Recall 16V188 affects 37,066 2015-2016 Ford Transit vehicles for mispackaged side curtain air bags. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 37,066 2015-2016 Transit vans because the side curtain air bag was folded and packaged incorrectly, which can send it out of position during deployment. In a crash, that means less intended occupant protection and a higher injury risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in a 2015-2016 Ford Transit is built into the side of the roof area above the doors and windows. In a crash, it is supposed to deploy downward along the glass in a controlled path. That path matters because the bag has to be in the right place when an occupant needs it.
On affected Transit vehicles, the side curtain air bag was folded and packaged in the wrong orientation before installation. The folded bundle has to open in the direction Ford designed. Ford found that the incorrect fold changes the deployment trajectory, so the air bag does not deploy where it was designed to be during a crash.
You will not feel this problem while driving, and there is no dashboard light tied to the fold orientation. There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is hidden inside the air bag assembly until the air bag is needed.
Who's affected?
Covers two Transit model years with the same side air bag component.
| 2016 Ford Transit | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Transit | side air bag |
| Units affected | 37,066 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the side curtain air bag is misoriented, it does not deploy as intended and the risk of occupant injury increases in a crash. There is no warning sign before the problem matters, so confirm your VIN and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Ford Transit is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free side curtain air bag inspection and re-orientation so the air bag deploys on its intended path.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V188 when you call.
- Drive with care until the repair is complete; the side curtain air bag is part of crash protection, not normal braking or steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the side curtain air bag assembly and reorients it if it was folded or packaged incorrectly. The inspection and any needed repair are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford states the warranty would have provided a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 4, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 16, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V188?
Recall 16V188 covers 37,066 2015-2016 Ford Transit vehicles with side curtain air bags that were folded and packaged incorrectly. The air bag can deploy on the wrong trajectory in a crash, increasing injury risk. Ford dealers inspect and re-orient the assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Ford Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit is included in recall 16V188. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the side curtain air bag inspection and re-orientation. Reference Ford recall number 16S13 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers will inspect and re-orient the side curtain air bag assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V188?
The risk is improper side curtain air bag deployment during a crash, which increases the chance of occupant injury. Ford dealers inspect the side curtain air bag assembly and re-orient it when needed at no cost, so confirm the VIN before scheduling service.
When did Ford begin notifying owners about recall 16V188?
Ford began the recall on May 18, 2016. If you own a 2015-2016 Ford Transit and never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle is included, then call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or a franchised Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V188000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V188 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V188000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →