Ford Transit Connect fire or smoke problems

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Brakes · NH · fire

Was driving on the highway. Thought there was a smell of something burning. Stopped didn't see anything. When I arrived at my location the smell was much stronger. When I stopped I saw smoke and fire coming from the left front tire. Fire Department was called because the vehicle was parked next to a building. I used three fire extinguishers to put the fire out. The fire department arrived and put water on the area to lower the heat. It turns out the ABS system malfunctioned locking up the right rear and left front brakes. Turns out to be a common issue with the Transit Connects. Ford dealership said the issue is a faulty ABS controller that would cost a minimum of $3000 to replace and program. If we didn't have the fire extinguishers we would have lost the vehicle and most likely the building it was parked next to according to the fire department.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes, Wheels · OH · fire

My husband was driving the vehicle and I was the passenger. We got on the highway and were going 67 mph when we smelled something burning. The vehicle speed dropped from 67 mph to 30 mph. No warning lights on the dashboard alerted to anything. We got off the highway and to a place of safety. We got out of the vehicle and both front rotors were glowing red and flames were coming out from behind the driver's side wheel. We had to use an ABC fire extinguisher (which we had in the vehicle) on both front wheels. Once we let everything cool down, we tried to start the vehicle again. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and flames shot out again from behind the driver's side wheel. The fire extinguisher was used once again to put out the flames. We then had it towed to the closest car repair business that was opened on a Saturday. We have contacted Ford customer service, and a case has been started.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Brakes, Wheels · NC · fire

While driving down the road the ABS brakes (front driver and passenger rear) started tightening up then they temporarily released for a few miles. Then started tightening up again it continued to tighted and not release until it was completely locked down. Immediately pulled off road and brakes visibly caught on fire and damaged all components in the wheels. This could have been a dangerous situation for myself or others on the road if it hadnt occured at a lower speed. This scenario has also occurred in 2 identical fleet vehicles purchased on the same date and the incidents occurred 3 months apart. There were no warning lights on at the time of the incidents. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealership where they confirmed and repaired the issue. Vehicle was also inspected for an insurance claim. Dealership stated that it was the ABS system.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · NC · fire

My 2022 transit van caught on fire. I was driving with my son. There were no warning lights nothing. It burt to the ground.

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 33,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. While the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Wayne Ford (444 US-46, Wayne, NJ 07470); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Driver assistance · 28,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system erroneously activated causing the front driver side and the rear passenger side brakes to overheat and the vehicle to decelerate. The contact stated that after his wife exited the vehicle, she discovered smoke coming from the front driver’s side wheel well. Additionally, during the failure the Forward Collision Avoidance system warning light activated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2024 · Brakes · MO

Brakes locked up while car was in motion and brake pedal was not depressed. Smoke came from brakes. Happened with front and rear brakes. Able to stop and restart vehicle and move it off roadway.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Brakes · NJ

anti-lock brake system failure (ABS). resulting in my driver side front and rear breaks being applied without applying the break pedal. while i was driving on the Garden State Parkway, my vehicle would abruptly slow down when i eased up on my gas pedal. this could have potentially caused a rear end collision by a driver behind me. I then exited the Highway. I also noticed a burning smell coming from my breakes.

Filed Apr 21, 2022 · Body, Electrical · IL

The muffler split open most likely from a clog. Because of that, the exhaust was directed toward the floor of the truck instead of going out of the muffler. As a result, it burnt through the heat shield, the back of the truck, melted the wiring harness, and burned a hole straight through the fuel tank. A mechanic took out the fuel tank and when it was being dropped out fuel spilled everywhere and there was a hole in the side of the tank. Since the wiring harness was melted, there was no power and no fuel pump power. The safety of the driver was put at risk because the car could have easily started on fire, or the fuel tank could have blown up and injured the driver or worse.

Filed Mar 20, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 110,000 miles · CA · fire

There was a recall for potential engine fire issues. I took the van to for several time to ask about this and was told the vehicle I had was not part of the recall. I eventually sold the van to a friend of mine with about 106,000 miles on it. I also advised him of the recall info and told him ford said it was not part of the recall. The vehicle burnt to the ground with in 10,000 miles after I sold it to him. It was traveling down the freeway at about 60 when they notice smoke coming from the cowling and pulled over. The van then burst in to flame forward of the windshield no one was injured but the fire did make it to the front seating area.