Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD

2015 Ford Transit ConnectRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 66 owner complaints for the 2015 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve structure (13) and latches/locks/linkages (10). The EPA rates it 23–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23–25mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest Oct 2026
Owner complaints
66
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: camera

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Transit Connect vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 25V572. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Back over preventionReported Oct 6, 2026NHTSA 26V650000

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Back over preventionReported Sep 4, 2025NHTSA 25V572000

Latches

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Jul 21, 2023NHTSA 23V502000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

66 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2016 – Jul 2026
  1. Structure13
  2. Latches/locks/linkages10
  3. Power train9
  4. Engine6
  5. Steering5
  6. Back over prevention4
  7. Electrical system4
  8. Exterior lighting3
  9. Visibility/wiper2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Transit Connect model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201042
201124
201226
201332
2014127
201566
2016104
201728
201822
201951
202032
202112
20226
20231
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

13 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while her husband was closing the door, he heard an abnormal sound. The driver removed the panel and located a separation. The side panels had separated, and he became aware that water was entering the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V777000 (Structure). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 133,934.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2024StructureODI 11604010

Latches/locks/linkages

10 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), 23V502000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), and 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs regarding the latches, locks, and linkages. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025Latches/locks/linkages, Back over preventionODI 11693357

Power train

9 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 21V376000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the gear shifter seized and the vehicle rolled forward, crashing into a brick wall and damaging the front driver side. The failure recurred after the contact had unloaded the vehicle and the emergency brake was engaged. The contact disengaged the emergency brake and tried to shift gear when the gear shifter seized and the vehicle rolled down the driveway. The contact had to reapply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a tow. The rear passenger sliding door would also detach from the sliding base. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2021Power trainCrash reportedODI 11436070
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Transit Connect Van 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$2,550356
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$2,550357
Transit Connect Van 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212824$2,700376
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800386
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800393
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
—/ 5
Not rated
Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
Not rated
Rollover risk
0.0%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 9277Vehicle 9276
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2015 Transit Connect questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Transit Connect have?

11 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 Ford Transit Connect problems?

Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (13), latches/locks/linkages (10), power train (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Ford Transit Connect get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Ford Transit Connect at 23–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

How safe is the 2015 Ford Transit Connect?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Ford Transit Connect 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026