2017 Ford Transit Connect Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
38/100
#9 most-complained of 14 Transit Connect years
The 2017 Ford Transit Connect has 28 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 38, and ranks 9th worst out of 14 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Transit Connect years. Brakes and visibility/wiper issues (including a panoramic roof recall) are the top concerns.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
Top 2017 Ford Transit Connect problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes8 (29%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (21%)
- Electrical System5 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (11%)
- Other3 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (11%)
- Engine2 (7%)
- Steering2 (7%)
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to respond quickly enough during sudden stops, in one case leading to a rear-end crash in rainy conditions.
- Owners describe a complete or partial loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle hard to control at highway speed.
- A humming noise from the front wheel area, linked to a suspected bad bearing, was noticed around 42,000 miles.
- Electrical glitches include door latches and locks that stop working, delayed console displays, windows rolling down on their own with the remote key, and interior lights that fail to shut off.
- The rear hatch window has been reported to crack and break apart on its own while the vehicle sat parked.
- One owner reported the accelerator pedal arm breaking while driving, causing sudden deceleration in traffic.
2017 Ford Transit Connect recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
- NHTSA 24V294000Apr 26, 2024Visibility & Wipers1,315 vehicles
Visibility:fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Risk: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S29.
- NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
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. 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.
2017 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Transit Connect years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2017 Transit Connect has 28 complaints and a Complaint Index of 38, ranking 9th worst of 14 model years, which earns it a "Good" verdict compared to other Transit Connect years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford Transit Connect?
- Brakes make up 29% of complaints (8 total, median mileage 53,000), followed by visibility and wiper issues at 21% (6 complaints) and electrical system problems at 18% (5 complaints).
- Does the 2017 Ford Transit Connect have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Transit Connect, covering the rearview camera, panoramic roof bonding, shifter cable bushing, and seat belt pretensioners.
- How does the 2017 Transit Connect compare to other years?
- The 2017 model's Complaint Index of 38 is much lower than 2014 (100), 2016 (92), and 2015 (85), all rated "Avoid," making 2017 one of the better years for this model.