Below are recalls and complaints reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect. This information is consumer-reported and provided for general informational purposes only. Vehicles like this may qualify under California lemon law depending on their individual repair history.
The following recalls were reported to NHTSA. A recall does not by itself establish that any individual vehicle is defective.
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.
Reported consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Reported consequence: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay the fail-safe cooling strategy in the event of coolant loss and result in engine overheating.
Reported consequence: If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S60.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V-636. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay engine cooling and result in engine overheating.
Reported consequence: An engine that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S32.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Reported consequence: Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Reported consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
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.
Reported consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
Reported consequence: During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S20.
The following are consumer-reported complaints filed with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations and are not proof that any defect exists.
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 #11674837
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 #11668747
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 #11585826
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 #11523180
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 #11509576
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and an appointment was scheduled for the recall repair. The contact arrived for the appointment but was informed that the appointment was canceled. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle back once he experienced the failure stated in the recall. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA #11481024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the message "Pro-Collision Assistant is Unable" was displayed. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed and the contact continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred on four different occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
NHTSA #11483077
Transmission failed with only 17,000 miles (mostly highway) on the car. The car did not move forward from a parked location. It only moved in reverse. It had to be towed to the nearest dealership and when they examined it, it did not move in reverse either. Even though it is under warranty, the dealers are taking a long time to repair the car.
NHTSA #11451925
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 #11737645
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 #11693697
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*DT
NHTSA #11328097
FAILURE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 8000 MILES
NHTSA #11317230
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 #11270948
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 #11734688
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 #11673142
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 #11641040
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 #11618910
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 #11731905
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 #11626921
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 #11506041
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 #11651311
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 #11706609
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 #11613513
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 #11587790
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 #11574808
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 #11486672
Three summers in a row now the transmission "overheats" causing warning lights and errors to pop up while driving, then going away. Sometimes disabling vehicle power altogether. When control does come back, transmission gear changes happen at the wrong rpm , stuttering the vehicle and making erratic driving behavior. Ford ignored my requests to investigate for two years, and now that it's out of warranty, tell me I need to pay them to install a brand new transmission
NHTSA #11478261
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
NHTSA #11454671
ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE DASH INDICATOR STATED AS FOLLOWS: "PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE". WHEN THIS ERROR MESSAGE APPEARS, THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO FLUCTUATE BETWEEN GEARS, AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS AS IF THE PRE-COLLISION ALERT IS ENGAGING OR ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE, BUT DOES NOT HOWEVER, STOP THE VEHICLE, RATHER, THE VEHICLE HESITATINGLY OR HALTINGLY WILL NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY UPON PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ON BOTH OCCASIONS , I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE LOCATION, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON AGAIN. IT SEEMS AS IF THE COMPUTER MODULE IS RESET UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AGAIN, IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. HOWEVER, THE MOST RECENT INSTANCE OF THIS PROBLEM, UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON, THE ERROR MESSAGE DISAPPEARED, AND THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL, BUT THE YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON, UNTIL RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY.
NHTSA #11384813
ON SATURDAY AUGUST 1, 2020, ME AND MY WIFE DROVE A CAR AFTER WORK AROUND 6:30PM. THIS FORD TRANSIT CONNECT HAS BEEN DRIVING A MONTH SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. WHEN WE TOOK ON THE ROAD WITH AROUND 30MILES SPEED 10MINUTES AFTER WE LEFT, SUDDENLY A WARNING MESSAGE CAME UP SAID THAT "PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE". AS WE SAW THE MESSAGE WE HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE, WE SLIGHTLY REDUCED A SPEED BELOW 25MILES AND KEPT DRIVING. WE SLOWLY PUSH AN ACCELERATOR TO SPEED UP AGAIN, HOWEVER SUDDENLY WE HEARD CLUNK SOUND, AND THE CAR SHOOK BACK AND FORTH. RPM INDICATOR MOVE ABNORMALLY. WE TRIED TO FIND A RIGHT PLACE FOR PULLING OFF A CAR, HOWEVER WE COULDN'T FIND IT IMMEDIATELY. AROUND 3 MILES DROVE, WE PULL OFF A CAR AND TURNED ENGINE OFF. AFTER A WHILE, TURN IT ON AGAIN. A WARNING MESSAGE IS STILL ON. A CAR STILL SHOOK BACK AND FORTH WHILE WE DROVE AND RETURN TO HOME.
NHTSA #11342857
If your 2020 Ford Transit Connect has had repeated repairs for the same problem, you may have rights under California lemon law. Tell us about it and we will review your situation at no cost and no obligation.
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The recalls and complaints shown here are reported to NHTSA and are consumer-reported, unverified allegations. They do not establish that any defect exists in any individual vehicle, and nothing on this page should be read as asserting that the 2020 Ford Transit Connect is defective. Counts reflect items filed with NHTSA and may not be current. “May qualify” statements are general and do not mean any particular vehicle or owner qualifies.
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