Is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Ford Transit Connect is rated "better than typical".

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

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2020 Ford Transit Connect

▲ Better than typical

2020 Ford Transit Connect
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:11.864Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2020: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	42
2011	24
2012	26
2013	32
2014	128
2015	66
2016	104
2017	28
2018	22
2019	52
2020	31
2021	12
2022	6
2023	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

32% · 10 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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 â as if the transmission is confused or stuck in the wrong gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-20

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-01

Also filed under Engine

Visibility

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing windshield.

Service brakes

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Forward collision avoidance

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

Vehicle speed control

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

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2020-09-23Power train20V550000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2020-11-10Engine and engine cooling, power train20V636000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2021-02-18Air bags20V791000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2021-06-30Power train21V376000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2022-05-11Visibility22V192000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2022-10-27Power train22V413000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2025-04-21Power train25V196000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V-636.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2025-09-04Back over prevention25V442000 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,...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Ford Transit Connect — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 20V550000 · Power train
Recall 20V636000 · Engine and engine cooling, power train
Recall 20V791000 · Air bags
Recall 21V376000 · Power train
Recall 22V192000 · Visibility
Recall 22V413000 · Power train
Recall 25V196000 · Power train
Recall 25V442000 · Back over prevention

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

201332

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Ford Transit Connect is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.