2020 FORD Transit Connect Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

8 complaints

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.

Jul 20, 2025

Crash: 1

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.

Jun 23, 2025

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.

Apr 29, 2024

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.

May 22, 2023

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.

Feb 28, 2023

+ 3 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

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.

Oct 15, 2025

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

Jun 10, 2020

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

FAILURE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 8000 MILES

Mar 10, 2020

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.

Oct 25, 2019

Fire: 1

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

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.

Jul 13, 2025

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.

Feb 06, 2025

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.

Oct 09, 2024

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

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.

Mar 28, 2025

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.

Nov 22, 2024

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.

Feb 07, 2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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.

Dec 22, 2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

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.

Sep 09, 2024

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

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.

May 09, 2024

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Mar 01, 2024

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Sep 27, 2022

POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

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

Aug 08, 2022

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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.

Mar 01, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

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.

Dec 24, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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.

Aug 02, 2020

4.3/5.0

94 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2020 FORD Transit Connect, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2020 FORD Transit Connect for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2020 FORD Transit Connect 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2020 FORD Transit Connect VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2020 FORD Transit Connect Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2020 FORD Transit Connect dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your FORD dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 FORD Transit Connect have?

The 2020 FORD Transit Connect currently has 27 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2020 FORD Transit Connect?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 FORD Transit Connect are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2020 FORD Transit Connect problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 FORD Transit Connect comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2020 FORD Transit Connect?

You can report safety problems with your 2020 FORD Transit Connect directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2020 FORD Transit Connect VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2020 FORD Transit Connect reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2020 FORD Transit Connect. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.