability concerns, particularly with early model years, and wind noise at higher speeds.
Engine
3.5L EcoBoost V6
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, loss of power, check engine light. May be caused by oil starvation to the turbocharger bearings.
- Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s). Inspect oil lines for blockages.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Intrusion
- Description/Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, potential overheating. Caused by a defect in the cylinder head.
- Solution: Cylinder head replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.7L Ti-VCT V6
- Purge Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the purge valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L Power Stroke Diesel
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, check engine light. Can be caused by excessive soot buildup or sensor failures.
- Solution: Forced DPF regeneration, sensor replacement, or DPF replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Glow Plug Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke on startup, rough idle.
- Solution: Replace faulty glow plug(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration, transmission warning light. Can be caused by valve body issues or worn clutches.
- Solution: Transmission flush, valve body replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $5000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Breaking
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than normal, reduced load-carrying capacity, squeaking noises from the rear suspension.
- Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as malfunctioning lights, door locks, or power windows.
- Solution: Reprogram or replace the BCM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door locks not functioning properly, difficulty locking or unlocking doors.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sliding Door Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, door sticking, or the power sliding door malfunctioning.
- Solution: Adjust door alignment, lubricate moving parts, or replace the door motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, reduced airflow, or unusual noises from the blower motor area.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Upholstery Delamination
- Description/Symptoms: The seat upholstery separates from the seat foam.
- Solution: Replace the upholstery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2015 Ford Transit can present owners with a range of issues, from relatively minor electrical glitches to more serious engine and transmission problems. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the engine type, vehicle usage, and maintenance history. While some repairs, such as purge valve replacement, are relatively inexpensive, others, such as turbocharger or transmission replacement, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance records and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to identify potential problems.