2019 Ford Transit Connect Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
77/100
#4 most-complained of 14 Transit Connect years
The 2019 Ford Transit Connect ranks 4th worst out of 14 model years, with a complaint index of 77 and 8 recalls. Transmission & Powertrain issues drive 47% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 for the year overall and 83,000 for transmission complaints specifically.
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 24 city / 27 hwy
Top 2019 Ford Transit Connect problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (47%)
- Brakes19 (37%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (12%)
- Other6 (12%)
- Electrical System5 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (8%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Engine1 (2%)
- Lane Departure1 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
What owners report
- Transmission gets stuck in a single gear or stops responding, sometimes requiring a full stop and restart to regain drive.
- Owners report the transmission developed a fluid leak and cooked internal components, leading to full transmission replacement.
- Brake pedal is depressed but the van lunges forward briefly before slowing to a stop, with no warning lights present.
- Pre-collision assist activates on its own without any obstacle present, accompanied by an abnormal buzzing noise.
- Windshield wipers and rear camera malfunction intermittently, including a case where the windshield itself detached and needed reinstallation.
- Frontal airbags failed to deploy during a side and frontal impact crash despite the collision sensor triggering an automatic 911 call.
2019 Ford Transit Connect recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 25V196000Mar 28, 2025Transmission & Powertrain152 vehicles
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.
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.
- 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.
2019 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2019 compared with other Transit Connect years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
- Compared to other Transit Connect model years, 2019 ranks 4th worst out of 14 years tracked, with a complaint index of 77 and a verdict of Avoid. Transmission & Powertrain problems account for 47% of its complaints.
- What problems does the 2019 Ford Transit Connect have?
- NHTSA complaints center on Transmission & Powertrain (47% of complaints, median failure mileage 83,000) and Brakes (37% of complaints, median failure mileage 19,500), plus smaller numbers involving collision avoidance cameras and electrical systems.
- Does the 2019 Ford Transit Connect have transmission recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists multiple Transmission & Powertrain recalls covering the 2019 Transit Connect, including PCM software fail-safe issues (recalls 20V636000 and 25V196000), a shifter cable bushing recall (21V376000), and a related 2022 shift bushing recall (22V413000).
- How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Transit Connect have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2019 Transit Connect, none of them classified as do-not-drive recalls, spanning transmission, airbag, wiper/roof, and camera components.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect?
- EPA rates the 2019 Transit Connect at 25 mpg combined (24 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.