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2020 Ford Transit Connect problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Ford Transit Connect is transmission and drivetrain. Its complaint count is close to a typical Transit Connect model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
66/100
Owner complaints
32
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
93
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
22-26mpg

The worst 2020 Ford Transit Connect problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    10
  • Brakes
    6
  • Driver assistance
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Transmission failure 6

Recalls 8

Back over prevention: softwareReported June 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 25V442000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported March 28, 2025 · 152 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 25V196000 · Recall details

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rodReported June 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 22V413000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshieldReported March 25, 2022 · 39,720 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
Risk
During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S20.

Recall number 22V192000 · Recall details

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rodReported May 24, 2021 · 192,080 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. 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, causing 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 underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.

Recall number 21V376000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported December 17, 2020 · 12 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.

Recall number 20V791000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported October 15, 2020 · 2,903 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay the fail-safe cooling strategy in the event of coolant loss and result in engine overheating.
Risk
If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S60.

Recall number 20V636000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported September 10, 2020 · 97 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Risk
Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.

Recall number 20V550000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect 93

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 93 bulletins for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

2020 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD2427-2925-26
2.5L 4‑cylFWD2026-2722

What 2020 Ford Transit Connect owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Brakes · 61,484 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while attempting to pull into a parking lot, the brakes locked up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were made to forcefully engage and unlock the brakes. After restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brakes slowly released after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve assembly modulator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,484.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · RI

Intermittent Electronic issues are: 1) Rear view backup camera malfunction. Works sporadically. Camera some times clear as bell, and stays on when in drive moving forward. Other days camera fails to blue screen, then turns gray with message that camera is unavailable, contact dealership. Defect is not currently not listed for this vehicle as a recall. Definite safety hazard with camera staying on when vehicle is in drive and moving forward. 2) Auto start, stop feature was functioning when vehicle was purchased November of 2025, but as of April 2026, system began to turn itself on and off, no longer can be activated or deactivated via command button on console.

Filed May 13, 2026 · IN

The windsheild is not properly sealed. It has caused water to leak into the vehicle. The water leaking in has caused electrical problems with the radio and backup camera. Also causing mold inside the vehicle.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Brakes · OH

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Visibility · 189,000 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V192000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 189,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Visibility · GA

Water leaking through front windshield. Internet shows there is a recall for improper adhesive of windshield on 2020 Transit Connect but when my 2020 Transit Connect VIN Nm0ls6e25l1446922. Was taken to Ford dealership they are advising there is no recall on my vehicle.

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · FL

I started experiencing a sluggishness and jerking sensation upon acceleration. I took my van to Starling Ford who diagnosed it to be a transmission issue. An estimate was given for either replacing or repairing the transmission. Shock. I took the van to Premier Auto Care, for a second opinion. They then referred me to Quality Transmission after driving the van. I asked Ford for some assistance since the quote was so much and it was out of warranty at 60,784 miles due to "wear and tear". After about a week, Ford responded with $5,984.37. I decided to have Quality Transmission replace the transmission after hearing from 2 mechanics that they had seen other Ford Transit Connect vans, with more mileage than mine, having the same transmission problems. I find it hard to believe that a transmission had to be replaced before 100,000 miles, which seems to be the magic number for miles. My van is used for personal use only.

Filed Jul 20, 2025 · Transmission · CA · 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.

Filed Jul 13, 2025 · Brakes · FL

The brake pedal went down far and there was poor braking. The brake fluid was found to be leaking from the left front brake jounce hose. This was unsafe due to extended braking stop time and less braking ability. I am an ASE certified master technician and I work in a private vehicle fleet repair facility. I did not interview the driver if the BRAKE warning light came on but most likely it did due to brake fluid leaking fast from this line. We also had a failure of this type on a 2019 Ford Transit Connect which is also in our fleet. So it appears Ford has another problem with front brake jounce hose failures.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Transmission · OK

My 8F35 transmission failed at 95,000 miles, a new unit was put in and that transmission failed at about 175,000 miles, a new transmission was not put in for replacement, but was rebuilt by Ford and currently I have 185,000 miles and as I slow down the transmission starts to jerk and I am slammed forward in my seat. This transmission does this everyday, without fail. Just a matter of time before this transmission fails.This transmission is acting like the last 2 transmissions that failed.

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Questions about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect reliable?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect, close to a typical Transit Connect model year.

What is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect year score?

The 2020 Ford Transit Connect scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Transit Connect: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 10 complaints. Next is brakes (6).

How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have?

8 recalls, covering back over prevention, power train and visibility.

Was there a recall on the 2020 Ford Transit Connect transmission?

Yes, 5 recalls: 25V196000, 22V413000, 21V376000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Transit Connect have bad transmission?

The Ford Transit Connect model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (24 complaints), 2016 (13 complaints) and 2014 (12 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect range from 22 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24 city and 27-29 highway.

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