If you RV in a Ford Transit (especially a Trail model with a body lift) pay attention. Ford has issued a safety recall for some 2023–2024 Transit vans after discovering the engine crossmember fasteners on some vehicles may have been installed without washers.
That small hardware omission can let the joint lose clamp load over time. This would allow the engine to shift and possibly cause a loss of drive power. It may also damage other systems, including brakes.
Which vehicles are included
The recall covers select 2023 and 2024 Ford Transit vans equipped with the Transit Trail equipment package. These vehicles were produced between March 15, 2022, and January 30, 2024. Ford reported 1,403 potentially involved vehicles in the U.S. The recall is recorded with NHTSA as Campaign No. 26V061000 and internally at Ford as 26S04.
If your van is a Transit Trail built in that date window, it’s within the Ford recall.
Cause and effect
During the fitting of the Trail’s body-lift hardware, a vehicle modifier used substitute bolts that may not have included washers. Testing by Ford’s engineering teams confirmed assemblies without washers could lose clamp load. This would allow the engine crossmember joint to slip. If that joint fails, the engine can move from its intended position. This can produce a loss of power or damage other systems. (Brakes were specifically called out as one possible system affected.)
Owners might notice a clunking noise over bumps, on startup, or during heavy acceleration/deceleration before anything more serious happens. Ford says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this issue so far.
What dealers will do
The remedy is straightforward. Dealers will replace the engine crossmember fasteners with the correct fasteners that include washers at no cost to owners. If your van is affected, a dealer visit should be quick. Techs will replace bolts/fasteners with the correct washers and hardware.
Immediate safety steps for RVers
If you hear the warning clunking described above, or if you suspect the hardware was modified on your van, err on the side of caution. Avoid driving the vehicle long distances until a dealer inspects it. Follow any specific consumer advisory Ford or NHTSA issues.
How to check
- Find your VIN: It’s the 17-character number on the lower-left of the windshield, the driver-side doorjamb label, your registration, or insurance card.
- Use NHTSA’s recall lookup page and enter your VIN or license plate and state to see open recalls for that exact vehicle.
- You can also check Ford’s recall/owner support recall lookup at Ford’s support site (search by VIN there, too). Or call Ford Customer Service at (800) 392-3673 to ask directly.
- If your vehicle’s VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
See more RV and RV-related recalls here.
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