Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2017 Ford Transit Connect with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Ford Transit Connect. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 16
3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Ford Transit Connect
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2017 Ford Transit Connect
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
824.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
618.2%
Median failure at 52,600 miles
Electrical System
515.2%
Median failure at 48,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
39.1%
Median failure at 55,200 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
39.1%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
39.1%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Steering
26.1%
Median failure at 9,800 miles
Lights
13.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.0%
Engine & Cooling
13.0%
Median failure at 67,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
15.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
15.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
527.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
633.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
527.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2017peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Ford Transit Connect
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
25V572000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Risk: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
22V413000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
21V376000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
20V305000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
20V260000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.
Risk: If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2025449122,125 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the connections inside the rearview camera. As a result, the rearview camera image may not display correctly or at all when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Note: For certain models, this recall also affects incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the rearview camera.
Recall 202424750 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles built with a panoramic vista roof, the roof glass may not be properly attached. Over time, the glass can become loose and cause wind noise and water leaks. Eventually, it could separate from the vehicle completely. Note: This recall is an expansion of Ford recall 16S35 (Transport Canada recall nos. 2016-474 and 2021-776) and 20S22 (Transport Canada recall no. 2020-204). Safety Risk: A glass roof that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof glass.
Recall 2022311362,062 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, the shift cable may detach from the transmission. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. As a result, the transmission could be in a different gear than the gear shifter indicates. If a driver attempts to exit the vehicle while the transmission is not in Park, and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move suddenly. Safety Risk: Sudden and unexpected movement of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the transmission shifter cable bushing and install a protective service cap. Ford advises that you should apply the parking brake each time the vehicle is parked.
Recall 202130914,103 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, the shift cable may detach from the transmission. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. As a result, the transmission could be in a different gear than the gear shifter indicates. If a driver attempts to exit the vehicle while the transmission is not in Park, and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could move suddenly. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L engine and 6F35 (6 speed) transmission. Safety Risk: Sudden and unexpected movement of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the transmission shifter cable bushing and install a protective service cap. Ford advises that you should apply the parking brake each time the vehicle is parked.
Recall 2020231131 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver and/or front passenger seat belt pretensioner(s) may not work as designed in a crash. Safety Risk: A seat belt pretensioner that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford dealer to inspect the production date of the driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies. If the date is within the identified range, the dealer will replace the seat belt assembly.
Recall 202020445 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles built with a panoramic vista roof, the roof glass may not be properly attached. Over time, the glass can become loose and cause wind noise and water leaks. Eventually, it could separate from the vehicle completely. Safety Risk: A glass roof that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford dealer to remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof glass.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesBurr Ridge, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in the rain, the vehicle in front of him made a sudden stop. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the other occupied vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS and the hydraulic control unit (HCU) had failed, which caused the brakes failure. The mechanic replaced the ABS module and the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Additionally, the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who updated the ABS module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11506256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 92,000 milesLa Plata, MD
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen with the message "Camera Unavailable. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSpring Hill, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera intermittently failed to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. Occasionally, the screen went black while displaying an image. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van
NHTSA complaint #11696949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van
NHTSA complaint #11696949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van
NHTSA complaint #11696949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11637932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesOrlando, FL
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11625249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesOrlando, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11625249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesEast Corinth, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the front driver’s side brakes malfunctioned, and the front driver’s side wheel failed to properly rotate. The contact later examined the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s side brake pad had become stuck to the brake rotor. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 26,000.
NHTSA complaint #11603177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes on my car would not release. After trying to repair we determined it was due to the abs module. Since the module has to be programed by a dealer to communicate with the ecm, I stopped and turned the car over to a Ford dealer. My car was built just outside a documented recall on the abs module. I told ford thir but they did not cover the repair. It is obvious another bad part got thru and my vehicle should be included. I wrote to the ntsb before, but never heard back. When ford replaced the abs module, I keep the bad part incase someone need to inspect the failed part.
NHTSA complaint #11588975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This was happened [XXX] in Mesa CO in winter storms negative temperatures and foot of heavy snow far away from anything car simultaneously looks with running engines when I went out of the car with my winter gear and telephone inside. For 4-5 hours didn’t find any body . I thinking I’m going to die. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11581610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camp Lejeune, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving my 2017 Ford Transit Connect at highway speed the panoramic sun roof and attached sun shade completely separated from the vehicle flew into the air and landed in the lanes of travel the vehicle behind me was nearly struck. This is an obvious safety issue had the glass struck another vehicle it would have likely caused serious damage and or injuries. The failure could have also caused serious injuries to the passengers to the vehicle had it been a partial separation with glass entering the passenger area. The vehicle is available for inspection until 15 Nov when the repairs will be completed. The vehicle was taken to Ford approximately 18 months ago for a wind noise complaint. The service department could not replicate the wind noise. My vehicle was not included in Ford's recall of the same model for sunroof adhesive failure. This was mentioned to the service department and I was told it was fine to continue to drive the vehicle. In the attached photos you can see signs of adhesive failure with pollen along the adhesive line. The only area that did not completely separate was as short section as noted in the pictures. The vehicle has been assessed by an insurance adjuster.
NHTSA complaint #11554570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that there was a windy sound coming from the sunroof of the vehicle. The sound had been progressing as if there was a fracture or separation between the sunroof and the roof sub frame. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, MO
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that during rainy weather, moisture was leaking into the vehicle through the top passenger’s side windshield. After the contact was involved in a crash, the leak started across the entire top of the windshield. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and paid to have the windshield sealant replaced; however, the windshield cracked during the repair and the contact was forced to pay for a new windshield. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11535107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
POWER TRAIN
Transmission keeps slipping and failing to accelerate. Feels like my van is running over rumble strips and slows the speed down. This continues to happen at many different speeds. Sometimes often and sometimes intermittently.
NHTSA complaint #11529996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,373 milesMiami, FL
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the panoramic roof panel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20S22 (Panoramic Roof Panel Repair). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,373.
NHTSA complaint #11529184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBurr Ridge, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in the rain, the vehicle in front of him made a sudden stop. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the other occupied vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS and the hydraulic control unit (HCU) had failed, which caused the brakes failure. The mechanic replaced the ABS module and the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Additionally, the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who updated the ABS module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11506256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pads do not release immediately after any braking event. Brake release happens between 10 seconds and 24 hours later. Repair work indicates problem is in the abs valve module due to contamination.
NHTSA complaint #11488497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olmsted Twp, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
HCU (hydraulic control unit) failure, causing brakes to apply without depression of the brake pedal. This occurred both at residential speeds and highway speeds. This caused brakes to over heat excessively and to dangerous levels without system warning. Failure diagnosed by ford dealership technician. Units were recalled on the 2016 Ford Transit Connects for failure unspecified and unknown if there is a relation to this issue as units were only 1 production year apart.
NHTSA complaint #11485190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chambersburg, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
On Friday the 22nd of April I was on the interstate and the vehicle began to slow down and make a scrubbing/grinding noise. I took the exit and by the time I reached the crossroad the vehicle would barely move. The brakes were almost completely locked. There was no warning and no diagnostic light was on. Luckily I was able to get off on the shoulder of the road so no one was in danger. The next day the dealer said my brake hoses had deteriorated but after replacing them the problem persisted. They now say the 'hydraulic control module' has failed. This module controls all the braking, sway control functions. There was a safety recall for this module earlier but they said my VIN was not listed in the recall. The dealer (Forrester's Lincoln 832 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, Pa 17201 717-264-4914) has ordered the replacement part. I believe that the problem may include other vehicles not included in the original recall.
NHTSA complaint #11462561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
The local Ford dealership has determined that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on the brakes is defective. In the model year 2016, this same vehicle was recalled due to a defective HCU. This vehicle probably should be added to that recall. Symptoms: The front right brake continued to produce smoke while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11440593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
I was driving on the interstate in heavy traffic. I pressed my accelerator pedal to pass a slower vehicle and the arm holding the accelerator pedal broke in two, causing me to de-accelerate rapidly and almost causing an accident. I can't believe it is made out of plastic!
NHTSA complaint #11417529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesConcord, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND SIDE DOOR . THESE DON'T LOCK AND THE WINDOWS DON'T WORK BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES. JUST STOPPED WORKING LAST WEEK AND THE SMALL FUSES ARE ALL FINE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A RECALL MATTER OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11398256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesConcord, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND SIDE DOOR . THESE DON'T LOCK AND THE WINDOWS DON'T WORK BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES. JUST STOPPED WORKING LAST WEEK AND THE SMALL FUSES ARE ALL FINE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A RECALL MATTER OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #11398256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,200 milesO Fallon, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REAR WINDOW (IN THE HATCHBACK) CRACKED AND COMPLETELY BROKE APART WHEN I CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE, HAD NOT MOVED/DRIVEN/BEEN ON IN SEVERAL HOURS. NO SIGNS OF VANDALISM/IMPACT ANY OTHER INTERFERENCE.
NHTSA complaint #11390795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.