NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 11 recalls and 79 owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Transit.
The 2020 Ford Transit draws complaints most heavily around seating, with the powertrain and electrical system also generating notable reports. Seat-related complaints make up the single largest share, with owners describing issues ranging from structural problems to comfort and adjustment failures. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report transmission trouble, specifically difficulty shifting through mid-range gears, hard or jerky engagement, and hesitation that tends to appear intermittently before worsening over time. A handful of owners also describe high-speed shaking, typically noticeable around 65–70 mph and settling down below 60 mph, sometimes accompanied by a pull to one side. Electrical complaints are smaller in volume but include a backup camera that distorts, reverses the image, or goes dark, and at least one report of warning lights illuminating at startup alongside unexpected ABS activation during turning without the brake pedal being applied.
79
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Ford Transit has 11 recalls, the most serious being a driveshaft defect on all-wheel drive models where the rear driveshaft can detach from the transfer case, causing sudden loss of drive power, potential damage to brake lines, and rollaway risk if the parking brake is not engaged.
A separate parking brake concern affects a broader range of Transit vans: an incorrect service part can allow a damper shield to contact the parking brake cable and cause brake failure, again raising the risk of unintended movement. On the fire safety side, certain Transit vans converted with an Onan generator have a fuel hose that may not be properly secured, creating a fuel leak that can ignite.
Several recalls involve occupant protection. Side curtain airbags on some vehicles have a diffuser that can detach during deployment, leaving the airbag unable to inflate properly in a crash. Converted vans equipped with Freedman foldaway seats from two separate upfitters may have seat belt retractors set to an incorrect block-out zone, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. Vehicles converted with Rollx wheelchair restraints may have securement hardware that allows a wheelchair to shift during travel.
The rearview camera can intermittently show a blank or distorted image due to a software issue or a loose electrical connection, reducing visibility when reversing.
At a glance
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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 can fail
The wheelchair restraint retractors may fail to lock, leaving wheelchairs unsecured in the vehicle.
What the fix does
Rollx will inspect and replace the retractors at no cost. Contact Rollx customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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 fuel hose connecting the inline fuel filter to the injection pump module may be improperly secured, potentially allowing gasoline to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel hose and clamps, replacing them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear driveshaft bolts can loosen and cause the driveshaft to detach from the transfer case, losing power to the wheels and potentially damaging brake lines. The vehicle may roll when parked if the parking brake isn't engaged.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the driveshaft bolts. If loose, they'll replace the driveshaft, all bolts, and related parts. If tight, they'll replace the bolts only.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts connecting the rear driveshaft to the transfer case can loosen or become damaged, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the transfer case.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. If loose bolts are found, the driveshaft, hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An incorrect driveshaft damper kit may allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, which can cause the parking brake to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with one that clears the damper shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A poor electrical connection can cause the rearview camera to display a blank or distorted image intermittently, limiting rear visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain airbag inflators may not work correctly, preventing the airbags from inflating properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealer who will replace the side curtain airbags.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bag diffuser may be improperly crimped and could detach from the inflator when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt retractor block out zone may not be set correctly, which could prevent the seat belt from properly securing an occupant.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt retractor block out zone may not be set correctly, which could prevent the seat belt from properly securing an occupant.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
