2017 Ford Transit-350 HD

The 2017 Ford Transit-350 HD is a popular choice for commercial use and camper van conversions, offering ample cargo space and a relatively comfortable ride for a van. Available engines include a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (275 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque), a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (310 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.2L Power Stroke inline-5 diesel (185 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque). All engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (6R80). Owners often praise the Transit’s spaciousness, payload capacity, and fuel economy (relative to other vans). Common complaints include the large turning radius, wind noise, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, check engine light. Sometimes accompanied by excessive oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ depending on if one or both turbos need replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idle. Often accompanied by code P1450 “Unable to Bleed Fuel Tank Vacuum”.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

3.7L Ti-VCT V6

• No Issues Found

3.2L Power Stroke Inline-5 Diesel

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, DPF clogging.
  • Solution: Force a manual regeneration or replace the DPF. Investigate the root cause of frequent DPF clogging (e.g., faulty sensors, injectors).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+, depending on the extent of damage and if DPF needs replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty glow plug(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6R80 6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration, erratic shifting behavior, check engine light.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush, check for proper fluid level, and inspect the valve body for wear or damage. In some cases, a valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $4000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shuddering feeling at low speeds, particularly during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush using a fluid specifically designed to reduce torque converter shudder (such as Motorcraft Mercon ULV). If the problem persists, the torque converter may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $1500+ (torque converter replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end of the van sagging, especially when loaded. Visible cracks or damage to the leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf spring(s). Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs for vans that are frequently heavily loaded.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight, difficulty starting the van.
  • Solution: Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source of the drain. Common causes include aftermarket accessories, faulty door switches, or a failing body control module (BCM).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working properly, difficulty locking or unlocking doors.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, door not latching properly, excessive noise.
  • Solution: Adjust the door alignment, lubricate the rollers and tracks, or replace worn rollers or latches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the severity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working on all speeds, no air coming out of the vents.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete loss of Bluetooth connectivity, difficulty pairing devices.
  • Solution: Update the SYNC system software. In some cases, the SYNC module may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500+ (SYNC module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Ford Transit-350 HD has a mix of potential issues across its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior systems. While the 3.7L V6 seems relatively trouble-free, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 can experience turbocharger and purge valve failures. The 3.2L diesel can be prone to DPF and glow plug issues. The 6R80 transmission can suffer from harsh shifting and torque converter shudder. Owners should also be aware of potential suspension sagging, electrical problems, and sliding door issues. The cost of repairs can range from minor fixes costing under $100 to major repairs exceeding $3000 or more.