NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
This page covers 11 recalls and 50 owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Transit Connect.
Powertrain complaints dominate what owners report for the 2019 Ford Transit Connect, with transmission behavior being the most common theme. Owners frequently describe sudden, unintended downshifts at highway speeds, often accompanied by a temporary inability to accelerate despite high engine RPM, several describe the engine spinning past 5,000 RPM before the vehicle responds. Brake system issues make up the second-largest group of complaints, with multiple owners reporting problems traced to the ABS hydraulic control unit failing at relatively low mileage, typically in the 24,000–34,000-mile range, and requiring full replacement at significant cost. A smaller cluster of complaints involves the backup camera freezing or going black when reverse is selected, showing a static image rather than a live feed behind the vehicle.
50
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Ford Transit Connect has 11 recalls, the most serious involving the shifter cable bushing, which can degrade or fall off and cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction, and a panoramic roof panel that can detach while driving and become a road hazard.
Several recalls center on engine overheating in vehicles with the 2.5L engine: the powertrain control module software uses temperature thresholds that are too high, which can delay the cooling response when coolant is lost and allow the engine to overheat to the point of fire risk. Prior repair attempts for this issue did not fully resolve it for some vehicles, requiring a second fix. On the transmission side, loose or missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator end cap can cause transmission fluid to leak and eventually lead to a complete loss of drive. There is also a frontal airbag concern: certain vehicles left the factory with airbag modules missing internal propellant components, meaning the airbag may not deploy properly in a crash. The windshield on some vehicles may not be adequately bonded to the body and can separate in a crash. Finally, a software issue can cause the rearview camera to display a blank image when reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine's control software has incorrect temperature limits, which may delay cooling and cause the engine to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Prior recall repairs may not have been completed correctly. Additionally, some 2.5L-engine vehicles have incorrect powertrain control module programming that could cause engine overheating.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership to update the powertrain control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The panoramic roof panel may not be properly bonded to the vehicle body, which could cause it to detach while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front windshield may not be securely bonded to the vehicle body, potentially allowing it to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the windshield and remove and reinstall it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting gear selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing and install a protective cap at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger frontal air bag module is missing internal propellant and sleeve components, preventing proper inflation in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control computer may have incorrect programming, causing the engine to overheat and potentially suffer damage.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the engine control computer software to correct the programming.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine's control software has temperature limits set higher than they should be. If coolant leaks out, the engine may overheat because the cooling system doesn't kick in soon enough.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software at no cost to restore proper temperature limits and cooling response.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The start/stop accumulator endcap may be missing bolts or have loose bolts, which could affect the start/stop system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
