Lawsuit Investigation: Ford Transit Subframe Rust, Corrosion

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of 2015-2023 Ford Transit owners and lessees following reports from some drivers about premature corrosion of the front subframe.

Specifically, they’re looking into whether a defect is causing the subframe, a major structural component that supports the engine, suspension and transmission, to rot or rust earlier than it should, potentially forcing drivers to pay for costly repairs and replacement parts.

Notably, any damage to the subframe, a part that should last the life of the vehicle, can adversely affect drivability and performance and present a safety hazard.  

Ford Transit Subframe Rust: What Are Drivers Saying?

Complaints of Ford Transit subframe rust appear to be particularly prevalent in the 2015 model, and a sampling of these complaints, including one submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), can be seen below [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:

So when they had to cut off the front sub frame on our 2015 Transit to remove the trans they found that the trans cross member and front sub frame had already rotted through and had holes rusted already. Crazy on a 2015 van.”
— dannoj919, 2015 Ford Transit driver, FordTransitUSAForum.com

Just checked my 2015. Rusted bad. Can't believe ford wouldn't honestly own up to this. It's a total safety issue as the lower control arms are secured by the [subframe]. If anyone has been in an accident …[as the] result of subframe breaking or had vehicles fail we should all get together and get some high power class action law suit going . I'd be in”
—  Larry Waggoner, 2015 Ford Transit driver, FordTransitUSAForum.com

I just failed my Massachusetts state inspection due to a badly rusted out subframe. I have a 2015 250 cargo van with 110000 miles and it’s totally shot...”
— Badtransit, 2015 Ford Transit driver, FordTransitUSAForum.com

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that he noticed a leak underneath the vehicle on the driver’s side near the engine. The contact inspected the underside of the vehicle and discovered that support near the engine was completely rusted through. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change, where the vehicle was inspected and found that the rusted support needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive…The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
— 2015 Ford Transit driver, NHTSA ID Number: 11449271

Some have theorized that snow and salt from roadways—that is, normal and expected driving conditions in cold winter climates—are contributing to the Ford Transit subframe rust problem.

What Are Ford Transit Subframe Rust Symptoms?

How Could a Ford Transit Subframe Lawsuit Help?

If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit over the Ford Transit subframe rust problems could help drivers get money back for any repairs and/or replacements. It could also force the automaker to provide a fix similar to what would be offered in a Ford transit subframe recall.

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