RoadVitals

2020 Ford Transit Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
83
Latest Jul 29, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Transit, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1414.3%
  • Driver assistance77.1%
  • Other / unspecified66.1%
  • Steering66.1%
  • Engine55.1%
  • Brakes55.1%
  • Tires & wheels44.1%
  • Body & structure22.0%
  • Visibility22.0%
  • Exterior lighting11.0%
  • Airbags11.0%
  • Suspension11.0%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The seats have sank into the springs making it undriveable. This has happened on all our Ford Transit Vans. Ford dealerships won't repair because they are now out of warranty but this was reported prior to warranty expiration but we were told parts were not available.

NHTSA ID 11532154 · filed Jul 13, 2023

seat collapse. Available to be inspected. Unable to see over wheel or reach the acceleration and break pedals. Airbag light comes on due to the collapsed seat either cutting the airbag electrical cable, or puncturing the airbag itself. Vehicle has only been inspected by our fleet manager, our in house mechanic, and the dealership. No prior warning(s) before the failures.

NHTSA ID 11522892 · filed May 19, 2023
All 27 reports naming interior & seats

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The bolts holding the axle together to the driveshaft failed on the rear right wheel, nearly causing an accident but fortunately it was 6am with little traffic on the interstate. The axle came out and destroyed our driveshaft, requiring a full replacement. We have had the vehicle serviced regularly since our purchase.

NHTSA ID 11744442 · filed Jun 16, 2026

Transmission intermittently struggling to reach 3rd, 4th, 5th gears. Performed IDS diag at shop, found hitorical code P0734 for "Incorrect gear 4 ratio" TSB 26-2046 to overhaul transmission.

NHTSA ID 11736616 · filed May 8, 2026
All 17 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 69,000, which was confirmed by a fraudulent Carfax report the seller provided to the contact. However, upon searching the VIN on a Ford mobile app, it was discovered that the mileage was 168,000.

NHTSA ID 11753468 · filed Jul 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the AWD and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the actuator and sensor needed to be replaced, and a software update needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer determined that the transfer switch, new air bag, and seat repair kit were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID 11630379 · filed Dec 12, 2024
All 14 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The rear back up camera stopped working completely I took it to Faricy boys Ford in Canon City Co Waited 45 days for them to get the part and then they told me they weren’t comfortable changing the camera out so I have been with out back up camera on this 22 foot van needing assistance for almost every single move Please help me get this vin on the recall Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11671444 · filed Jul 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rearview camera became static, blue, and black and failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID 11590586 · filed May 24, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My Tire pressure Monitor give me alert while driving I select to view tire pressures for display show 3 tires fail send reading One of the three back sending reading two stay off For few days same then all tires reading went off just 1 tire send reading on /off every few miles This is first time happened

NHTSA ID 11747513 · filed Jun 30, 2026

I have encountered an issue multiple times now on multiple Ford Transit vans. The "lug wrench" included with the vehicle as part of the spare tire tool kit does not allow me to remove the lug nuts. I am a Fleet customer and I own many Ford Transit AWD vans. When they are brand new, the spare tire lug wrench barely reaches the lug nut as it is not a very deep socket. After a couple of tire rotations I believe the lug studs possibly stretch slightly and the lug wrench tool no longer reaches the lug nut. This issue has caused my drivers to be stranded multiple times. I believe it is an oversight by Ford and it should be addressed. Thank you

NHTSA ID 11602836 · filed Jul 17, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle shakes violently on or about 65 to 70 mph. Upon slowing to approximately 60 mph the shaking stops. Also at slower speeds the vehicle pulls to the right. Contacted Ford Fairfield, California dealer two days ago; left voicemail no reply at this writing.

NHTSA ID 11710770 · filed Jan 13, 2026

In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the system should be off. We heard mechanical diagnostic sounds, and the battery would not maintain a charge after being driven. Upon getting it home and a day later upon jump starting again and when i began to turn the wheel, a violent jerking response came from the steering column. Cheched the dash and several popup windows had to be closed. AWD, BATTERY, and low fuel. There was also the wrench light on the dash itself. Went on the Ford forum and many others were describing the same issues, mainly battery drain. I thought i had disconnected the cargo area lights only to find out i did disconnect part but not them all only to further discover Ford engineered the vehicle where most of the features that were described in the forum not so accessible such as the fuse panel 'fuse 32' because theres no clear indication of where that is exactly on the diagrams. Ive have pretty much used the vehicle on occasions where im moving my equipment. As of september, i received a letter from fords "Customer Satisfaction Program" in which i responded only to be told from Bannister Ford that the Software Update that would fix High-Torque launches would not be installed because the battery light was on. Now to me, this sounds like a catch-22 because the issue is with their electrical design where if one problem occurs they have a fix but you wont get it until you fix the prom (ideally with them). all the while I'm setting up the appointment im being served ads for add-on services. Its october 2024 and i am just sick of this van. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11618474 · filed Oct 7, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS IS A SECOND CASE FOR A DIFFERENT VIN WITH THE SAME ISSUE. 11524889. The battery's junction box in the engine compartment is melting. While I was driving, I heard a loud pop, I opened the hood, and saw smoke coming from the junction box. I noticed the box was melting around a fuse. The melting is significant, and the vehicle looked to be on fire. The smoke stopped, but I feel the vehicle could easily have caught on fire completely. There are recalls for this same exact issue but for other Ford Models. I have a fleet of these vans, and this has now occurred to 6 of them. I know other owners that this occurred to as well. I have called Ford Goodwill and they have declined to cover it under the 3-year, extended warranty. The melting was so bad on one that the actual harness was burnt as well. This is a dangerous issue that Ford already knows this happens. I have receipts for all of these repairs and the technician acknowledging the junction box melting. I have emails from Ford where they apologize for the issue, and they say they cannot cover it under warranty. They refuse to comment on the safety danger this poses on all. This is an amazon delivery van and there are thousands of these that could catch fire in someone's house or business.

NHTSA ID 11524891 · filed Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver's and passenger's exhaust manifold bolts were fractured and leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had a cylinder # 2 misfire with code P0302 and the spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID 11459163 · filed Mar 31, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear brake issues. Upon taking off the brake pads on the driver's back the caliper piston would not turn in as it should. So I ordered a new one. Then I started on the passenger rear. When I tried to press and turn the piston back in it did the same thing as the other one. The piston came out of the passenger rear caliper. Upon further inspection I noticed the interior housing for the piston has a portion of it missing.

NHTSA ID 11745147 · filed Jun 18, 2026

The bolts holding the axle together to the driveshaft failed on the rear right wheel, nearly causing an accident but fortunately it was 6am with little traffic on the interstate. The axle came out and destroyed our driveshaft, requiring a full replacement. We have had the vehicle serviced regularly since our purchase.

NHTSA ID 11744442 · filed Jun 16, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Dynapro HT, Tire size: 205/75/16, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while pulling into a gas station there was a thumping noise coming from the trailer. The contact inspected the trailer and observed that the front driver’s tire was flat. A mobile mechanic was called to the location and replaced the flat tire with the spare tire. The vehicle was then taken to a tire shop where it was determined that the front driver’s tire was worn down to the metal and experience a blowout. The tire was replaced. The contact stated that on the same day while driving 62 MPH, the tire pressure warning light illuminated, indicating that the tire was deflating quickly. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the contact became aware that the front passenger’s tire was flat. The vehicle was taken to tire shop and the front tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle and tire failure mileages were approximately 20,250.

NHTSA ID 11627191 · filed Nov 25, 2024

Tire was a Continental 235/65 R16 C 121/119R Van Light Truck M.S Radial Tubeless - Name of Tire was Con Vancontact A/S - On October 07 2023 [XXX] was driving on IH35 North South of Waco TX at around 70 MPG and the tire had a blowout/explosion doing multiple damage to the vehicle before it could be brought to a full stop INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

NHTSA ID 11552521 · filed Oct 29, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that whenever it rained, the door seal towards the rear of the passenger’s side sliding door was leaking. The contact stated that the leak was allowing water to accumulate in the pillar located at the rear on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the pillar was filling nearly to where the pillar joined the ceiling. The contact stated that water was forming puddles on the floorboards and was draining from the pillar. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer but had not had the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact had observed that the seam on the roof of the vehicle where the two roof panels were joined was also showing extreme deterioration of the caulking; however, there was no water leaking into the vehicle yet. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,100.

NHTSA ID 11616479 · filed Sep 25, 2024

THE PAINT AND BODY PANELS ARE DEFINITELY DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ID 11378212 · filed Dec 7, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Windshield wiper motor, working only in high speed, found overheated ground wire, melted insulation for approximately 1 foot of wire. If dry leaves were nearby there would be a possibility of a fire. Replaced wiper motor and wire harness work done by Brewster Ford in New York found that the new motor has not been updated which means this problem may happen again went on Google website found many owners having same problem. As you can see from the wiper motor connector, there is a pin that shows signs of overheating the wiper motor was the cause of the problem as the wiper motor was drawing excessive current

NHTSA ID 11567045 · filed Jan 22, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD TRANSIT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V575000 (VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WAYNE AKERS FORD (2000 10TH AVE N, LAKE WORTH, FL 33461) FOR THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR SINCE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAYED A DISTORTED IMAGE, WHICH RESULTED IN HER REVERSING INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11413592 · filed Apr 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The Vehicle head light comes on while the vehicle head light switch is at off position and when you hit the remote on off button the light turns off. And later comes back on again . And at night driving the light goes off and on some time .it just black out on road can we get advise if this is recall issue since we seen many customers having complaints about the same issue on website and also on ford forums

NHTSA ID 11569334 · filed Feb 1, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the AWD and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the actuator and sensor needed to be replaced, and a software update needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer determined that the transfer switch, new air bag, and seat repair kit were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID 11630379 · filed Dec 12, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle shakes violently on or about 65 to 70 mph. Upon slowing to approximately 60 mph the shaking stops. Also at slower speeds the vehicle pulls to the right. Contacted Ford Fairfield, California dealer two days ago; left voicemail no reply at this writing.

NHTSA ID 11710770 · filed Jan 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .