Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Ford Transit Connect submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 19 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
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.
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.
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.
The right front (passenger side) brake caliper seize closed, pulling the vehicle to the right from uneven braking, and destroying the brake pads and rotor on that corner. Fortunately, this occurred on dry asphalt highway, and control was not entirely lost. The problem was diagnosed by the dealer to be the ABS module. This appears to be a common fault on the Transit Connect van and the Ford Focus Sedan/coupe, which shares the same general platform. This particular van is a 2019 model year, and was purchased new in August of 2020. It had 27,272 miles on it when the module failed in September of 2025, five years. The car’s bumper to bumper warranty expired after three years. The repair cost from the dealership, including consequential repairs to the pads, rotor and fluid, totaled $2,813.65. While there was no actual crash, the affected rotor became heated to a bright orange color.
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.
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.
1 Transmission: very harsh shift engagements up shift and downshifting. Harsh downshifting while cornering and approaching intersections made me concerned for my safety. Random slipping in mid gears 3,4, or 5, no DTC's for slipping or harsh engagements. Transmission currently has the DTC: P0772 Shift Solenoid E Stuck On. and is not drive able. Vehicle is in my driveway until I determine where to take it. I am concerned why my vehicle Vin isn't listed in the transmission recalls when I'm having the exact same problem as the recalled vehicles. 2 Brakes: February 2024 ABS Unit. When driving on highways at speeds between 45-65mph, when I would release my foot off the gas pedal the vehicle would apply medium pressure to the braking system (without touching the brake pedal). Vehicle was taken to Nazareth Ford, they replaced a front brake hose and cycled the Anti-lock Brake System unit. I drove back on the highway and the same thing happened, brakes applied when letting off the gas pedal, almost causing an accident. I replaced the ABS unit myself and had Nazareth Ford program the software. Problem solved. I still have the old ABS unit available for inspection.
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.
I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The front right brakes are consistently gripping excessively, which generates significant heat and smoke. Despite replacing the rotor, calipers, and brake pads, the problem persists. After conducting a quick online search, I discovered that this issue appears to be common among Transit Connect owners. Some people are suggesting that it's an ABS Module issue, though I can't say definitively. This ongoing problem poses an extreme safety risk, not only due to potential driving hazards but also due to the possibility of a fire given the excessive heat being produced. I urge you to investigate this matter to ensure the safety of those who rely on this vehicle and to prevent any potential accidents or injuries related to this defect.
Brakes locked up while car was in motion and brake pedal was not depressed. Smoke came from brakes. Happened with front and rear brakes. Able to stop and restart vehicle and move it off roadway.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a loud sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice to be diagnosed and it was determined that the brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred several months later. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
While traveling, ABS Braking system intermittently engaged a single Caliper and prevented it from retracting. This causes a sudden slowing off the vehicle, creating the risk of collision, particularly while traveling on the highway. An independent service center inspected the vehicle, and reported a computer code referencing the abs/brake booster as the source of the problem.
Passenger side, rear brake, complete lock-up while driving. no warning, no ABS light warning My wife and grandchild were traveling at about 30 mph when the car started to "wheel hop". They did maintain control of the car due to their low speed, then the front driver side wheel locked up and she skidded but made it home home and into the driveway. The collision light flashed once and then turned to a red light saying Impact or collision impact. There was however no impact. They were both somewhat shaken and turned the car off. I (her husband) examined and reworked the brake calipers thinking this might be the problem. Both 2 wheels were still locked up tight. So, we took off the flex lines and one section of the rear brake and line cleaned and ran air first, the DOT 4 brake fluid both ways to assure there was no obstruction in the brake lines. After all of this, the Brakes were still locked up tight. I have since learned that the issue is the Ford ABS hydraulic control unit. Which ford sells for just under $1000. There are many other Ford vehicles that have the same problem (likely the same ABS module) and Ford is apparently aware but does nothing to correct this dangerous product defect. My concern it that the vehicle becomes uncontrollable and someone is going to be killed due to the lack of control when this ABS module failure occurs.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was temporarily remedied but later reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.
anti-lock brake system failure (ABS). resulting in my driver side front and rear breaks being applied without applying the break pedal. while i was driving on the Garden State Parkway, my vehicle would abruptly slow down when i eased up on my gas pedal. this could have potentially caused a rear end collision by a driver behind me. I then exited the Highway. I also noticed a burning smell coming from my breakes.
Brakes started dragging. I noticed that sometimes they would stick a bit when i was trying to move after stopping somewhere. Once I got on the highway, just after I hit 65 MPH, the brakes came on. The car was slowed down to about 30MPH. I had to pull over on a very small shoulder on a busy highway. There were no lights or warning of any kind. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it. I was able to make it to the next exit. Albeit at a reduced speed. The brakes were still dragging. I was not able to make it to a dealer but did make it to a nearby Firestone shop. It was determined that the vehicle needed the entire brake system replaced, as the brakes were badly locked up. the repairs were $2300. However during my test drive 2 of the brakes were once again dragging and the brakes came on again at 65 MPH. Vehicle was taken to the local Ford dealership where it was determined that the ABS hydraulic pump was frozen and needed replacement. Repairs were another $2000. Vehicle has just over 25,000 miles and is 2 months past the warranty so there was no help on the repairs. If I had been a few miles further down the highway when the brakes came on it likely would have resulted in a bad accident.
* What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Left front brake. Vehicle is not yet repaired and available for inspection. * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving on the highway at around 70 mph, the steering started shaking in a concerning matter. The vehicle seemed to decelerate quickly when lifting the foot off the gas pedal. Once I stopped I noticed that the left front brakes was extremely hot. The other brakes were fine. * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Vehicle is not yet repaired. * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There was no warning visible.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD BEFORE SLOWING TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WHITE'S FORD LOCATED AT 1246 N MAIN ST, URBANA, OH 43078, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REGULARLY SERVICED BY THE DEALER THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARRANTY STICKER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED (BUMPER-TO-BUMPER) FOR THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PRE-COLLISION ASSIST ENGAGED SPONTANEOUSLY WITHOUT WARNING OR POTENTIAL COLLISION. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BUZZING NOISE DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TED BRITT FORD OF CHANTILLY FORD BUILDING (4175 AUTO PARK CIR, CHANTILLY, VA 20151(703) 454-0008) AND WALDORF FORD (2440 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601(301) 234-7591) HOWEVER THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300. *BF CONSUMER STATED SOME OF THE ISSUES WHILE DRIVING, SCREEN FREEZES, REAR BACKUP CAMERA ACTIVATED WHEN IN STOP, BLUE TOOTH FREEZES, RADIO FREEZES, CLOCK FREEZES, ODOMETER FLASHES RED LIGHT, BUZZER GOES OFF INDICATING A HEAD ON COLLISION, DOOR OPEN AND SCREEN CONTINUES TO STAY ON WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, CAR MISFIRES RANDOMLY, VEHICLE SURGES, TIRE ON THE DRIVER FRONT SIDE CONTINUES TO LOSE AND PULLS TO LEFT.*JB
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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