2020 Ford Transit Connect Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Ford Transit Connect has a complaint index of 69, ranking 5th worst among 14 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Transmission & Powertrain problems are the top concern, cited in 10 of 32 complaints, with 8 recalls issued.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 69/100
- #5 of 14 Transit Connect years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 24 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Ford Transit Connect problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (31%)
- Brakes7 (22%)
- Other5 (16%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (16%)
- Engine4 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (13%)
- Airbags1 (3%)
- Electrical System1 (3%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- Lane Departure1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission sometimes drives forward when shifted into reverse, or reverse stops working entirely.
- Transmission can overheat repeatedly, triggering warning lights and cutting vehicle power, with gear changes happening at the wrong RPM.
- Vehicle can suddenly lose propulsion and stall at highway speed with no warning.
- Pre-collision assist warning appears on the dash and coincides with the transmission fluctuating between gears and refusing to accelerate properly.
- Windshields have leaked after being installed with inadequate adhesion, and some owners reported the recall repair was never completed.
- Brakes have locked up at highway speed, followed by abnormal vehicle shaking and loss of power steering.
2020 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 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.
2020 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.
2020 compared with other Transit Connect years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Transit Connect a Caution verdict, with a complaint index of 69 and 32 complaints logged, ranking it 5th worst out of 14 model years for this model.
- What are the main problems with the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues lead, making up 31% of complaints (10 of 32), with a median failure mileage of 58,500. Brakes follow at 22% and Visibility & Wipers at 16%.
- Does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have a transmission recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists multiple Transmission & Powertrain recalls tied to this year, including PCM software fail-safe temperature issues (20V636000, later reworked under 25V196000) and a shifter cable bushing recall (21V376000).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Transit Connect have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2020 Transit Connect, covering transmission/powertrain, airbags, windshield adhesion, and collision-avoidance camera software, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2020 model compare to other Transit Connect years?
- The 2020 model ranks 5th worst of 14 years with a complaint index of 69. Years like 2018, 2021, and 2022 score much lower (23, 0, and 8) and earn Best verdicts, while 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 are rated Avoid.