Ford Transit Connect years to avoid (and the best years)
554 NHTSA owner complaints and 30 recalls across 11 model years, 2010 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 554complaints
- 30recalls
- 20reported crashes
- 6reported fires
- 13reported injuries
Which Ford Transit Connect years should you avoid?
No Ford Transit Connect model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Ford Transit Connect year has 32 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2014 (127), 2016 (104) and 2015 (66).
What are the best Ford Transit Connect years?
The Ford Transit Connect years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (22), 2011 (24) and 2012 (26). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 32 | 1.0× | 8 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2019 | 51 | 1.6× | 8 | 2 | 1 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2018 | 22 | 0.7× | 6 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2017 | 28 | 0.9× | 6 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2016 | 104 | 3.2× | 10 | 1 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Wipers and visibility |
| 2015 | 66 | 2.1× | 10 | 3 | 4 | Some concerns to check | Body and structure |
| 2014 | 127 | 4.0× | 15 | 3 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Body and structure |
| 2013 | 32 | 1.0× | 4 | 3 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2012 | 26 | 0.8× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Wipers and visibility |
| 2011 | 24 | 0.8× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Wipers and visibility |
| 2010 | 42 | 1.3× | 2 | 4 | 2 | Few red flags | Brakes |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 98 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain37 (38%)
- Structure & body24 (24%)
- Brakes16 (16%)
- Electrical & infotainment12 (12%)
- Steering, suspension & tires5 (5%)
Recalls (30)
Safety · 25V572000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V442000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2018, 2019, 2020
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.
Transmission · 25V196000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2019, 2020
An engine that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 24V294000 · Apr 2024 · model years 2017, 2018, 2019
A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V502000 · Jul 2023 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
An unlatched door can open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
Transmission · 22V413000 · Jun 2022 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
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.
Body & glass · 22V192000 · Mar 2022 · model years 2016, 2020
During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 21V977000 · Dec 2021 · model year 2014
Panoramic roof panel separation while driving can increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Transmission · 21V376000 · May 2021 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
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.
Airbags · 20V791000 · Dec 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine · 20V636000 · Oct 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Transmission · 20V550000 · Sep 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
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.
Safety · 20V331000 · Jun 2020 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Seat belts · 20V305000 · May 2020 · model years 2016, 2017
In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 20V260000 · May 2020 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Safety · 19V229000 · Mar 2019 · model year 2018
In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Engine · 17V209000 · Mar 2017 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Body & glass · 16V695000 · Sep 2016 · model year 2014
If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 16V643000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Brakes · 16V482000 · Jun 2016 · model year 2016
If the brake HCU pump is contaminated, the performance of the electronic stability control and related brake systems may degrade, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V406000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Seat belts · 15V050000 · Jan 2015 · model year 2014
If the seat belt anchorage fasteners loosen over time, there is an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V005000 · Jan 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 14V777000 · Dec 2014 · model year 2014
If the plastic sliding door panel separates while driving, it can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Safety · 14V706000 · Nov 2014 · model year 2013
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Fuel system · 14V703000 · Nov 2014 · model year 2014
Contact between the two lines may result in abrasion and a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 14V406000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
Without the correct brake reservoir label on the cap someone may add the wrong brake fluid, causing damage to the brake system seals, resulting in brake fluid leaks, lengthened stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 12V374000 · Aug 2012 · model years 2011, 2012
If the wiper arm detaches, the windshield wiper will fail and the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 12V169000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2010
A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIRS OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
Structure · 10V316000 · Jul 2010 · model year 2010
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, AN OCCUPANT COULD BE AT AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.