NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Transit Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Transit scores 52 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Weak), with a 3-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 19 recalls, and 53 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Transit registers a 52/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Weak band. This represents a four-point decline from the 2022 model's 56/100 score. Buyers should weigh the 19 recall campaigns and near-zero avoidance technology score, as these factors present meaningful safety concerns.
The 2023 Ford Transit earned a 2-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 52 out of 100, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Transit ranks 92 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 52 / 100 (Weak) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 3 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 2 stars |
| Rollover risk | 35.6% |
| Recalls on file | 19 |
| Owner complaints | 53 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 92 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Transit?
The 2023 Ford Transit demonstrates a significant regression in its safety profile, evidenced by a Safety Index score of 52 out of 100. This represents a four-point drop from the 2022 model's 56 out of 100, placing both within the Weak band. The primary factor in this decline is the defect record, which earned 0 out of 20 points, directly attributable to 19 recall campaigns. Of particular concern are remediation recalls, indicating previous repair attempts under earlier recall numbers were unsuccessful. Two specific campaigns stand out for their direct safety implications: a structural recall involving the engine crossmember, and repeated failures in steering system remedies. Crash protection for the 2023 Transit received 48 out of 70 possible points. While the vehicle achieved a strong 5-star rating in side impact tests, this positive is undercut by a 2-star rollover score. This low rating, coupled with a 36 percent rollover risk, is especially notable given the vehicle's design as a high-roof passenger van with an elevated center of gravity. Furthermore, the avoidance technology sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning is offered only as an option, not as standard equipment, on this configuration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Transit perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Transit achieved a 3 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is a clear strength, earning a full 5 stars. However, the Transit's rollover performance presents a significant concern, rated at just 2 stars with a 36 percent rollover risk. Despite this, the dynamic tip test did not result in a tip. The frontal crash rating also stands at 3 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17352
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Transit have any recalls?
Yes, 19 recall campaigns cover this model year. Key campaigns address a potentially unsecured engine crossmember affecting the frame structure, a steering defect tied to incorrect repairs under prior recalls 24V226 and 24V591, an instrument cluster electrical fault from a previously botched repair, back-over prevention software, and wheelchair restraint securement on converted units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive was listed in the provided data, but the volume and nature of these campaigns warrant immediate VIN checks.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS26V061000
Risk: A loss of drive power or brake failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cross member fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S04. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 4, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-03
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V876000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Reported 2025-12-17
STEERING25V623000
Risk: Incorrect tires and an incorrect steering coupler cover can cause a loss of brake function, loss of steering control, or damage to tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the tires, tire placard, and certification label, and also recalibrate the vehicle. Additionally, dealers will remove the steering coupler cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S95. Vehicle Id
Reported 2025-09-18
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V339000
Risk: An instrument panel that does not illuminate critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C19.
Reported 2025-05-23
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA25V242000
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S38.
Reported 2025-04-11
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM25V168000
Risk: Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the remote climate control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S23.
Reported 2025-03-14
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT24V805000
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up or separation of the wheel from the axle shaft can result in loss of vehicle control or loss of drive power. In addition, the vehicle may roll in park if the parking brake is not applied. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle shaft bolts, replace incorrect bolts as necessary, and fill the differential fluid if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S67.
Reported 2024-10-25
STEERING:COLUMN24V591000
Risk: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering column intermediate shaft bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 14, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S48.
Reported 2024-08-09
SEATS24V552000
Risk: The seat back could release when force is applied to the shoulder belt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: A&J will inspect and repair the seats as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact A&J customer service at 920-775-9333.
Reported 2024-07-24
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM24V542000
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new EPAS ground pigtail kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S46.
Reported 2024-07-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Transit?
Owners have filed 53 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain with 13 reports, the electrical system with 12, and back-over prevention systems with 9. Two complaints allege crashes. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
53 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Transit?
The 2023 Ford Transit registers 19 recall campaigns, a notable figure that necessitates careful attention from any prospective owner. Of particular concern are the recalls addressing the engine crossmember and steering components; purchasers must verify the completion of these, and all other, remedies through a franchised dealer. Open recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The 2023 model year carries 19 recall campaigns, including a structural recall for a potentially unsecured engine crossmember and a steering recall triggered by incorrect repairs performed under two prior recall numbers, making VIN verification critical for this specific year.
- The defect record sub-score for this year is 0 out of a possible 20 points, the single largest drag on the 52/100 Safety Index and a direct reflection of the volume and severity of recall activity unique to the 2023 model year.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this configuration is 2 out of 5 stars with a 36 percent rollover risk, the weakest individual crash-test result for this year and especially significant given the high-roof body style.
- The Safety Index fell four points compared to the 2022 Ford Transit's score of 56/100, meaning this specific model year represents a step backward in the safety data record relative to its immediate predecessor.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Transit places
The 2023 Ford Transit qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Transit safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Transit crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford Transit, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 52 out of 100, placing it in the Weak band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ford Transit crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford Transit earned 3 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 2 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 35.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Transit have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 19 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Transit. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Transit?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 53 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford Transit. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Transit years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17352), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Transit 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 92 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.