2020 Ford Transit Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Ford Transit, 21% of all complaints filed for the year. Failures center on transmission replacement, rough shifting, and driveshaft issues, with a median failure mileage of 87,000. A related recall (21V978000) covers loose driveshaft bolts on AWD models.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 18
- 21% of 84
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 87,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Transmission slips or hesitates before jolting forward when accelerating from a stop.
- Vehicle loses power or shifts violently while driving, sometimes accompanied by rough or delayed shifting into higher gears.
- Owners report full transmission replacement or torque converter replacement after coolant leaks or internal failure.
- Front and rear driveshaft components have broken apart while driving, requiring towing.
- Vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds around 65 to 70 mph and pulls to the right at lower speeds.
When 2020 Ford Transit transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 30, 2021, latest Sep 17, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Ford Transit
- NHTSA 21V978000Dec 16, 2021Transmission & Powertrain4,548 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Transit vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD). The bolts that attach the rear driveshaft to the transfer case may become loose or damaged, which can result in separation of the driveshaft from the transfer case.
Risk: Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. If any loose bolts are found, the driveshaft, attachment hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S54.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Transit model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems in the 2020 Ford Transit?
- NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Transit, making up 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall on the 2020 Ford Transit?
- Yes. Recall 21V978000 covers AWD Transit vans where the bolts attaching the rear driveshaft to the transfer case may loosen or become damaged. Dealers inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts, and the driveshaft and hardware if needed.
- At what mileage do 2020 Transit transmission problems usually show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 87,000 at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- What transmission symptoms do 2020 Transit owners report?
- Owners describe rough or delayed shifting, sudden jolts from a stop, loss of power while driving, high-speed shaking, and full transmission or driveshaft replacements.