2019 Ford Transit Connect: common problems and reliability
An average Transit Connect year.
51 owner complaints, most about power train. 8 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2019 Ford Transit Connect has 51 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. Owners most often flag erratic transmission behavior in newer models: rough shifts, surging acceleration, rpm fluctuation at constant throttle (noted in 2019-2020 models with 8-speed automatic).
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Ford Transit Connect vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Transit Connect years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the Transit Connect?
Across the 14 Transit Connect model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2023) to 259 (2016). With 51 complaints, the 2019 Transit Connect sits below the model's median of 79.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 Transit Connect
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V791000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Campaign 20V636000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay the fail-safe cooling strategy in the event of coolant loss and result in engine overheating.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 20V550000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 21V376000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Show 4 more recalls
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 22V413000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
visibility:fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly
Campaign 24V294000Ford 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.
power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Campaign 25V196000Ford 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.
back over prevention:software
Campaign 25V442000Ford 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation model (approximately 2010-2013) is frequently criticized for significant transmission reliability issues, poor driving dynamics, and a cheap, unrefined feel, particularly on long journeys.
- RecurrentErratic transmission behavior in newer models
Rough shifts, surging acceleration, RPM fluctuation at constant throttle (noted in 2019-2020 models with 8-speed automatic).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Transit Connect. See the full Transit Connect owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Transit Connect listings typically run $13,599–$20,795 across 2014 to 2023 model years.
Other Transit Connect model years
Compare every Transit Connect year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Transit Connect against its rivals
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