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.
Ford Transit Connect jerking problems
12 of the 575 owner complaints about the Ford Transit Connect describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical mileage
- 56,000
By model year
- 20221
- 20203
- 20194
- 20161
- 20141
- 20111
- 20101
Often reported together
Transmission failure 4Overheating 3Hesitation 3Loss of power 2Engine failure 2Power steering loss 1Misfire 1Check engine light 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0304 1
What owners say
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.
Damaged torque converter pump and foreward planetary assy bushings. Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up. Overhaul of torque converter, reseal and reassemble. Hydraulic control unit not working properly and break on left front does not release and overheats. Replaced hydraulic control unit. Airbox loose and damaged. Rattling. Replaced airbox.
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.
While driving my 2022 Ford Transit Connect (cargo model, 2.0L) in city traffic, I experienced a serious intermittent issue. Twice now, the vehicle suddenly jerked, throttle response was delayed or non-existent, and a “Collision Detection Disabled” warning flashed on the dash. Simultaneously, the “Service Vehicle Soon” light illuminated. Both times, I pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Upon restarting, the warnings cleared and the vehicle drove normally again. There were no prior warning signs or fault messages. I brought the vehicle to Mullinax Ford in Apopka, FL, and explained the issue in detail. However, I was told there were no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored, and they refused to conduct any further testing. I specifically asked them to perform: A full scan of all vehicle modules (including the IPMA/collision system), Check the forward collision camera and wiring, Confirm all PCM/ADAS software is up to date, Perform a battery and charging system test, Inspect the throttle body or related sensors. They declined, saying “if there are no codes, there’s no issue.” This is concerning because the symptoms are intermittent and potentially safety-related — including unexpected loss of power and the disabling of a major safety system. Based on owner reports and technical bulletins from Ford for similar symptoms in other models (such as F-150 and Explorer), this may be due to software or hardware faults that do not always trigger DTCs. This issue affects my confidence in the safety and reliability of the vehicle. I am requesting that Ford investigate further, open a case, and provide support in ensuring proper diagnostics and resolution — even if the dealer won’t take further action.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the electrical system failed to respond, and the vehicle turned off. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was no power to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where unknown repairs were performed along with a taillight repair. On a separate occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond, the transmission was not shifting properly, which caused the vehicle to jerk. The contact stated that while driving after the engine had warmed up, the vehicle would unintendedly stop. The contact returned from a trip and the vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,500.
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.
For starters, about 2-3 days before August 6, 2024 (the day I took my van to Autozone to diagnose my check engine light) my ford transit shot a check engine light due to a "P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire". On August 8, 2024 after dropping my van off once the mechanic opened, around 11:27 AM i received a call from the mechanic I was referred to by the dealership I bought the van from that the car was fixed and ready to go. I was also told by one of the mechanics that work at the shop that the threading on the spark plugs were stripped, these were the original spark plugs that came with the vehicle when i purchased it before the misfire happened. On August 10th after work, my transmission had failed on me and i was not able to park my car, i ended up having to let my car roll back on a hill, blocking a strangers driveway having to call a tow truck around 11pm-12am. After having to wait some time, the same mechanic i was referred to by my dealership called me a day after receiving the new transmission telling me the van was ready. Not only did they try to charge me an extra $200, but the car wouldn't even start once i paid the balance due and tried to leave, and to top it all off there was still a jerk in the transmission every time i tried to put it in drive, the job was rushed. Less than a week later, the van was displaying another check engine light related to the same misfire as before, and also a transmission failure message on my dashboard while on the highway with my dog in the back. I'm a dog trainer and need the vehicle to safely transport animals to and from north to south jersey. I have not been able to do so due to all the complications I've been encountering with the vehicle. I dropped the van off Thursday August 29th and have not received any updates from the same mechanic and it has been 5 days (today's Sept. 3rd). I understand labor day just passed but I was told by the head of the shop that they would look at it Friday Aug 30th & update me asap.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the message "Pro-Collision Assistant is Unable" was displayed. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed and the contact continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred on four different occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
When half or 3/4 loaded going up a hill on hwy van down shifts a jerks in to gear . Feels like you got kicked off a horse . Most noticable between 40mph and 50 MPH.. This has damaged 3 sets of motor mounts in 117,000 miles started st 15000 miles and getting worse at dealer again
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- 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: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- 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
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
- 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
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- 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 transmission
- 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
Questions about the Ford Transit Connect jerking
Which Ford Transit Connect years have jerking or lurching problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (4 complaints), 2020 (3 complaints) and 2010 (1 complaints).
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