Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD

2020 Ford Transit ConnectRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve power train (10) and service brakes (4). The EPA rates it 22–26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–26mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Jun 2025
Owner complaints
32
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Back over prevention: software

Free remedy

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.

Back over preventionReported Jun 27, 2025NHTSA 25V442000

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Mar 28, 2025NHTSA 25V196000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Remedy pending

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.

Power trainReported Jun 10, 2022NHTSA 22V413000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

32 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2019 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train10
  2. Service brakes4
  3. Visibility4
  4. Forward collision avoidance3
  5. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  6. Engine2
  7. Vehicle speed control2
  8. Electrical system1
  9. Back over prevention1

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
2014128
201566
2016104
201728
201822
201951
202032
202112
20226
20231
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

10 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2025Power trainCrash reportedODI 11674837

Service brakes

4 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Service brakesODI 11734688

Visibility

4 reports
“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 and 911 assist from the inoperable Bluetooth. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 189,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 17, 2026VisibilityODI 11731905
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · 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 28, 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 Wagon LWB FFV
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
242926$2,450344
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
242926$2,450344
Transit Connect Van 2WD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
242725$2,550353
Transit Connect Van FFV
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
242725$2,550353
Transit Connect USPS
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202722$2,900397
Transit Connect Van 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202722$2,900397
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900404
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 14904Vehicle 14903
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

2020 Transit Connect questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have?

8 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 2020 Ford Transit Connect problems?

Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (10), service brakes (4), visibility (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Ford Transit Connect at 22–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026