67 of the
742 complaints filed about the Ford Transit Connect
are about the body and structure —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
On XXX at 1820 hrs CST I was traveling westbound on HWY XXX between [XXX] and Central [XXX] [XXX]. The weather was sunny, temp 88 degrees. As I was driving between 60 and 65 MPH with cars in front as well as behind me I heard a very loud “explosion” type noise. It was loud and quite scary and unexpected. The car then became very loud and windy. I was able to keep the car on the road, when I looked up I realized the panoramic window on the roof was mostly gone and damaged as well as the shade that covers the window. Looking in the rear view mirror I didn't see any other cars stopping or slowing and it appeared as if I was the only one affected. Backtracking to before my trip, I took my vehicle to Ford in [XXX] on XXX for three recall issues. Door latches, backup camera and panorama window issues. Later that day they called me to pick it up and said they had ordered parts for the recall items and would contact me when the parts were in. I advised the service tech I was going on a trip with the vehicle on XXX and needed to get things done before that time. He said the roof would need to be fixed by a glass company and they would coordinate when the other parts were installed. The vehicle went back to Sill- Terhar Ford on XXX and was returned on XXX. I asked about the window repair and was then told I would have to contact the body shop to get that work done. This work could not be done before my trip. I feel this recall is NOT been taken seriously by Ford or the dealerships and this could have killed someone behind me or I could have lost control of the vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts were damp following a rainstorm. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the door seals on both front doors were allowing water to enter the vehicle, causing the seat belts to become damp. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,838.
NHTSA complaint #11709702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in the highway, the rear passenger's side plastic sliding door panel separated from the vehicle and flew off. The contact was able to retrieve the door panel. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side plastic sliding door panel was loose. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V777000(Structure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to report a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2016 Ford Transit Connect. On four separate occasions, the rear sliding doors on both the driver and passenger sides have completely detached from the vehicle during the normal process of closing them. These incidents occurred without the application of any excessive force or unusual use. The doors unexpectedly slid off their tracks and fell from the vehicle, creating a dangerous situation. Each time this occurred, my family was left stranded, unable to complete our trip or return home safely. As a result of this repeated failure, I have avoided using one of the sliding doors for over a year out of fear that it was not properly re-secured and could fall off again. This issue represents a significant safety concern, particularly for families relying on this vehicle for daily transportation, and I believe it warrants immediate attention and investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11660784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while her husband was closing the door, he heard an abnormal sound. The driver removed the panel and located a separation. The side panels had separated, and he became aware that water was entering the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V777000 (Structure). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 133,934.
NHTSA complaint #11604010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle drover over the pump in the road and both the front driver's side and front passenger side wheel exterior fender flares along with the front grill had dislodged from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the plastic clips attaching the parts to the body of the vehicle had failed. 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 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11578744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sliding side door on passenger side of van breaks free from the detente designed to hold it in the open position causing it to violently and suddenly close if the van is parked on a grade. The safety of others is put at risk if passengers, particularly young children, are attempting to enter or exit the vehicle. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by the dealer's service department. The service representative said the dealer was not equipped to handle the problem. The vehicle or defective component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representative. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem. The issue surfaced a number of months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11574191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
contacted local ford dealership for recall repairs (Johnson City Ford). they state there are not any recalls for a 2014 ford transit connect and would not schedule the repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11556963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The driver side door latch failed. The door would not close and latch. Dealer charged $578.42 for the repair and has not reimbursed the charges per safety recall 23V502. ~ 90 days has passed since the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11556454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall Issue with Vehicle Door Latch and Delays in Repair - NHTSA Recall Number 21V376 To whom it may concern, I am writing to report a significant safety concern regarding my vehicle. Specifically, the driver's door latch is malfunctioning and no longer securely locks the door, rendering the vehicle undriveable. This issue directly aligns with the advanced recall notice identified as NHTSA Recall Number21V376 and Manufacturer Recall Number 21S24. To seek a resolution, I reached out to local Ford dealerships, but initially faced challenges in even having a conversation about potential recalls. Fortunately, Future Ford of Roseville accepted to inspect my vehicle and I delivered it to their facility on August 23rd, 2023. One of their service managers indicated that they should be able to address the problem, especially since my car exhibits the symptoms detailed in the recall notice. However, it's September 1st now, and my vehicle remains in their possession with little to no updates. The only communication I received was a work order summary. Troublingly, this document states: "FORD DECLINED AUTHORIZATION TO REPAIR AT THIS TIME" regarding the advanced recall. Attempts to discuss this update with the service manager, [XXX] , have been unproductive. She briefly left a voicemail without pertinent details and despite promising a follow-up call, failed to do so. Furthermore, I reached out to Ford corporate for clarity but to no avail. I've consistently received vague answers, with most indicating a lack of direction from Ford. This is both alarming and frustrating. I am at a loss as to why the dealership can't take an interim measure, such as replacing the defective door latch—which has been acknowledged to degrade over time—to temporarily remedy the situation. This could serve as a temporary solution until an official fix is determined. Attached is the aforementioned work order summary for your reference. I urge you to consider the safety implications of INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO
NHTSA complaint #11542177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The detent designed to hold the passenger side sliding door open has malfunctioned due to what the dealership describes as a manufacturing defect commonly found in the 2015 Ford Transit Connect XLT/LWB. Dealer states dealer is unable to correct. When parked on an incline, the sliding door can violently slide forward with a significant potential for injury to a passenger, especially a young child, entering or exiting the vehicle. Dealer suggests taking the vehicle to a body shop to correct this defect at owner's expense.
NHTSA complaint #11534491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The tailgate unlocks on its own and becomes unlatched on its own. It is unpredictable but has happened at least once when coming to a stop (still in gear) and once when sitting with the engine off, after having come to a stop. My dogs ride in the back so they could fall out of the vehicle if it occurred while driving; in addition, cargo in the back of the van could fall onto the road if the tailgate came unlatched and opened. I have not taken the van to a dealer because the nearby Ford dealership has a reputation as not being easy to work with, and I don't know who else would be qualified to work on such a problem. The "tailgate open" warnings do occur, when the door unlocks/unlatches. But the lock makes audible noises FREQUENTLY, and it's not always easy to tell if the lock has disengaged or just made a noise.
NHTSA complaint #11528359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In February 2022 the driver's side door stopped being able to latch. The door was unable to securely close. The driver's door was able to swing open on turns and the driver would be able to fall out of the vehicle during a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11476574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After having the panoramic sunroof replaced in 2019 due to a recall, the roof started leaking again causing mold to grow and making us fear for the structural integrity of the vehicle due to the possibility of unseen rust. The Service Department said it was not related to the original recall and that it was an epoxy failure. We feel this is just a continuance of the original defect and there was another recall about leaking.
NHTSA complaint #11476575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The drivers door is failing to latch. Ford Dealers have only said there were only recalls on the rear doors. My minivan has the door roped shut for the time being and it is dangerous having to unwrap the rope to exit. Also the smell of fuel inside the vehicle is pronounced and they won't repair the fuel line because I purchased the vehicle used and the previous owner didnt handle it.
NHTSA complaint #11473094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2014 Transit connect LH front door won't latch , this van has 44,000 miles on it I bought it new.. the door will fly open can not drive it like this.. the sliding doors had a recall but not the front doors. door latch fail
NHTSA complaint #11472841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The muffler split open most likely from a clog. Because of that, the exhaust was directed toward the floor of the truck instead of going out of the muffler. As a result, it burnt through the heat shield, the back of the truck, melted the wiring harness, and burned a hole straight through the fuel tank. A mechanic took out the fuel tank and when it was being dropped out fuel spilled everywhere and there was a hole in the side of the tank. Since the wiring harness was melted, there was no power and no fuel pump power. The safety of the driver was put at risk because the car could have easily started on fire, or the fuel tank could have blown up and injured the driver or worse.
NHTSA complaint #11461601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driver-side cargo door does not latch correctly and will open while the vehicle is in motion. This happens at speeds below 20 mph as well as highway speeds. Because of the repeated pressure of the door flying open, the rail is now bent and the door will fall off when opened or closed. Not only is the cargo door opening a safety issue to others driving around me as things may fall out, but the door itself may come off and cause damage to those around me
NHTSA complaint #11461466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We have a 2016 Ford Transit Connect Van with 6,700 Miles. The Windshield come out loose and it could have been fatal to the life of passengers or others on the road. We went to the dealership and got to know that Ford is aware about it but is not covered. We are paying about $650 to glue the windshield back on the Van. We are paying this for the safety of the people. This could be dangerous and can lead to accidents or deaths on the road. Please address this with Ford since our concern is not being addressed by Ford or their dealership. Seems like they are waiting for a disaster to happen! Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11459210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had been driving my car for a few minutes when I heard a loud pop and my rear window glass shattered. Covered in spider glass cracks and only held in place by the tint. No point of impact visible to show that it had been hit by an object. It was chilly, 43 F, and I had the heat/defrost on. Unfortunately, when arriving to work, I opened my sliding door look at the damage from the inside and doing so caused glass to fall out, so I have no picture of just the glass the way it was when it broke. A quick search shows this has happened to other vehicles including transit connects like mine, and caused by the heated glass.
NHTSA complaint #11438866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.