RoadVitals

2019 Ford Transit Connect

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
51
Latest Jun 18, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Jun 27, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 51 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Ford Transit Connect, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), brakes and driver assistance categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 109 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes1930.6%
  • Driver assistance69.7%
  • Electrical58.1%
  • Visibility46.5%
  • Transmission34.8%
  • Airbags23.2%
  • Other / unspecified11.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Jun 27, 2025
200,237 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S72View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Mar 28, 2025
152 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S32View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Apr 26, 2024
1,315 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
The risk: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S29.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 24S29View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 18, 2026

Since I’ve bought it at 48,000 miles the van has always had hard engagements on 1 gear and 2nd. I knew the transmission was bad a week after I bought it at the ford dealership. All they did under their limited warranty was a transmission flush. Now it has 70,000 and the torque converter is toast now. I was on the interstate going 70mph. Let off the gas and a huge aggressive deceleration happened and I almost lost control. It is constant issue now when going over 70mph. Took it to ford, no transmission codes so they didn’t try fix it or find anything wrong. Noticing high rpms trying to get up to speed. Torque converter is clearly slipping.

NHTSA ID
11744955
Incident
Apr 2, 2026
Driver assistanceVisibility
Filed May 12, 2026

Description of Defect: When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the rearview camera display freezes for several seconds before going black. This malfunction creates a direct and serious safety hazard — during the period the display is frozen, the image shown does not reflect actual real-time conditions behind the vehicle. Any pedestrian, child, or object that moves into the path of the vehicle after the display freezes will not be visible to the driver. This significantly increases the risk of a backover collision. Dealership Inspection Outcome: I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis. Upon inspection, the technician was unable to detect the diagnostic trouble code associated with Recall 25S89, and as a result, the vehicle was deemed to have passed inspection. However, the malfunction continues to occur. The failure to trigger the recall code does not resolve the underlying issue — the camera display still freezes and blacks out during reverse operation, leaving the driver without a functioning rearview safety system. Safety Concern: A rearview camera is a federally mandated safety feature. A display that intermittently freezes and then goes dark is functionally equivalent to having no camera at all during those critical moments. This is not a minor inconvenience — it is a safety system failure that puts pedestrians and other individuals behind the vehicle at risk every time the vehicle is put in reverse. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Recall 25S89 adequately captures all failure modes associated with this defect, and whether vehicles that present with this symptom but do not trigger the associated diagnostic code are being improperly cleared at dealerships. A remedy should be identified and applied to all affected vehicles regardless of whether the recall code is detected during inspection.

NHTSA ID
11737254
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
Brakes
Filed May 4, 2026

The vehicle has only been driven for 24K miles and there was an issue with the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) and the recommendation is for it to be completely replaced. Seems ridiculous if the ABS Hydralic Control Unit is meant to last 100k-200k miles.

NHTSA ID
11735649
Incident
Apr 21, 2026
Brakes
Filed Apr 20, 2026

While traveling on the freeway after approximately 45 minutes of driving at 65 mph, the car suddenly felt like it was down shifting causing it to slow substantially. When I tried to accelerate to avoid cars behind me from hitting me, the car prevented me from speeding up for approximately five seconds. RPM is over 5000 b4 it allowed speed up. This happened on two separate occasions,. The car would not start after the second trip and was towed to a Ford dealer for repair. I was told I needed a new alternator and battery and what I experienced on the freeway was the alternator impacting the transmission. I picked up what I thought was a repaired vehicle, traveled to one of the same places I had gone previously and approximately 45 minutes into my drive, the same event took place with the car. Slowing severely and not allowing me to accelerate to return to freeway speed for approximately five seconds. It was taken back for repairs shortly thereafter. I was told it wasn't the transmission. It was a sensor in the brake system that causes the brakes to be applied just enough to create friction that heats up two of the wheels to such a high temp., the brake pads melted onto the rotors. The master cylinder, pads, rotors, sensors all needed replacement. The car is a 2019, purchased new, out of warranty with only 26,000 miles. Ford has offered to pay part of the repairs but expects me to pay the other portion. This car has been well cared for. Nothing I have done while driving it has caused their sensor to create such a dangerous situation on the freeway. It also started happening before it was driven to the dealership by refusing to move for five seconds every time the car came to a stop. I have read other accounts of the same situation happening to people who own the same model and year. This is a dangerous situation created by Ford's faulty equipment. The car is at Ford dealership waiting to be repaired for the 2nd time.

NHTSA ID
11732535
Incident
Mar 13, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 23, 2026

Transmission failure after all known transmission recalls were repaired.

NHTSA ID
11726533
Incident
Mar 19, 2026
Filed Feb 22, 2026

Safety Recall issued April 2024 for Panoramic Glass. Ford dealerships are unable to repair due to glass companies refusing to assist. This issue has been taken to all dealerships on the island, with the same results. Calling Ford recall (4 times) has finally prompted an open case and claim number #XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11719716
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 2026

My van began with the brake sticking and it was not only the brake (with my van with only 34,000 miles on it) 2019 year, so I took it to Les Schwab to find out that it was a known default of the years of my van 2012 to 2019 that there have been countless replacement of the defect ABS Pump (costing me 2,000.00 to fix), and finding out that this same problem was where the did a recall on the 2016 Ford Transconnect Vans, but didn't honor other years even though it has been a known issue is many. This should have been a recall for my 2019, I barely even drive it.

NHTSA ID
11710535
Incident
Jan 12, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 30, 2025

Transmission failure at 80,000 miles. This a known issue with 8F35 transmissions in these model years. Left me stranded and in danger on the roadway. The transmission has other recalls, and a TSB from Ford acknowledging the issues without recall for known failures. There were no lamps, indicators, or codes before failure.

NHTSA ID
11707757
Incident
Dec 22, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25N17

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 54589

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with remote commands being performed through The Ford App Lincoln App and or incorrect data information reported on The Ford App Lincoln App. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code DTC B156D 89 in the TCU. This may be due to the accessory protocol interface module APIM software. To correct the condition, update the APIM software.

TSB 25-2550

POWER TRAIN

This article supersedes TSB 24-2092 to update model years. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Transmission slipping  Harsh Engagements  Clutch DTCs This may be due to worn needle bearings in the output planet carrier assembly.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

SSM 54116

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect rear camera operation. This may be due to interference from the phone being connected into the media hub using a universal serial bus (USB) cable during SYNC system boot up. To correct his condition, advise the customer to disconnect the USB cable from the phone. If the center display screen displays normally, reconnect the phone. If the concern persists, disconnect the phone from the USB cable, cycle the ignition off and open the driver's door so the interior lights come on. Close the door, start the vehicle and wait for the center display screen to boot up past the start-up animation and display the home screen, then reconnect the phone using the USB cable. If the concern persists after this procedure, follow normal Workshop Manual diagnostics for a blank screen concern.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Transit Connect by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000
2023100
2022510
2021840
2020318059.8
2019Viewing518058.9
2018226047.9
2017286053.1
201610410259.8
20156610261.7
201412715262.1
2013324049.0
2012261045.1
2011241036.0
2010422048.3

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.