FaultScore

Ford Transit Connect window and wiper problems

76 of the 742 complaints filed about the Ford Transit Connect are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.

76

Complaints

10%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

Median failure at 83,422 miles

Median failure at 56,852 miles

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Median failure at 45,000 miles

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Median failure at 52,600 miles

Median failure at 20 miles

Median failure at 16,500 miles

Median failure at 31,122 miles

What owners said

2016 Ford Transit Connect Renton, WA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 years ago (approx.) I brought my van to Sound Ford in Renton, WA. for the windshield recall. Two employees inspected my windshield and said they could not do the recall because they found a micro-pit in the glass. They told me to get my insurance to replace the windshield. I called my insurance but they said they won't replace the windshield unless it is cracked and I would have to pay a $100 deductible and Sound Ford is off the hook to do the recall. Since then I have been waiting for a crack to form but the windshield started to leak and on gravel and dirt roads the windshield started to vibrate. The vibration got so bad I had to duct tape the windshield on and tried to stop the leak with plumbers putty. I would like Sound Ford to complete the recall with no cost to me as stated in the recall. "FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS AUTHORIZED YOUR DEALER TO RESEAL THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE PARTS AND LABOR."

NHTSA complaint #11744832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Transit Connect Crestwood, KY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The factory windshield is loose/improperly bonded causing MOLD. This problem was found when i first bought the only four year old vehicle because of a musty/moldy smell. On the way home from the dealership it happened to storm and there were a few raindrops coming in at the top center of the windshield. I also had terrible allergy symptoms and headaches after only a few minutes of driving. I peeked under part of the vinyl floor and discovered major water and mold issues. I took it to my local Ford dealership who confirmed the windshield was likely the culprit as it was very loose. I researched this online and found an auto leak specialist demonstrating this same make/year/model van that the windshield could be easily moved simply by pushing lightly on the glass from inside the cabin, showing a bonding issue. This was the case on my van as well. This is the same issue that there WAS a recall for on the previous model (there just isn't one for this model yet) The damage was extensive and very dangerous for people like me who are sensitive to mold and can cause respiratory issues. I removed the seats and floor. There was approximately half gallon of water under the vinyl floor and mold everywhere. the vinyl floor conceals the water as it is waterproof. I spent well over a week on mold mitigation with drying/contaminated part removal/disinfecting. The insulation in the footwell was soaked and full of mold as well as the open cell foam on the underside of the vinyl. The metal body parts also had mold. I reached out to Ford Customer Care who claimed there's nothing they could do to help because there are no recalls for this model. I have to pay for everything myself. The windshield was confirmed by an auto glass specialist to have been factory and an original factory bead of sealant. They also confirmed it was a bonding issue, They were able to detach and reset it PROPERLY for $424. I still have to replace the insulation and entire vinyl floor.

NHTSA complaint #11742206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Doral, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

This here is the continuation of complain # 11736595 and Ford case # 01747943. The aim is to inform NHTSA and Ford that this issue at hand is already a recall from other years on the same car model, materialized by NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192 and Ford Recall Number: 22S20. There is no need to identify if this issue can be recalled, it was already identified as necessary in the past. Yet, this one VIN here was left out from the list. The images attached here will show: water dripping from center mirror on dashboard, windshield fog on just about every morning and drive without AC and a video (available) showing windshield glass completely off from its adhesive. Solution offered is having Ford to also include this and other related VINs to its recall 22S20 or create a new near identical recall.

NHTSA complaint #11739968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Transit Connect Columbus, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Description of Defect: When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the rearview camera display freezes for several seconds before going black. This malfunction creates a direct and serious safety hazard — during the period the display is frozen, the image shown does not reflect actual real-time conditions behind the vehicle. Any pedestrian, child, or object that moves into the path of the vehicle after the display freezes will not be visible to the driver. This significantly increases the risk of a backover collision. Dealership Inspection Outcome: I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis. Upon inspection, the technician was unable to detect the diagnostic trouble code associated with Recall 25S89, and as a result, the vehicle was deemed to have passed inspection. However, the malfunction continues to occur. The failure to trigger the recall code does not resolve the underlying issue — the camera display still freezes and blacks out during reverse operation, leaving the driver without a functioning rearview safety system. Safety Concern: A rearview camera is a federally mandated safety feature. A display that intermittently freezes and then goes dark is functionally equivalent to having no camera at all during those critical moments. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a safety system failure that puts pedestrians and other individuals behind the vehicle at risk every time the vehicle is put in reverse. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Recall 25S89 adequately captures all failure modes associated with this defect, and whether vehicles that present with this symptom but do not trigger the associated diagnostic code are being improperly cleared at dealerships. A remedy should be identified and applied to all affected vehicles regardless of whether the recall code is detected during inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11737254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Doral, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I had a chat with FORD explaining the full set of details. Will need to upload chat file.

NHTSA complaint #11736595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Transit Connect at 189,000 miles Sanborn, 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.

2011 Ford Transit Connect Wadsworth, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Passenger side wiper arm came off during a recent rain storm. I have contacted my local Ford dealer and Ford Customer Service in regards to 12s36 (NHTSA #12v-374). Ford explained it effects certain model years, produced during a certain time, at a certain manufacture facility. My vehicle meets all of the parameters, yet they will not honor the recall because the vin number is not listed. Please help. It is a minor repair, yet it is obviously a manufacturer issue.

NHTSA complaint #11723576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Ford Transit Connect Kansas City, MO

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I am submitting this complaint to report an unresolved safety recall and the inability to obtain a timely inspection or repair, which I believe places me and my family at increased risk of a crash. My vehicle is a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The vehicle is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S89 and NHTSA Recall 25V572, concerning a failure of the rearview camera system. The rearview camera on my vehicle frequently displays a message stating “Rear View Camera Unavailable, Contact Ford Dealership” and then goes to a black screen. This results in a complete loss of rear visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a collision, especially involving pedestrians or other vehicles. I received the safety recall notice in September 2025. Since then, I have made numerous attempts to have the vehicle inspected and repaired. Despite repeated contact with my local dealership, has informed me that they cannot perform the inspection or recall repair because they do not have an SSCC repair procedure available and therefore cannot proceed. I have also contacted Ford Motor Company customer service by phone multiple times, but these calls have not resulted in a resolution or a clear path to getting the vehicle repaired. As a result, I am left operating a vehicle with a known safety defect and no access to the recall remedy. I am deeply concerned for my safety and the safety of my family. Operating this vehicle without a reliable rearview camera significantly increases the chance of a crash, and I believe the continued delay in providing a remedy defeats the purpose of a safety recall. I respectfully request that NHTSA document this complaint and take any appropriate action to ensure that Ford Motor Company provides a timely inspection and repair for this safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11716171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Transit Connect 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.

2016 Ford Transit Connect at 165,000 miles Greenville, TX

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the glass panel from the sunroof unexpectedly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the adhesive securing the sunroof glass had failed, causing the panel to detach. The contact was informed that the adhesive needs to be replaced to reattach the glass panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the failure had made the vehicle unsafe and that the children no longer wanted to ride in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Transit Connect at 91,387 miles Canton, GA

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at various speeds, the sunroof collapsed. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The contact noticed that the sun visor was not installed. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 91,387. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11673440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Ford Transit Connect Sacramento, CA

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V294000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that two dealers were made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there were no technicians at the dealer capable of performing the recall repair. The contact was promised a call back once a technician was able to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11655051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Transit Connect 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.

2019 Ford Transit Connect Wilmer, AL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

During a rainy day, I had water coming in from around the top driver's side windshield and from the inside light above the dash. According to my VIN there are no recalls, but apparently there have been recalls on the seal around the windshield on some. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the dealer. The problem began last month (January 2025) and each time it rains I have issues with leaking.

NHTSA complaint #11641605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Ford Transit Connect at 147,219 miles Chester, VA

VISIBILITY

The contact's employer owns a 2014 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the panoramic roof panel detached on the passenger’s side but remained attached to the driver's side. The detached panoramic roof panel struck the driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who determined that the panoramic roof panel was not adequately bonded to the vehicle. The contact was informed that the panoramic roof panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V695000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 147,219.

NHTSA complaint #11633746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Transit Connect West Palm Beach, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

dealership AL Packer Ford on 1530 N Military Trl, West palm Beach FL 33409 refuse to fix the Manufacturer Recall Number 22S20 (NHTSA Recall Number 22V192), they have to remove the windshield and resealed but they hire an company to do it, so the "company' went and check my windshield and they said they can not do it bc they find and crack(which I've never see) and the windshield can the windshield can collapse in the process, the dealer says they won't take care of the windshield if this happens, I called Ford but they say they won't take care of it either, that I can only resolve it with the dealer but they refuse to cover it, and it's not my fault that they used the wrong adhesive for the windshield and now they have to remove it, they recommended that I talk to my insurance but insurance won't cover it and it's crazy that they won't cover it when it's their fault, how do they know that the windshield doesn't have the crack because of the defect in the adhesive

NHTSA complaint #11631497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Transit Connect at 19,000 miles Ashland, 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.

2017 Ford Transit Connect at 50,000 miles Orlando, 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.

2016 Ford Transit Connect Worcester, MA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Ford Transit Connect passenger van with a panoramic view roof window. Driving on the highway, when air starting rushing into the cabin via the glass roof. I was able to pull over before the whole panel blew off. The Front (leading) edge of the glass roof panel is now loose. I can push up on the glass panel and the front edge comes up at least a 1/2 inch now. Ford has a recall listed on the roof panel aleady, but they say my car is not covered by the recall. Campaign/NHTSA# 20S22/20V260 Issue Date 2020-05-08 Description On your vehicle, the panoramic roof glass panel may not be properly bonded to the vehicle, which may result in wind noise, water leaks, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle. Safety Risk This may result in separation of the entire panoramic roof panel from the vehicle while driving increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Remedy Parts are now available to repair your vehicles. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof glass free of charge (parts and labor).

NHTSA complaint #11584896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Transit Connect Lincoln, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

My windshield is leaking and has been leaking since manufacturing. The windshield is flexing and is missing the adhesive along the top. Caused electrical damage to the car.

NHTSA complaint #11577242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford Transit Connect problems