The all-new Ford Transit Trail debuted back in November 2022 for the 2023 model year as an upfit-ready, off-road-capable version of the top-selling full-size van. The Transit Trail featured a host of upgrades including a beefier look on the outside, coupled with a wider track, 3.5 inches of additional ride height, 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires, and inside, drillable areas designed for the easy installation of things like shelving, cabinetry, and beds. However, Ford Authority recently spotted a number of Ford Transit Trail models up for sale with those key features removed, after which we also noticed that the model is missing from The Blue Oval’s order guide.
Turns out, the Ford Transit Trail was indeed somewhat quietly discontinued recently, and for a very familiar reason. “On-going challenges in the supply chain and part availability constraints impacted 2023 and 2024 Transit Trail vans, so we made the decision to remove package availability while we prioritize delivering parts and service on impacted vehicles in market,” Elizabeth Kraft, communications manager at Ford Pro, explained to Ford Authority. Kraft did add that Ford is assessing demand for the Ford Transit Trail to determine “future viability.”
As Ford Authority previously reported, the Ford Transit Trail did face a couple of problems pertaining to its upgrades following its debut for the 2023 model year. Those started in late March of 2024, when the automaker issued a recall for the rugged van after it discovered that its beefier tires may contact the front wheel arch liner and body flange, causing damage to the tire itself. Ford’s fix for that matter was to replace the existing 30.5-inch, 245/75R16 tires that came with the Transit Trail from the factory with smaller, 28-inch, 235/65R16 tires, which unfortunately reduced the van’s ground clearance from 6.7 inches to 5.5 inches.
Making matters worse – a few months later in July – Ford issued another recall for the Transit Trail after discovering that the electronic power assist steering (EPAS) ground eyelet joint may experience corrosion, which can result in a loss of power steering assist, though it was able to rectify that issue by installing a new EPAS ground pigtail kit.
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Ford: Build all your products in the USA along with suppliers and you will save the tariffs penalty along with your suppliers. P.S. need a new CEO too!
What a cluster since Day 1. Nobody thought to check to see if the tires would clear the openings? EPAS corrosion? And as for supply chain issues, one would think that a company as large as Ford would be near the front of the line to get parts. And so another offering disappears on the way to irrelevancy.
Ford had all of these orders for the Transit Trail and when things didn’t work out, they decided NOT to let the buyers know about their ordered Transit Trail. Some got a VIN and projected build date but were never told what happened with their ordered van. Others ended up with Trails sitting at their upfitter that can’t be delivered to them with a Stop/Sale still in effect. Paid for your van and can’t take possession of it! Great deal!
I ordered a Trail in Nov 2023. Then in Feb 24 the van was “In Production”. Then I waited until Dec, when Ford just “disappeared” my order. No explanation. No apology. No “deal” on a new order. They just dropped me like a rock. Now I’m left without a van, when I had expected/planned one. Thanks Ford. BTW, the Trail currently has 3 un-repaired recalls against it. Ford has said nothing since last Summer when they promised a Nov 2024 update. But Nov came and went with no update. There are many Trails sitting on lots that dealers are unable to sell due to the recall fixes that Ford refuses to solve. At Ford, quality is job none.
Ford says lack of parts is the reason.. but Ford is quietly buying back fully completed Transit Trail vans from dealers and stripping the Trail feature off (as much as possible), then reselling these vehicles as “used” vans at different dealerships in different states. They have also been quietly changing the VIN stickers to remove the Trail options. Now, if lack of parts is the reason, then why is Ford quietly dismantling Trail vans instead of just fixing the 3 outstanding recalls?
Some one needs to buy Ford before it goes under.
Ford has NOT fixed the tire rub recall on owners’ vans. Instead, they’ve focused on fixing the ones they couldn’t sell, die to recalls. Meanwhile, us Trail owners have had active recalls on our vans for a year, with no remedy available. If the solution ends up being smaller tires, then Ford better cut a check for owners too, because the big tires are one of the main selling points.
Too bad because it needs beefier tires to offset it’s ughlee looks. It looks so rinky dink without them. What a LOSER van. Meanwhile at GMC they are bringing back the GMC Savanna and the Chevy one. Best vans EVER made.