Ford Transit connect problems
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact panel van sold by Ford since 2002. Developed by Ford of Europe, the model line replaced sedan-based vans (Ford Escort and Ford Courier vans) with a dedicated commercial vehicle platform. The model line is the second-smallest vehicle of the Ford Transit range, slotted between the Ford Transit Courier LAV and the Ford Transit Custom LCV/MPV. In line with other Ford Transit variants, passenger-oriented models (in Europe) are marketed as the Ford Tourneo Connect with side windows and rear seats.
The first and second-generation Transit Connect has been imported to North America from the 2010 model year. To circumvent the 25% "chicken tax" on imported light trucks, all examples have been imported as passenger vans, with cargo vans converted to the intended configuration after their importation. In the region, the Transit Connect does not have a direct predecessor; the closest vehicle to its size was the standard-length Ford Aerostar cargo van, which ceased production in 1997.
The first-generation Transit Connect was assembled by Ford Otosan (Kocaeli, Turkey) along with Ford Romania (Craiova, Romania). For the second generation, Ford of Europe shifted production to its Ford Valencia Body and Assembly facility (Almussafes, Valencia, Spain). For 2022, a third generation of the Tourneo Connect was released; based on the Volkswagen Caddy, the model line is assembled by Volkswagen in Poland.
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Ford Transit connect model years
Common Ford Transit connect problems
The Ford Transit Connect is a popular compact van that has been in production since 2002. While it is known for its reliability, there are several common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common problems is transmission issues. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and any problem with it can result in reduced performance, decreased fuel economy, and even safety concerns. Symptoms of transmission problems include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and abnormal noises. In some cases, a simple transmission fluid change can resolve the issue. However, if the problem is more serious, you may need to replace the transmission altogether, which can be expensive.
Another common problem is electrical issues. The vehicle's electrical system is responsible for powering various components, including the lights, radio, and climate control system. Electrical problems can result in these components failing or malfunctioning. Some common symptoms of electrical issues include a dead battery, flickering headlights, and intermittent power loss. These problems can be caused by various factors, including faulty wiring, blown fuses, and a malfunctioning alternator.
Suspension problems are also common in the Ford Transit Connect. The suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth ride and maintaining the stability of the vehicle. Suspension problems can result in a bumpy ride and poor handling. Some common symptoms of suspension problems include uneven tire wear, drifting while driving, and a noisy ride. These problems can be caused by various factors, including worn-out shock absorbers, damaged suspension components, and misaligned wheels.
Engine problems can also occur in the Ford Transit Connect. The engine is responsible for providing the vehicle with power and performance. However, engine problems can result in reduced performance and increased fuel consumption. Some common symptoms of engine problems include rough idling, decreased power, and a check engine light. These problems can be caused by various factors, including dirty air filters, faulty spark plugs, and a malfunctioning fuel pump.
Braking problems are another common issue in the Ford Transit Connect. The braking system is responsible for bringing the vehicle to a safe stop. However, braking problems can result in decreased stopping power and increased stopping distance. Some common symptoms of braking problems include a soft brake pedal, squeaking or grinding noises, and vibrations while braking. These problems can be caused by various factors, including worn-out brake pads, damaged brake rotors, and a malfunctioning brake caliper.
Finally, there have been reports of rear door opening issues in the Ford Transit Connect. Several older models have a problem with the rear doors, as many owners have reported that they can unexpectedly open while driving. This issue could be caused by faulty pins within the hinge system.
In conclusion, while the Ford Transit Connect is a reliable vehicle, it is not immune to problems. The most common issues include transmission, electrical, suspension, engine, and braking problems, which can result in reduced performance, decreased fuel economy, and safety concerns. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic who has experience working with the Ford Transit Connect. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate repair.
What year is the bad Ford Transit Connect?
Early in 2021, Ford issued a recall for over 192,000 2013-2021 Transit Connects due to their high probability of rolling away when in park mode. Aside from the 2012 redesign, some 2013-2021 Transit Connects have also been reported to have transmission issues. Image source: Ford Media Center.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Transit Connect?
What is Ford Transit Connect lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Ford Transit Connect is 157,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Is the Ford Transit Connect reliable?
The Ford Transit Connect Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $926 which means it has poor ownership costs.
Why did Ford discontinue the Transit Connect?
According to a press release, Ford's decision to cancel these plans is based on its "efforts to reduce global manufacturing cost and complexity, alongside decreased demand for the compact van segment." The news is hardly surprising.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Transit connect years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Transit connect cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Transit connect model years:
- Ford Transit connect 2014
- Ford Transit connect 2016
- Ford Transit connect 2015
- Ford Transit connect 2019
- Ford Transit connect 2013
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Transit connect model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Transit connect years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Transit connect car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Transit connect , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Transit connect vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Transit connect model years
A total of 14 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Transit connect model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Transit connect model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 436 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Transit connect . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Transit connect vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Transit connect 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: NM0LS7E73G1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. While the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Wayne Ford (444 US-46, Wayne, NJ 07470); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Ford Transit connect 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: NM0LS7F23K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
Ford Transit connect 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: NM0LS7FX4E1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the engine overheated. The message “Pullover - Engine Temperature High” was displayed. The contact pulled over and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the reservoir. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Ford Transit connect 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: NM0LS7E21L1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: At highway speeds (55-70), light brake pressure resulted in major frontend vibration and front left caliper seized. After pulling off the road, the front left wheel rim was too hot to touch. Vibration and seized caliper could result in loss of control of vehicle while braking, especially at highway speeds. Repair shop initially replaced the caliper and overhauled the brakes. Problem was not resolved, and same symptoms recurred after less than 100 miles. Mechanic determined that Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Module had failed. No warning lights, and no inspection by anyone but my mechanic. Replacement ABS module from Ford Dealer was installed by independent mechanic and problem is resolved. Ford Dealer reported two other ABS module replacements same week as mine and internet search identified others with same problem (ABS module failure). My vehicle is four years old and has around 40,000 miles. It seems to be a premature ABS module failure causing collateral damage (e.g. caliper) with multiple reports of same problem.
Ford Transit connect 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: NM0GE9F75G1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The vehicles front driver side wheel brakes keeps receiving too much pressure causing the brake pads to stick and the wheel to get hot and to shake the steering wheel. I have had the caliper replaced twice, the flex bake hose replaced as well, replaced brake pads and rotor and after the most recent diagnosis, I was told that the issue is the HCU. Ford has had issues with this model and you can see under campaigns 16C10/16V482 where this exact issues was happening was being experienced. I believe that they failed to fix the issue when they produced the car I have and are refusing to fix it. When I first experienced the issue my rotor was smoking and the wheel was extremely hot which is an extreme hazard that ford should be made responsible for.
Ford Transit connect 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: NM0GE9G2XL1
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system erroneously activated causing the front driver side and the rear passenger side brakes to overheat and the vehicle to decelerate. The contact stated that after his wife exited the vehicle, she discovered smoke coming from the front driver’s side wheel well. Additionally, during the failure the Forward Collision Avoidance system warning light activated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Ford Transit connect 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: NM0LS7EXXE1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: For starters, about 2-3 days before August 6, 2024 (the day I took my van to Autozone to diagnose my check engine light) my ford transit shot a check engine light due to a "P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire". On August 8, 2024 after dropping my van off once the mechanic opened, around 11:27 AM i received a call from the mechanic I was referred to by the dealership I bought the van from that the car was fixed and ready to go. I was also told by one of the mechanics that work at the shop that the threading on the spark plugs were stripped, these were the original spark plugs that came with the vehicle when i purchased it before the misfire happened. On August 10th after work, my transmission had failed on me and i was not able to park my car, i ended up having to let my car roll back on a hill, blocking a strangers driveway having to call a tow truck around 11pm-12am. After having to wait some time, the same mechanic i was referred to by my dealership called me a day after receiving the new transmission telling me the van was ready. Not only did they try to charge me an extra $200, but the car wouldn't even start once i paid the balance due and tried to leave, and to top it all off there was still a jerk in the transmission every time i tried to put it in drive, the job was rushed. Less than a week later, the van was displaying another check engine light related to the same misfire as before, and also a transmission failure message on my dashboard while on the highway with my dog in the back. I'm a dog trainer and need the vehicle to safely transport animals to and from north to south jersey. I have not been able to do so due to all the complications I've been encountering with the vehicle. I dropped the van off Thursday August 29th and have not received any updates from the same mechanic and it has been 5 days (today's Sept. 3rd). I understand labor day just passed but I was told by the head of the shop that they would look at it Friday Aug 30th & update me asap.
Ford Transit connect 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-05
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the traction and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that transmission fluid was leaking from the transmission. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. The VIN was not available.
Ford Transit connect 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-23
- VIN: NM0LS7E78F1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while her husband was closing the door, he heard an abnormal sound. The driver removed the panel and located a separation. The side panels had separated, and he became aware that water was entering the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V777000 (Structure). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 133,934.
Ford Transit connect 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-18
- VIN: NM0LS7E71H1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the front driver’s side brakes malfunctioned, and the front driver’s side wheel failed to properly rotate. The contact later examined the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s side brake pad had become stuck to the brake rotor. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Ford Transit connect 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- VIN: NM0GE9F23K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
Ford Transit connect 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- VIN: NM0LS7F28K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
Ford Transit connect 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-26
- VIN: NM0GE9F77F1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The rear passenger side sliding door fell off the track and fell off the vehicle, while the door was being closed. I originally reported difficulty to the dealership shortly after purchasing the vehicle around 2016. I asked the dealership on multiple occasions to fix the door sliding issue. I was told there was nothing they could do to fix it. The door was always difficult to open and close. 6/25/24, the door fell off the vehicle while it was being closed.
Ford Transit connect 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-25
- VIN: NM0LS7E78E1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Hello. We were passing a tractor trailer on the interstate and at 75 mph the transmission shifted into low gear all by itself. We never went into passing gear just accelerating. The vehicle nosedived, rpm’s went up, blew the transmission fluid out all over the exhaust with major smoke, threw us into the dash, and went to about 5 mph all in about .5 seconds leaving us in the middle of the interstate in 5:00 traffic. Tractor trailers stopped and let us get the vehicle to the side .If my daughter had not been behind us I’m sure one of the tractor trailers would have hit us because my brake lights didn’t come on because I never hit the brakes. The vehicle is sitting in my driveway where it was towed. No one has looked at it and it now has a check engine light on.
Ford Transit connect 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-21
- VIN: NM0LS7EX8F1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. The contact was not able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and was forced to keep driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, had not yet been diagnosed. The contact related the failure with an unknown NHTSA recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Latest 5 recalls Ford Transit connect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 65 recalls for different components of the Ford Transit connect.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Transit connect 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
- Model: Ford Transit connect 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
- Model: Ford Transit connect 2017
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
- Model: Ford Transit connect 2015
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-21
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.
- Consequence: An unlatched door can open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front door latches as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S36.
- Model: Ford Transit connect 2016
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-21
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.
- Consequence: An unlatched door can open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front door latches as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S36.
Latest negative Ford Transit connect car reviews
Latest positive Ford Transit connect car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2021
This vehicle is truly a hidden gem! It's surprising that Ford hasn't promoted it more, as it offers an incredible amount of space and flexibility. The seating is extremely versatile, with room for 6 (with second row buckets) or 7 passengers (with second row bench seat). Alternatively, the 2nd and 3rd row seats can be folded flat or removed altogether to create ample cargo space. The Titanium version of the long wheelbase wagon is particularly plush and well-equipped for the price. My personal favourite feature is the 2 leather bucket seats in each seating row, which creates a center aisle to access the 3rd row seats without having to fold down a 2nd row seat. The vehicle also boasts many modern tech conveniences, such as a rear camera with cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, proximity alert, Synch system which integrates with your mobile phone via Bluetooth, and a great navigation system that accepts voice commands. The audio system is also top-notch, including Sirius XM capability. The vehicle handles securely with a smooth ride and a small turning radius given its size. The only minor inconvenience compared to other minivans is the lack of powered sliding side doors or tailgate. However, the windows in the sliding side doors open like in conventional rear doors and are power-operated. Considering the price point, it is significantly cheaper than equivalently equipped minivans such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, or Chrysler Pacifica, and less expensive than many large 3-row SUVs. The exterior styling is a bit quirky compared to a minivan or SUV, but the tall stance offers great interior room. You sit up high and have an excellent view out, and you can carry bulky, tall objects with ease that would never fit in most minivans or SUVs. This European import (made in Spain and derived from the Ford Focus) is definitely worth considering.
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Vehicle year: 2012
Hello! We are a commercial bakery that proudly services three closely linked towns and their eateries. Our Transit Connect has been an absolute star, performing flawlessly six days a week for two and a half years on the West Coast of Canada. We made the switch from a 3/4 Ton full-size V8 to this Transit Connect and it has been a game-changer. We carry approximately 750-900 lbs. per trip, three trips a day, and the terrain is varied but all pavement. The best part? The monthly savings in fuel pays half the truck payment! Maintenance has been minimal, with the biggest concern being a leaking door seal that was quickly replaced under warranty. As a small business owner with four decades of fleet experience in the movement of goods across Canada, including agricultural and mining heavy hauling fleets, I can confidently say that this vehicle is a gem with a tiny carbon footprint. Thank you for considering us for your bakery needs!
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Vehicle year: 2013
The radio's hands-free robot lady is not very helpful, but I hope Ford got a freebie for advertising Microsoft with the badge glued to the dash. The cabin noise on California's roads can be quite loud, but I always come prepared with earplugs. Despite this, there are many positives to this vehicle thanks to the thoughtful designers. The standard door lock-unlock sequence is very useful in crummy neighborhoods and the interior lights turn off after a few minutes if the doors are left open. The power points are always on, but the entertainment USB only powers up with the ignition, which is convenient for running the dash cam. The payload capacity of 1,600 lbs is astounding and includes both me and gas. This is more than my big pickup, which is only rated for 1,100 lbs. The vehicle does not jitter when empty or wallow when loaded to the limit, which is impressive. The Continentals tires kept picking up nails, but the Federal tires were a great alternative at half the price. The Michelin Defenders are more expensive but quieter. It's important not to replace the wheels with cheap boy-racer alloys as they may not be rated for the 1,600-pound payload. The vehicle gets 22-24 mpg combined and 25 mpg on occasion, which is impressive for a vehicle with 159,000 miles. As someone who did well in endurance racing back in the 70s, I appreciate the seats and view out front. This is the final English Ford design and it shows off its performance heritage.The high-level 3rd brake light was originally built by the Limeys into one of the cargo doors, placing it only six inches from the precise vehicle center. However, DOT regulations required them to blank it over and pierce the roof for a separate brake light unit. Despite this setback, the progressive-rate steering centers well and allows for easy maneuvering, even at full lock. The low center of gravity and cargo floor, along with the antilock brakes and traction control, make for a safe and reliable driving experience. All controls are within easy reach, and the clear jump-in/jump-out path through the door to the driver’s seat makes it the perfect setup for long shifts of multiple stops. Although there have been some failures, such as the front brake caliper seizing and the coolant reservoir cracking, these issues were covered under warranty. The wheel covers have also been problematic, but after replacing two at $53 each, I found a more affordable solution on eBay. The styling department may have designed a cheesy plastic cover over the rear wiper hinge, but it still looks beefy and serves its purpose. Despite some minor setbacks, the Ford is a reliable and practical vehicle for everyday use.In busy 70-mph evening freeway traffic, I unfortunately hit a paving stone that slid off a truck. Despite Nationwide Insurance insisting it was a Fixed Object, I couldn't avoid it. Perhaps it's time to consider switching insurance, NASCAR sponsor or not. Luckily, only my steel wheels were kinked and my Michelins were affected, with no apparent suspension damage. After some windy rainstorms, a pine branch swung over an Armco and I hit it at 70. I had to replace my power driver side mirror for $450 installed, which wasn't too bad. As for the engine, it's not gutless at all. I just set Cruise before the highway rises and let it rev it right out to 6,000. The transmission and engine are smooth and reliable. My copier tech's Focus with the same motor needed a water pump at 235,000. He replaced his Focus with a Transit Connect a year after I did. If tech gurus like Connects, I take their advice. Unfortunately, the trade-in value is astoundingly low. At 108,713 miles, my spotless little runabout, maintained by the book, pothole-avoided van is worth only four thousand bucks. Only 14% of the purchase price remains after less than five years. Mercedes claims a better resale value, but their new $40,000 Metris is Spanish like the current Connect, so who knows how far it'll fall from its current $21,000 trade-in with high miles? To be fair, many tradesman vans get driven by guys who don't own them, so that paper-towel resale value is probably justified. I would buy another, but the newer Spain-built version does not offer a high roof. The new motor is stronger, though -- drove one as a rental. If you're looking to buy, you might as well order the most doodads, even leather if you can find it. Dealer lead time for custom builds has been as high as 6 months, so you may have to take whatever is on the lot, like I did.
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Vehicle year: 2017
The Transit Connect is a reliable and dependable choice for anyone looking for a vehicle that can accommodate limited ability passengers and walkers. With its wide doors and right-height sitdown seats, it provides easy access and comfortable seating for up to four people. The easy fold or remove seats enable use of ALL space behind front seats with plenty of tie down locations. While gas mileage may not be impressive, it is less consequential for those who travel short distances. The proximity alarms and sensors take some getting used to, but they are a valuable feature that can save you from twisting an old neck. Overall, the Transit Connect is a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable and practical vehicle.We have been extremely satisfied with our Transit Connect despite a few minor setbacks. The dealership was unable to provide the special socket to remove the locking lugnuts, which caused a three-day delay in fixing a slow leak. However, they were able to resolve the issue in the end. We have also found no need for full shift control and have been content with Park, Reverse, Drive, and Low. The van has served us well for over six years and we have no plans to replace it anytime soon. We recently replaced the tires and learned that low profile tires designed to carry cargo load are more expensive and wear faster above 40 psi than those for standard passenger vehicles. We have also added brighter LED lighting to the cargo area and have been pleased with the results. Overall, we have found that owning and keeping our Transit Connect has been a good strategy, as newer models do not offer anything better to suit our needs.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I really enjoy driving this van! It's much nicer than any other van I've owned. The suspension is good, it's quiet, and it gets better gas mileage - although I only get around 19 or 20 mpg. I think this is because I usually carry about 500 pounds and do most of my driving in Los Angeles. One thing I would love to have is a back-up camera. Unfortunately, the van has a design flaw where the handle on the rear gate is too close to the rear bumper, so it's easy to accidentally hit something. I think the bumper should stick out at least 2 inches more. Another thing that can be frustrating is the self-locking front doors when the keys are in the ignition. This usually happens when I have the rear doors open, which wouldn't be a problem if I hadn't installed a partition.
Are you having problems with your Ford Transit connect?
Otis Reichert 2025-02-20
Vehicle year: 2012
The transmission failed 61800 and 1 month past the warranty date. Despite our careful use of the vehicle, the issue appears to be a common one with Ford Transits. Unfortunately, we did not receive any satisfactory response from Ford. It is advisable to consider this issue before purchasing such vehicles.
Vincent Wolff 2025-02-20
Vehicle year: 2019
Ford Motor Company bought the vehicle back from us and we are thrilled that they did the right thing.
Brayan Renner 2025-02-20
Vehicle year: 2018
I was initially thrilled with my 2016 Transit Connect Titanium wagon due to its ride height, unique body design, and versatility. However, after two years of use, I have unfortunately grown to dislike it. The ride quality is loud, rough, and unrefined, which is disappointing. Additionally, the car tends to lunge forward clumsily when accelerating, braking, or going around corners. The horsepower of the 2.5 engine is not impressive, and it only makes a lot of noise without much acceleration. The build quality is also subpar, with several small issues such as a constant smell of staleness or mold due to a water leak that no Ford dealership can seem to locate. My advice would be to avoid purchasing this vehicle unless it is your only option. You have been warned. *UPDATE* I have put another 13,000 miles on this vehicle, and unfortunately, my opinion has not changed. Recently, the plastic piece mounted to the side of the driver's seat where the seat control is located broke off and is just hanging there. I am not a large person, so it is not like I am putting excessive weight on it to cause it to snap off like it did.
Chance Hand 2025-02-12
Vehicle year: 2019
Great size, packaging and handling. The car was built in the 1970s and has a unique build quality. Unfortunately, I had some issues with it in the first 14 months, and it spent over 30 days at the dealer. Despite their efforts, the dealer and Ford were unable to fix the issue. I am now using the state's lemon law to resolve the matter.
Arvid Armstrong 2025-02-06
Vehicle year: 2017
I was initially thrilled with my 2016 Transit Connect Titanium wagon due to its ride height, unique body design, and versatility. However, after two years of use, I have unfortunately grown to dislike it. The ride quality is loud, rough, and unrefined, which is disappointing. Additionally, the car tends to lunge forward clumsily when accelerating, braking, or going around corners. The horsepower of the 2.5 engine is not impressive, and it only makes a lot of noise without much acceleration. The build quality is also subpar, with several small issues such as a constant smell of staleness or mold due to a water leak that no Ford dealership can seem to locate. Therefore, I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle unless it is your only option. Please be aware of these issues before making a decision. *UPDATE* After putting another 13,000 miles on the vehicle, I still have the same issues. Recently, the plastic piece mounted to the side of the driver's seat where the seat control is located broke off and is just hanging there. I am not a large person, so it is not like I am putting excessive weight on it to cause it to snap off like it did.