The short answer
NHTSA's recall database lists 55 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2025 Ford Transit model year, as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2023 has the most (19); the components named most often are Seats, Rear camera / backover, Powertrain and Electrical.
A recall count is not a reliability score. One campaign can cover a few hundred vehicles or more than a million, some campaigns are software updates, and recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand. For a used vehicle, the question that matters is whether that VIN's recalls have been completed: check it on NHTSA's free VIN lookup before you buy.
At a glance
Recall campaigns by model year
| Model year | Campaigns | Components named most (campaigns) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 18 | Seats (9), Powertrain (3), Electrical (2) |
| 2018 | 14 | Seats (10), Powertrain (1), Structure (1) |
| 2019 | 9 | Seat belts (2), Powertrain (1), Structure (1) |
| 2020 | 9 | Seat belts (2), Rear camera / backover (2), Powertrain (1) |
| 2021 | 4 | Seat belts (1), Fuel system (gas) (1), Rear camera / backover (1) |
| 2022 | 16 | Rear camera / backover (8), Electrical (3), Seat belts (1) |
| 2023 | 19 | Rear camera / backover (4), Steering (3), Electrical (2) |
| 2024 | 10 | Steering (3), Powertrain (2), Tires (1) |
| 2025 | 4 | Rear camera / backover (1), Engine and cooling (1), Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (1) |
The campaigns that cover the most model years
| NHTSA campaign | Component | Model years covered (2017–2025) | What NHTSA says could happen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V876000 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2019–2025 | An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V631000 | Parking brake | 2017–2020 | Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V499000 | Fuel system (gas) | 2020–2023 | A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. |
| 25V315000 | Rear camera / backover | 2022–2025 | A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V442000 | Rear camera / backover | 2020–2023 | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. |
| 19V103000 | Powertrain | 2017–2019 | If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V229000 | Seats | 2017–2019 | In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury. |
| 25V572000 | Rear camera / backover | 2017–2019 | 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. |
Recalls with a park-it or park-outside warning
NHTSA marks a recall "park it" when the manufacturer tells owners not to drive the vehicle, and "park outside" when there is a fire risk. These are the ones to clear before you drive a used one home:
- 26V090000 (Hydraulic brakes; model years 2025): A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash. Do not drive.
Newest campaigns (filed in 2026)
Recalls keep arriving years after a vehicle is built. These were filed with NHTSA in 2026, so a used vehicle checked last year may need a fresh look:
- 26V090000, filed Feb. 17, 2026: Hydraulic brakes, model years 2025. A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
- 26V061000, filed Feb. 3, 2026: Structure, model years 2023–2024. A loss of drive power or brake failure increases the risk of a crash.
How to check a specific vehicle
- Get the 17-character VIN (windshield, door jamb or title).
- Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows unrepaired safety recalls from the last 15 years, by VIN, free.
- If anything is open, ask the seller to have it completed before delivery, or book it with a franchised dealer of that brand. Recall repairs are free.
- Ask for the service records; a completed recall shows on the dealer repair order.
- Wisconsin used-vehicle disclosures: Wisconsin dealers disclose a used vehicle's condition on the Wisconsin Buyers Guide (Trans 139.04); ask for it and read it with the recall printout.
- Our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.
Getting recall work done in Barron
Recall repairs on Ford Transit vehicles are done at no charge by a franchised Ford dealer. Ours: Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500. Service is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (no Saturday service). Service loaners are available; ask the service department when you book.
Used Transit checklist
Before you buy a used Transit
7 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
Questions
How many recalls does the Ford Transit have?
For 2017–2025 model years, NHTSA lists 55 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2023 has the most (19). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.
Which used Transit year has the fewest recalls?
In NHTSA's data, 2021, 2025 have the fewest (4). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.
Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Ford.
Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?
Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
