Owners have filed 40 complaints
about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 33
Against the median year of the Ford Transit Connect. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 52
10% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
76% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 compares with every other Ford Transit Connect
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
317.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
211.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
529.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
317.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
211.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.9%
150,000+ miles
15.9%
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 2019peak 4Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2020 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202536016,575 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. 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 update the SYNC software.
Recall 202516517 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 20S60 (Transport Canada recall no. 2020-486) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L engine, there may be a problem with the programming of the powertrain control module. As a result, the engine could overheat. Safety Risk: An engine that overheats and causes engine damage could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the powertrain control module software.
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 20221511,866 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the windshield may not be properly attached. As a result, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle in a crash. Safety Risk: A windshield that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield.
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 2020486584 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L engine, there may be a problem with the programming of the Powertrain Control Module. As a result, the engine could overheat. In certain cases, this could result in engine damage. Safety Risk: Overheating that causes engine damage could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the Powertrain Control Module software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Sacramento, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure in my 2.0L Ford Transit Connect at approximately 94,000 miles. When I shift into reverse, the van sometimes drives forward instead of backing up — as if the transmission is confused or stuck in the wrong gear. Over time, reverse completely stopped working altogether. Additionally, after coming to a full stop (such as at a red light), the van occasionally stalls or becomes unresponsive when pressing the gas pedal. This creates dangerous situations in traffic. All recommended maintenance has been done on time, including a full transmission flush performed by a Ford dealer at around 80,000 miles. There were no warning lights or error messages before the issue began. After researching, I found many other Transit Connect owners with the same problem, especially in models with the 2.0L engine. This points to a potential defect in the transmission system. A full transmission replacement may be necessary, and I believe Ford should issue a recall to address this recurring failure.
NHTSA complaint #11674837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,454 milesWashington, DCCrashFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING TOO FAST WHEN MERGING, 65 MPH, THEN LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK A SAFETY BARRIER. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE CRASH, A FIRE STARTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. SEE ATTACHMENT. *TR
NHTSA complaint #11328097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103 milesWashington, DCFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AFTER THE DRIVER I STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AFTER GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY, HE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THERE WAS BARELY ANY POWER. THE VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE ACCELERATING AND WAS PUTTING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE, WHICH WAS FINE, AND THERE WERE NO BLINKING LIGHTS INDICATING ANY MALFUNCTION. THE DRIVER THEN PROCEEDED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL PUTTING. AFTER PASSING THE NEXT INTERSECTION, THE DRIVER SMELLED AN ODD FUME. THEY PULLED OVER AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS THEY PARKED THE VEHICLE, THE SMOKE TURNED BLACK. THE DRIVER THEN HURRIEDLY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOW ON FIRE AND THE DRIVER BELIEVES THEY SAW SOMETHING WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. A BYSTANDER CALLED 911 AND FAIRLY QUICKLY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11270948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
East Providence, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Intermittent Electronic issues are: 1) Rear view backup camera malfunction. Works sporadically. Camera some times clear as bell, and stays on when in drive moving forward. Other days camera fails to blue screen, then turns gray with message that camera is unavailable, contact dealership. Defect is not currently not listed for this vehicle as a recall. Definite safety hazard with camera staying on when vehicle is in drive and moving forward. 2) Auto start, stop feature was functioning when vehicle was purchased November of 2025, but as of April 2026, system began to turn itself on and off, no longer can be activated or deactivated via command button on console.
NHTSA complaint #11751874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Providence, RI
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Intermittent Electronic issues are: 1) Rear view backup camera malfunction. Works sporadically. Camera some times clear as bell, and stays on when in drive moving forward. Other days camera fails to blue screen, then turns gray with message that camera is unavailable, contact dealership. Defect is not currently not listed for this vehicle as a recall. Definite safety hazard with camera staying on when vehicle is in drive and moving forward. 2) Auto start, stop feature was functioning when vehicle was purchased November of 2025, but as of April 2026, system began to turn itself on and off, no longer can be activated or deactivated via command button on console.
NHTSA complaint #11751874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkhart, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windsheild is not properly sealed. It has caused water to leak into the vehicle. The water leaking in has caused electrical problems with the radio and backup camera. Also causing mold inside the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11737645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Hydraulic control unit pump malfunction. vehicles brakes locked up on the highway and could of caused an accident. this is a known and common issue with these vans. this type of thing shouldnt happen my vehicle has only has 67,000 miles on it. I have seen other report this issue with less miles than that. vehicle is now having the unit replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11734688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesSanborn, NY
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving in a rainstorm, rainwater poured into the vehicle from the front passenger’s side windshield. The vehicle was taken to the local Satellite Auto Glass repair shop, and it was discovered that the front windshield adhesive had failed, causing the passenger’s side front windshield to become unsecured. The contact was advised that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that several electrical features were damaged due to the water, including the audible warnings and 911 assist from the inoperable Bluetooth. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 189,000.
NHTSA complaint #11731905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cartersville, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Water leaking through front windshield. Internet shows there is a recall for improper adhesive of windshield on 2020 Transit Connect but when my 2020 Transit Connect VIN Nm0ls6e25l1446922. Was taken to Ford dealership they are advising there is no recall on my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11706609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mims, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I started experiencing a sluggishness and jerking sensation upon acceleration. I took my van to Starling Ford who diagnosed it to be a transmission issue. An estimate was given for either replacing or repairing the transmission. Shock. I took the van to Premier Auto Care, for a second opinion. They then referred me to Quality Transmission after driving the van. I asked Ford for some assistance since the quote was so much and it was out of warranty at 60,784 miles due to "wear and tear". After about a week, Ford responded with $5,984.37. I decided to have Quality Transmission replace the transmission after hearing from 2 mechanics that they had seen other Ford Transit Connect vans, with more mileage than mine, having the same transmission problems. I find it hard to believe that a transmission had to be replaced before 100,000 miles, which seems to be the magic number for miles. My van is used for personal use only.
NHTSA complaint #11693697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure in my 2.0L Ford Transit Connect at approximately 94,000 miles. When I shift into reverse, the van sometimes drives forward instead of backing up — as if the transmission is confused or stuck in the wrong gear. Over time, reverse completely stopped working altogether. Additionally, after coming to a full stop (such as at a red light), the van occasionally stalls or becomes unresponsive when pressing the gas pedal. This creates dangerous situations in traffic. All recommended maintenance has been done on time, including a full transmission flush performed by a Ford dealer at around 80,000 miles. There were no warning lights or error messages before the issue began. After researching, I found many other Transit Connect owners with the same problem, especially in models with the 2.0L engine. This points to a potential defect in the transmission system. A full transmission replacement may be necessary, and I believe Ford should issue a recall to address this recurring failure.
NHTSA complaint #11674837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pedal went down far and there was poor braking. The brake fluid was found to be leaking from the left front brake jounce hose. This was unsafe due to extended braking stop time and less braking ability. I am an ASE certified master technician and I work in a private vehicle fleet repair facility. I did not interview the driver if the BRAKE warning light came on but most likely it did due to brake fluid leaking fast from this line. We also had a failure of this type on a 2019 Ford Transit Connect which is also in our fleet. So it appears Ford has another problem with front brake jounce hose failures.
NHTSA complaint #11673142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
POWER TRAIN
My 8F35 transmission failed at 95,000 miles, a new unit was put in and that transmission failed at about 175,000 miles, a new transmission was not put in for replacement, but was rebuilt by Ford and currently I have 185,000 miles and as I slow down the transmission starts to jerk and I am slammed forward in my seat. This transmission does this everyday, without fail. Just a matter of time before this transmission fails.This transmission is acting like the last 2 transmissions that failed.
NHTSA complaint #11668747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Douglas, MA
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact discovered moisture leaking into the vehicle on the passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken to several dealers and independent mechanics who were unable to determine the source of the leak. An independent mechanic eventually discovered that the leak was coming from the windshield, which needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility); which the contact linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure,e and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no additional assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11651311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
The left front wheel locked up. The dealership first replaced the brake line. When that didn’t repair the problem they said they’d need to replace the ABS Module. The vehicle has less than 30,000 miles. Online it appears that ABS Module failure is a common problem in Ford vehicles with the 2.0 four cylinder engine dating back to 2010.
NHTSA complaint #11641040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesAshland, OR
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation leaking from the top of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11626921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
At highway speeds (55-70), light brake pressure resulted in major frontend vibration and front left caliper seized. After pulling off the road, the front left wheel rim was too hot to touch. Vibration and seized caliper could result in loss of control of vehicle while braking, especially at highway speeds. Repair shop initially replaced the caliper and overhauled the brakes. Problem was not resolved, and same symptoms recurred after less than 100 miles. Mechanic determined that Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Module had failed. No warning lights, and no inspection by anyone but my mechanic. Replacement ABS module from Ford Dealer was installed by independent mechanic and problem is resolved. Ford Dealer reported two other ABS module replacements same week as mine and internet search identified others with same problem (ABS module failure). My vehicle is four years old and has around 40,000 miles. It seems to be a premature ABS module failure causing collateral damage (e.g. caliper) with multiple reports of same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11618910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system erroneously activated causing the front driver side and the rear passenger side brakes to overheat and the vehicle to decelerate. The contact stated that after his wife exited the vehicle, she discovered smoke coming from the front driver’s side wheel well. Additionally, during the failure the Forward Collision Avoidance system warning light activated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesJefferson, GA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the brakes locked up. After releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to shake abnormally. While driving, the power steering became inoperable. The Hill Assist, traction control, and steering assist became inoperable. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact is a former mechanic and determined that the ABS module hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. When the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, there were no codes displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11587790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesJefferson, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the brakes locked up. After releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to shake abnormally. While driving, the power steering became inoperable. The Hill Assist, traction control, and steering assist became inoperable. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact is a former mechanic and determined that the ABS module hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. When the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, there were no codes displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11587790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vernon, NJ
POWER TRAIN
2020 Ford Transit Connect with 80,000 miles. Wrench light came on dashboard and car experiences some shuddering and hesitation when going uphill.Warranty expired at 60K miles Dealer says that it is a power train issue and the transmission needs to be fully replaced. There was never any type of warning that the transmission. I did have a code for a EGR valve, which was replaced. Requested Ford Goodwill assistance to pay for this expensive repair but was denied and need to replace at full cost. Vehicle has been serviced every 5,000 miles at dealership. Supposedly transmission doesn't ever need servicing. There is no dipstick to check and when I asked when it needed fluid changed, I was told it didn't. Obviously that isn't true.
NHTSA complaint #11585826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tracy, CA
POWER TRAIN
Powertrain fault Transmission torque converter clutch is not operating as expected. Transmission not shifting properly. Fixed many times and still same issue, now it needs new transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11574808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tracy, CA
ENGINE
Powertrain fault Transmission torque converter clutch is not operating as expected. Transmission not shifting properly. Fixed many times and still same issue, now it needs new transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11574808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great Falls, VA
POWER TRAIN
Bad Torque Converter - There seems to be a systemic problem with this part on Ford Transits. Ford is not standing behind their parts so we need your help please.
NHTSA complaint #11523180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesMilliken, CO
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the transmission was shifting very rough. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall regarding the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,122 milesPort Orchard, WA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the windshield was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility) but the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was unable to locate a mechanic to compete the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 31,122.
NHTSA complaint #11506041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,122 milesPort Orchard, WA
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the windshield was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility) but the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was unable to locate a mechanic to compete the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 31,122.
NHTSA complaint #11506041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adin, CA
ENGINE
While traveling at highway speed the vehicle suddenly and without any warning lost propulsion and died forcing the driver to pull over. As a result of how sudden the failure was the driver was just barely able to find a safe place to pull off the road. The vehicle would not start or run leaving the driver and his passengers stranded in the hot weather. This very easily could have resulted in an accident as the vehicle was going up hill on a mountain road with many curves. After taking the vehicle to the Ford dealership it was determined that the throttle body had failed suddenly and without warning. There were never any service lights that illuminated when the problem occurred. We are reporting so that there is a record in case this becomes a common issue with other vehicles of this type.
NHTSA complaint #11486672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.