2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT Complaints and Recall Information
The 2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 5 complaints and 42 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the transmission system, including failures and irregular shifting. Complaints also include problems with brake components, moisture leaks, and ABS module malfunctions.
Common Issues
- Transmission failure. Multiple owners report transmission failures between 94,000 and 175,000 miles, with symptoms such as jerking during slow deceleration, stalling, and reverse gear malfunction.
- Brake system problems. Complaints include brake pedal travel too far and brake fluid leaks from the left front brake jounce hose, resulting in reduced braking ability and increased stopping distances.
- ABS module malfunction. Owners report left front wheel lockup possibly linked to ABS module failure, requiring module replacement after brake line repairs did not resolve the issue.
- Windshield leaks. Moisture leaks on the passenger side due to inadequate windshield adhesion were identified, requiring windshield replacement despite unclear recall status for individual VINs.
The vehicle has 42 recalls that address various safety and performance-related defects affecting multiple systems. These recalls include issues with transmission shift linkage, powertrain control modules, windshield adhesion, and automatic transmission control software. The scope of recalls covers software updates, component replacements, and inspections.
Recalls
- Back over prevention software. NHTSA recall 25V442000 affects 200,186 vehicles due to a software error that may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or remain on after backing. This reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk. Dealers will update the software free of charge.
- Transmission control module software. Recall 25V196000 covers 152 vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V636. Software settings for temperature thresholds may delay engine cooling and cause overheating risk, which increases fire hazard. Dealers will update the PCM software at no cost.
- Shift linkage bushings. Recall 22V413000 affects 2,925,968 vehicles where degraded or detached bushings may prevent proper gear selection and cause unintended vehicle movement or rolling. Dealers will replace bushings and add protective caps free of charge.
- Windshield adhesion defect. Recall 22V192000 involves 39,720 vehicles where windshields with inadequate adhesion may detach during crashes, increasing injury risk. Dealers will inspect and reinstall or replace affected windshields without charge.
- Passenger and driver air bag inflator modules. Recall 20V791000 applies to 12 vehicles with missing first-stage booster propellant and sleeves in frontal air bags, impairing deployment and increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace affected modules free of charge.
- Shift linkage and gear position indication. Recall 21V376000 affects 192,080 vehicles with 2.5L engines. Shift cable bushings may degrade or detach causing gear selection problems and rollaway risk. Dealers will replace bushings and add protective caps at no cost.
- Transmission control module software overheating risk. Recall 20V636000 covers 2,903 vehicles where PCM software temperature thresholds can delay cooling and cause engine overheating that may result in fire risk. Dealers will update software free of charge.
- Start/stop accumulator bolts. Recall 20V550000 includes 97 vehicles where missing or loose bolts could cause transmission fluid leaks and loss of transmission function, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace the accumulator free of charge.
Owners dealing with repeated transmission failures, brake system defects, or unresolved recall issues should consider their rights under state lemon laws. Such laws may provide remedies for vehicles with persistent safety or performance problems despite repair attempts.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT Summary
2020
Model Year
5
Total Complaints
8
Total Recalls
3361118
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
200186 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
152 vehicles affected
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
2925968 vehicles affected
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
39720 vehicles affected
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
192080 vehicles affected
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
97 vehicles affected
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
2903 vehicles affected
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
12 vehicles affected
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.
Complaints
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
ID: 2111499POWER TRAIN
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
ID: 2108994SERVICE BRAKES
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
ID: 2102689POWER TRAIN
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
ID: 2077720VISIBILITY
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.
2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
ID: 2062739SERVICE BRAKES
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.