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2020 Ford Transit Connect problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Ford Transit Connect has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 32owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 21%fail the UK MOT
32 complaints, against an average of 47 for the other 10 Ford Transit Connect model years.
Every Ford Transit Connect model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
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What goes wrong with the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
The components named most often in the 32 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Ford Transit Connect owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 32 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2020 Ford Transit Connect been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Software 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 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.
Risk: An engine that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Visibility: Windshield 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.
Risk: During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module 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."
Risk: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System 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.
Risk: If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATransit Courier: Diesel DV-Neo Engine Coolant Pump Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been repaired using a coolant pump with a potential issue. This issue may lead to incorrect engine timing resulting in an engine failure causing a sudden loss of power without prior warning. The engine cannot be restarted.
Fix: Check and replace the water pump and timing belt if necessary.
UK DVSA25C74 Transit Connect Tourneo Connect - Position Lights Not Operating Correctly
Risk: Affected vehicles may not have the remedy for recall 22C32 installed correctly. These vehicles may still have the incorrect configuration loaded onto the Body Control Module which may prevent the position lights from functioning as intended.
Fix: Update the Daytime Running Lamps configuration and perform a software verification procedure.
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles an incorrect configuration was loaded onto the Body Control Module (BCM).
Risk: On certain vehicles an incorrect configuration was loaded onto the Body Control Module (BCM).
Fix: Update the Daytime Running Lamps software configuration.
UK DVSASudden loss of brake performance
Risk: The brake booster diaphragm plate can crack causing the internal membrane to split and leading to sudden loss of brake performance.
Fix: Replace the brake booster (servo).
EU Safety GateThe diesel particulate filter (DPF) may be cracked on 2.0 l EcoBlue Diesel and 1.5 l EcoBlue vehicles.This could cause the vehicles to fail the legally required roadworthiness test, as exhaust emissions of soot may be above the authorised limit.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe selector lever may malfunction, leading to unintentional movements of the vehicle.These movements of the vehicle will increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing issue, the brake booster can be assembled with too much pressure applied to the diaphragm plate.As a result, the diaphragm plate can crack, causing the internal membrane to split. This will lead to a sudden loss of brake performance, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/02/2020
How often does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Ford Transit Connect owners report?
12 of the 32 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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 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…
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…
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.
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
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.
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…
2020 Ford Transit Connect: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect; the most common categories were power train (10, 31.3%), service brakes (6, 18.8%), visibility (4, 12.5%). There are 8 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
Across 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (31.3% of complaints), service brakes (18.8% of complaints), visibility (12.5% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (9.4% of complaints), engine (6.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect; the most recent (campaign 25V442000, 2025-06-27) concerns Back Over Prevention: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2020 Ford Transit Connect had transmission failures?
5 of the 32 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect (15.6%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. 4 related recalls exist: campaign 25V196000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)). The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11668747, June 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
4 of the 32 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect (12.5%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11734688, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Ford Transit Connect smell of burning or smoke?
3 of the 32 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect (9.4%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11270948, October 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Transit Connect
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2020 only. How these reports are made.