Incorrect Tires Have Undermined the Off-Road Capabilities of the Ford Transit Trail, Leading to a Lawsuit.

      Ford

      Get The Drive’s daily newsletter

      The latest car news, reviews, and features.

      Last year, Ford issued a recall for its briefly available off-road Transit Trail van, swapping its original aggressive all-terrain tires for smaller ones due to the larger tires rubbing against the vehicle's body. Now, as reported by Car Complaints, Transit Trail owners have initiated a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware—Provo, et al., v. Ford Motor Company—claiming that Ford was aware of the oversized tire problem prior to the van's release, and that the recall solution compromised its off-road performance.

      In response to inquiries about the lawsuit, a Ford representative stated, “Ford does not typically comment on pending litigation matters.”

      Increasing a vehicle's off-road capabilities typically begins with the simple and logical step of installing taller tires with deeper tread. However, significant tire upsizing often requires a suspension lift, which is why lift kits are used.

      In 2022, Ford introduced its European off-road Transit van to North America for the 2023 model year, but quickly encountered an issue: the tires were too large. The intention behind the rugged Ford Transit Trail was to provide full #vanlife functionality right from the start, equipped with substantial 30.5-inch all-terrain tires and all-wheel drive. However, it turned out that these tires were not fully compatible with the vehicle's ride height and tended to rub during cornering and braking, particularly when the van was loaded with extra weight.

      While some might find a little rubbing acceptable with an aftermarket setup, the appeal of an OEM off-road vehicle is to avoid such functional shortcomings. Additionally, many buyers likely chose the van to customize it for an outdoor lifestyle, meaning that extra weight was expected.

      As for the official details: “Due to insufficient packaging allowance, the front tires may contact the front wheel arch liner and body flange under certain vehicle loading, steering angle, and braking conditions,” stated the March 2024 NHTSA recall report. “Repeated tire contact with the wheel arch liner and body flange may lead to rapid air loss and tread-belt separation, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.”

      In March 2025, Ford informed Transit Trail owners about the recall repair. “Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to inspect the weld flange and make repairs if necessary, replace all valve stems and all four tires with Goodyear 235/65R16C tires, replace both front wheel arch liners, update the vehicle software, and replace the Safety Certification and TREAD Act labels at no cost (parts and labor).”

      As a result, the tires transitioned from 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse tires to 28-inch options. However, this change significantly diminished its off-road capabilities, reducing ground clearance by over an inch and negatively affecting its approach and departure angles. Instead of smaller tires, the plaintiffs are reportedly seeking a “prompt, complete, and effective recall or free replacement/repair program” from Ford.

      In the same month, Ford also decided to discontinue the Transit Trail from its offerings entirely, citing supply chain challenges. A Ford representative informed Ford Authority that “Ongoing supply chain challenges and part availability constraints affected 2023 and 2024 Transit vans with the Trail package, leading us to remove package availability from the [2025 model year] Transit program while prioritizing parts and service delivery to customers with affected vehicles.” They did indicate that Ford would reevaluate its future sales prospects.

      It's puzzling why Ford can't devise an alternative solution for the Transit Trail that allows for larger all-terrain tires without causing damage. Perhaps different springs, shocks, or a combination of both could resolve the issue, though that might be too expensive for a vehicle that's no longer on the market. However, if Ford can create an effective solution, the Transit Trail might return to sale without unsafe tire rubbing, and current owners could have the exact vehicle they purchased.

      Got tips? Send them to [email protected]