Summary
The Ford Transit Connect has 36 recalls spanning the 2010–2022 model years, with the most serious being a shift cable bushing defect on 2013–2021 models with 2.5L engines where the cable can detach from the transmission, causing the vehicle to move in an unintended direction without warning.
Among recent production years, 2021–2022 models have a front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor that can disengage too early, preventing a child safety seat from staying securely anchored in a crash. On 2019–2020 models, the powertrain control module software uses incorrect temperature thresholds that can delay the engine's cooling response when coolant is lost, allowing the engine to overheat and raising the risk of a fire. Prior repair attempts on some 2019 vehicles did not fully resolve this issue, requiring a second fix. Those same years also have a frontal airbag module that may be missing internal booster propellant, meaning the bag may not deploy in a crash.
The 2018 model year has a side curtain airbag that can tear during deployment and deflate faster than intended, and a rearview camera that may fail to display an image when shifted into reverse.
The 2016–2017 years have front seat belt pretensioners that may not fire in a crash, leaving occupants less restrained at impact. The 2016 model also has a brake hydraulic control unit that can accumulate metallic debris, degrading electronic stability control and extending stopping distances. That year's windshield may also detach in a crash.
The 2014–2017 panoramic fixed-glass roof on equipped vehicles is subject to bonding failures across multiple campaigns: the glass can loosen, allow water inside, and eventually separate from the vehicle at highway speed, becoming a hazard for other drivers. The 2014 model year also has front door latches that can crack and allow a door to swing open while driving, fuel lines that can abrade against each other and leak near ignition sources, upper seat belt anchor bolts that can loosen over time, and a sliding door exterior panel on cargo vans that can separate while driving.
Going back further, 2011–2012 models have wiper arms with inadequate riveting that can detach and eliminate windshield clearing. The 2010 model year has an interior roof structure that can exceed head injury limits in a crash.
