The 2017 Transit Connect is a European-derived cargo van with solid bones but plagued by catastrophic transmission cooler failures and endemic 2.5L engine issues that can grenade motors without warning. The 2.0L EcoBoost is more reliable but still vulnerable to the transmission problem.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Trans/Engine Damage
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Milky or pink transmission fluid indicating coolant cross-contamination, Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or complete failure, Overheating transmission temperature warnings, Check engine light with transmission-related codes
Fix: Internal transmission oil cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Coolant destroys transmission clutches; ATF in cooling system can damage engine. Requires new radiator, full transmission flush or rebuild, and often torque converter replacement. If caught early (just cooler): 4-6 hours. If transmission damaged: 12-18 hours total. This is THE killer issue on these vans.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 if caught immediately, $3,500-6,000 with transmission damage
2.5L Duratec Engine Connecting Rod and Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic knocking sound from engine, Loss of oil pressure warning, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Rod punch-through block in worst cases (immediate seizure)
Fix: The 2.5L suffers from oil starvation issues and weak rod bearings that spin or seize. Often no warning until catastrophic failure. Requires complete engine rebuild (bearings, possibly pistons, crank machining) or short block replacement. 18-24 hours labor for rebuild, 12-16 for short block swap. Many shops just recommend used engine replacement at this point.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500 for rebuild, $3,500-5,500 for used engine swap
Head Gasket Failure (2.5L Engine)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss without visible leaks, Overheating under load, Bubbles in coolant reservoir or overflow, Rough idle when cold
Fix: The 2.5L has marginal head gasket durability, especially if ever overheated. Requires cylinder head removal, resurfacing, new gasket set, timing components, and often new head bolts. Always check for head warpage. 10-14 hours labor. Address immediately or risk the bearing/rod failures mentioned above.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Transmission Shift Cable Bushing Failure and Misalignment
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Shifter position doesn't match actual gear (PRNDL indicator wrong), Cannot shift out of park despite brake pedal depressed, Gear indicator shows park when vehicle is in drive, Loose or sloppy shifter feel
Fix: Plastic bushings at the transmission shift cable linkage crack and fall apart. Related to the NHTSA recalls on gear indication. Requires new bushings and cable adjustment, sometimes full cable replacement. 1.5-3 hours depending on access and whether cable is stretched.
Estimated cost: $180-450
Rear Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible under hood during acceleration, Transmission tunnel heat or noise increase
Fix: The rear trans mount is undersized for the powertrain mass and deteriorates quickly, especially with cargo weight. Replacement requires lifting engine/trans slightly. 2-3 hours labor. Use OE or upgraded aftermarket mounts; cheap ones fail in 20k miles.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Backup Camera Failure and Water Intrusion
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Backup camera screen shows 'no signal' or black screen, Intermittent camera function, works when dry, Condensation visible inside camera lens, Corrosion on rear door wiring harness connector
Fix: Rear door wiring and camera housing seals fail, allowing water into camera and connectors. Often related to NHTSA recall but continues after recall repairs. Requires new camera and sometimes rear door harness repair. 1.5-2.5 hours including door panel removal and wiring diagnosis.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color every oil change — any pink or milky appearance means immediate radiator/cooler replacement to avoid $5k+ trans failure
The 2.5L engine is significantly less reliable than the 2.0L EcoBoost; avoid high-mileage 2.5L models
Replace transmission and engine mounts preemptively at 60-70k miles to prevent stress-related failures
Inspect shift cable bushings annually and replace at first sign of play
Use only Motorcraft Mercon LV fluid for transmission — other fluids accelerate clutch wear
Buy a 2.0L EcoBoost model only, avoid the 2.5L entirely, and budget $1,000 immediately for preventive radiator/trans cooler replacement — otherwise you're gambling with a $6,000 transmission job.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 25V572000
2025-09-04
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · 22V413000
2022-06-10
Ford 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.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE · 21V631000
2021-08-11
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.
Consequence: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · 21V376000
2021-05-24
Ford 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.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · 20V305000
2020-05-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S25.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · 20V260000
2020-05-08
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S22.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 19V767000
2019-10-25
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Transit vehicles. This recall includes all full-size Transit vehicles previously recalled under 17V-408 except ones that received mechanical universal joint (u-joint) as a remedy and any 156" or 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies models. The flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
Consequence: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling every 40,000 miles until the final remedy is available. The final remedy will consist of installation of a driveshaft front section equipped with a mechanical u-joint in place of the flexible coupling. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S38. Note: This recall supersedes recall number 17V-408.
SEATS · 19V333000
2019-04-29
New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-886-9247.
SEATS · 19V329000
2019-04-26
Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton Mobility) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Fenton Mobility will notify owners, and a Fenton Mobility technician will repair the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014.
SEATS · 19V313000
2019-04-18
Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 19V271000
2019-04-03
Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Ford E-150 and Transit vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S-Series and K-Series wheel chair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height.
Consequence: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Mobility Specialists, working with Ricon, has notified the owners. Ricon will provide instructions and materials for replacing defective parts. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
SEATS · 19V247000
2019-03-28
Cabot Coach Builders, Inc. DBA Royale Limousine (Royale) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit-based mini-coaches equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats recalled under 18E-076. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Royale will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the seat. The recall began June 6, 2019. Owners may contact Royale customer service at 1-800-544-5587.
SEATS · 19V238000
2019-03-26
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
SEATS · 19V229000
2019-03-22
TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: TransitWorks has notified owners and instructed them to contact Freedman seats for a repair kit. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman Seating customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or TransitWorks customer service at 1-855-337-9543.
SEATS · 19V205000
2019-03-18
Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 19V183000
2019-03-06
Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. (Fenton) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit passenger vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S & K Titanium Wheelchair Lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."
Consequence: If the wheelchair lift platform stops above the vehicle floor, the wheelchair user can tip inwards toward the vehicle when exiting the lift, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Fenton will notify owners, and a service technician will install Ricon Recall Parts Kit RI61396, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2019. Owners may contact Fenton Mobility customer service at 1-716-484-7014. Fenton's number for this recall is RI61396.
SEATS · 19V332000
2019-03-01
Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles (Prime-Time) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats. When the seat back cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles has notified owners, and Freedman dealers have inspected and repaired the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or Prime-Time Specialty Vehicles at 1-574-293-9191.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 19V103000
2019-02-21
XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
Consequence: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
Remedy: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
SEATS · 18V782000
2018-11-06
National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: National Van will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began November 26, 2018. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1-508-222-2272.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 18V275000
2018-04-30
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Note: This is an expansion of recall 17V-668 (Ford recall 17S34). Ford's number for this recall expansion is 17S34-S1.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 17V668000
2017-10-23
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.
Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver's door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle's wiring harness, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S34.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 17V408000
2017-06-26
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling all 2015-2017 Transit vehicles except 156" and 178" wheelbase Chassis Cab and Cut-Away bodies. In the affected vehicles, the flexible coupling connecting the transmission to the driveshaft may prematurely fail.
Consequence: If the coupling fails, the vehicle will not be able to move under its own power and the disconnected driveshaft may impact and damage the brake and fuel lines. Additionally, the separated driveshaft may allow the vehicle to roll if the vehicle is exited when the transmission is in 'Park' but the parking brake is not applied. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and as an interim repair, dealers will replace the flexible coupling on any vehicle with more than 30,000 miles. A final remedy repair of a redesigned flexible coupling or a revised driveshaft equipped with a universal joint is being developed and is expected in early 2018. These repairs will be made free of charge. Interim notifications informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S15.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.