Ford Recalls Transit Vans for Fire Risk
The recall covers more than 65,000 2015-2017 vans in the U.S. equipped with a trailer tow module.

Photo of Ford Transit courtesy of Ford.

Photo of Ford Transit courtesy of Ford.
Ford Motor Co. said it’s recalling 65,206 Ford Transit vehicles in the U.S., each one equipped with a trailer tow module, because of potential wiring corrosion and module damage that can cause electronic systems to malfunction and raise the risk of fire.
Ford is advising customers to park these vehicles outside until final repairs are completed. These recalled vehicles are in the 2015 to 2017 model years only.
The wiring corrosion and module damage stem from water leaking into the trailer tow module and connector. Turn signals might start flashing rapidly, the instrument cluster display might malfunction, and the heater and air conditioning controls might fail as a result. What’s more, multimedia functions such as radio, screens and SYNC might not perform properly, according to Ford.
Wiring corrosion from prolonged water exposure can also result in an electrical short to the ground. This could lead to unexpected seat belt pretensioner deployment, a burning smell and a higher risk of fire — even when the van is parked and the ignition is off, Ford said.
The automaker noted that it isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the issue. But the company knows of two reports of Canadian fleet vehicle fires that might be related. In addition to the recalled vans in the U.S., Ford is recalling 8,365 Transit vans in Canada for this same problem.
Until parts are available for the final repair, customers have the option of asking a dealer to disable the trailer module.
“For the final repair, dealers will add a drainage hole to the driver’s door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle wiring harness,” Ford explained in a released statement about the recall.
There will be no charge for the repairs and services. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17S34.
More Safety

IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New crash-avoidance ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal inconsistent performance among commercial vehicles, with several popular cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups struggling to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →
How Camera Data Can Strengthen a Fleet’s Insurance Renewal
Insights from a commercial insurance carrier and a broker show how fleets can turn video telematic data, driver coaching, and improved claims results into a stronger case at insurance renewal.
Read More →
The Safest Fleets Aren’t the Ones with the Most Technology
You’ve made the telematics investment. Here’s how to capture the other half of its value and build the safest fleet on the road.
Read More →
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Fleet compliance isn't just about having policies — it's about consistently enforcing them. This practical guide reveals six hidden compliance risks common in public sector and shared fleet operations and outlines proven strategies to improve visibility, accountability, and audit readiness
Read More →