Recall 17V408 affects 372,991 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles for a failing driveshaft coupling. Interim repairs are free, with Ford's final remedy pending.
Ford is recalling 372,991 2015-2017 Transit vans because the flexible coupling between the transmission and driveshaft can fail early. A failed coupling can leave the van unable to move, damage brake or fuel lines, or allow a rollaway in Park if the parking brake is not applied; the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford opens it.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The flexible coupling on a 2015-2017 Ford Transit is the connector between the transmission and the driveshaft. The transmission sends engine power rearward, and the driveshaft carries that rotation to move the vehicle. The coupling is meant to absorb normal driveline movement while keeping that power transfer aligned and controlled.
On affected Transit vehicles, the driveline angle puts the flexible coupling in an operating condition that reduces its long-term durability. As the coupling deteriorates, it cracks and loses its ability to hold the driveline connection steady. Continued driving with a damaged coupling can lead to driveline separation, and Ford found complaint vehicles where separation severed brake lines and contacted fuel lines.
A cracked flexible coupling gives a clear warning sign before separation. Owners can hear a moaning noise from underneath the vehicle, especially while coasting. If driving continues, the driveline noise gets louder and a vibration becomes noticeable through the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Transit model years tied to the same driveline component.
| 2017 Ford Transit | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Transit | driveline |
| 2016 Ford Transit | driveline |
| Units affected | 372,991 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2015-2017 Ford Transit van is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed flexible coupling can leave the Transit unable to move and the separated driveshaft can damage brake or fuel lines. It can also let the vehicle roll after Park is selected if the parking brake is not set, increasing crash risk. Moaning noise underneath the vehicle or increasing driveline vibration needs prompt dealer attention. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once Ford opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Ford Transit is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether Ford's interim or final free repair path is open for your van.
- Ask about the flexible-coupling repair that keeps the driveshaft connected to the transmission.
- Reference recall number 17V408 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one.
- Apply the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
During the interim phase, a Ford dealer replaces the flexible coupling on any included Transit with more than 30,000 miles. Ford was still developing the final repair: either a redesigned flexible coupling or a revised driveshaft with a universal joint. The final dealer repair will be free once available, and the interim coupling replacement is free. If you paid for a related remedy before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covered documented costs through August 31, 2017. Keep prior repair paperwork and ask Ford customer service how that plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 26, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 27, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| June 27, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 17, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 20, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V408?
Recall 17V408 covers 372,991 2015-2017 Ford Transit vans with a flexible coupling that connects the transmission to the driveshaft. The coupling can fail early, leaving the van unable to move under its own power and creating crash risk. Ford's remedy is free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Ford Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit is included in recall 17V408. If it is, call a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall 17S15. Ask whether your van needs the interim flexible-coupling replacement or the current remedy instructions for your VIN.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's recall filing says these repairs are free. Ford dealers replace the affected flexible coupling as the interim repair on vans with more than 30,000 miles.
What is the safety risk on this Ford Transit recall?
The safety risk is loss of propulsion, brake or fuel line damage, and rollaway. If the coupling fails, the van cannot move under its own power. A separated driveshaft can damage brake and fuel lines, and the van can roll if exited in Park without the parking brake applied.
What if I bought my Ford Transit used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a Ford dealer with recall 17V408 or Ford recall 17S15 so the service desk can confirm the open repair for your specific van.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V408000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V408 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V408000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →