Ford Transit Connect engine failure problems

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NC

Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up, brake on left front does not release and overheats, right back brake following suit. Took into repair shop for brake service. Quote the inspection "Front passenger caliper seized no flow from house caused caliper to lock up." Was advised after rear right brake was found to be developing the same symptoms to have it towed to dealership for further inspection--risk of brake failure increasing likelihood of crash was cited as reasoning to default to dealership and no longer drive the vehicle.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

1. The 2019 Transit Connect Wagon transmission would buck or jerk when removing my foot from the accelerator when going 60 mph or more. The brake was NOT press at the time of the jerk. 2. When entering the Ford Service Center for the transmission check appointment, the left front brake seized. There was an odor of burning brake pads. 3. After the brake module was replaced and the service center took it for a test drive of the transmission, the technician told me the lighting module needed to be replaced and the vehicle continued to stay at the service center. 4. While still at the service center, they connected the vehicle for a computer reboot/refresh that would take over night. The next morning they informed me that the reboot did not take in the vehicle computer system. 5. The service center called in a regional Ford Technician three times to try to solve the issues without success. 6. We never had possession of the vehicle during this time. It continues to be in possession of the service center and to our knowledge is not repaired. 7. The "service engine" red light NEVER came up on the instrument panel when the incident happened.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Brakes · OH

At highway speeds (55-70), light brake pressure resulted in major frontend vibration and front left caliper seized. After pulling off the road, the front left wheel rim was too hot to touch. Vibration and seized caliper could result in loss of control of vehicle while braking, especially at highway speeds. Repair shop initially replaced the caliper and overhauled the brakes. Problem was not resolved, and same symptoms recurred after less than 100 miles. Mechanic determined that Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Module had failed. No warning lights, and no inspection by anyone but my mechanic. Replacement ABS module from Ford Dealer was installed by independent mechanic and problem is resolved. Ford Dealer reported two other ABS module replacements same week as mine and internet search identified others with same problem (ABS module failure). My vehicle is four years old and has around 40,000 miles. It seems to be a premature ABS module failure causing collateral damage (e.g. caliper) with multiple reports of same problem.

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Steering · 102,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to turn the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering (EPS) needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no power steering recall for his VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Jun 24, 2022 · Wheels · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal seized. Additionally, the passenger's side front wheel overheated and melted the hubcap. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 8, 2021 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · GA · crash

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 21V376000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the gear shifter seized and the vehicle rolled forward, crashing into a brick wall and damaging the front driver side. The failure recurred after the contact had unloaded the vehicle and the emergency brake was engaged. The contact disengaged the emergency brake and tried to shift gear when the gear shifter seized and the vehicle rolled down the driveway. The contact had to reapply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was awaiting a tow. The rear passenger sliding door would also detach from the sliding base. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2019 · Electrical · 32,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford transit connect. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle seized without warning. The contact attempted to veer to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to friendly ford (2250 south rd, poughkeepsie, ny 12601, (845) 462-1900) to be diagnosed, but a failure code could not be found. The vehicle was also test driven and the failure was not duplicated; however, the ignition switch was replaced. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where a second diagnostic test determined that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v005000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed Aug 29, 2018 · Engine · 70,112 miles · CA

Under normal driving the vehicle got real hot ,and over heated. The water and oil levels where at the proper levels. The engine head cracked or blew the head gasket . Towed to ford they had to replace the engine. This happened on the highway, going home. The next day the vehicle would not start. There is a safety recall # 17s09, out on these vehicles, but my VIN # was not on the list. Yet lm have the same issue. Luckily we caught it before it got hot enough to catch on fire.

Filed Feb 21, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 40,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford transit connect van. While driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the instrument panel went blank. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box wiring harness was defective and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. ..updated 04/13/17*bf updated 05/15/17 *bf

Filed May 6, 2014 · Steering · 120,300 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford transit connect. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized immediately after the key was inserted into the ignition, which prevented the contact from starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to her residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 120,300. The current mileage was 120,344.