Complaints about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect peaked in 2025, with 7 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Van, gasoline, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in Spain. Owner complaints on file from Oct 25, 2019 to Sep 1, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-442 | Jun 27, 2025 | 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 | Back-over prevention | 200,237 | Software update |
| 25V-196 | Mar 28, 2025 | Powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine | Powertrain | 152 | Software update |
| 22V-413 | Jun 10, 2022 | Bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach | Powertrain | 2,925,968 | Part replacement |
| 22V-192 | Mar 25, 2022 | Front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure | Visibility and wipers | 39,720 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-376 | May 24, 2021 | Bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach | Powertrain | 192,080 | Part replacement |
| 20V-791 | Dec 17, 2020 | Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve | Airbags | 12 | Part replacement |
| 20V-636 | Oct 15, 2020 | Powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine | Engine and cooling | 2,903 | Software update |
| 20V-550 | Sep 10, 2020 | Start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts | Powertrain | 97 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
32 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while attempting to pull into a parking lot, the brakes locked up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were made to forcefully engage and unlock the brakes. After restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brakes slowly released after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve assembly modulator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,484.
NHTSA complaint 11761397Intermittent 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 11751874The 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 11737645ABS 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 11734688The 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 11731905Water 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 11706609I 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 11693697Transmission 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 11674837The 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 11673142My 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 11668747The 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 11651311The 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 11641040The 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 11626921At 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 11618910The 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 11613513The 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 115877902020 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 11585826Powertrain 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 11574808Bad 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 11523180The 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 11509576Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.