The 2014 Transit Connect is a European-derived commercial van that suffers from catastrophic engine failures on the 2.5L I4 (Duratec) and chronic transmission cooler leaks. The 2.0L EcoBoost is more reliable but watch for door latch and shift indicator issues across both engines.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Rapid coolant loss with no external leaks, Rough idle and misfires, Milky oil on dipstick, Hydrolocked cylinders in severe cases
Fix: Coolant infiltrates cylinders through failed head gasket or porous block casting, destroying pistons and bearings. Requires complete engine replacement or full rebuild (80-120 labor hours for rebuild, 20-30 for used engine swap). This is a known defect Ford never officially recalled.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks at Crimp Joints
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under vehicle, Low fluid warning light, Harsh shifting when fluid is low, ATF visible on cooler lines near radiator
Fix: Factory crimp connections on steel cooler lines crack and leak. Ford issued TSB 14-0144 but many owners still experience failures. Requires replacement of cooler lines and sometimes radiator if contaminated (4-6 labor hours). Must flush system if debris present.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Door Latch Failures (All Doors)
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Door won't latch even when slammed, Door pops open while driving, Door ajar warning stays on, Latch makes clicking noise but doesn't engage
Fix: Internal pawl mechanism breaks in door latch assemblies. Multiple NHTSA recalls (14V-353, 16V-619, 20V-134) but problem persists beyond recall repairs. Each latch is 1.5 hours labor. Sliding doors are worst offenders.
Estimated cost: $250-400 per door
Transmission Range Sensor / Shift Indicator Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear indicator shows wrong gear or blank, Won't start because thinks it's in gear, Reverse lights stay on in Drive, Transmission may shift erratically
Fix: Digital transmission range sensor (TR sensor) on valve body fails, causing incorrect PRNDL display and start inhibit. Covered by recall 16V-124 but many fail outside recall window. Requires transmission pan drop and valve body access (3-4 labor hours).
Estimated cost: $450-750
Fuel Pump Failure (2.5L primarily)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: No start / crank no start, Stalling at idle after warm-up, Loss of power under load, Fuel pump whining noise from rear
Fix: In-tank fuel pump fails prematurely, often without warning. Some covered under recall 18V-355 for manufacturing defect. Requires fuel tank drop (2.5-3.5 labor hours). Use OEM pump only, aftermarket units fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Transmission Mount Collapse
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration at idle, Visible engine movement when revving, Clunking over bumps from engine bay
Fix: Rear transmission mount (torque strut) rubber deteriorates and tears. Common on all variants but especially cargo models with heavy loads. Straightforward replacement (1.5-2 labor hours). Inspect engine mounts at same time.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clogs and Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Water dripping on headliner at A-pillars, Wet carpet front passenger side, Musty smell in cabin, Water pooling in sunroof track
Fix: Drain tubes clog with debris, causing water to overflow into cabin. Recall 15V-356 addressed some units but clogs reoccur. Requires clearing drains with compressed air and fishing wire, sometimes removing headliner to access tubes (2-4 labor hours depending on severity).
Estimated cost: $200-600
Owner tips
If buying a 2.5L model, have a pre-purchase compression test and coolant system pressure test — walk away if coolant is disappearing or combustion gases are in coolant
Inspect transmission cooler lines at every oil change, especially the crimped sections near the radiator — catch leaks early
Test all door latches during inspection, including sliding doors — carry recall documentation as latches may need multiple replacements
Change transmission fluid at 50k intervals (Ford says lifetime fill, which is a lie on this platform)
Keep sunroof drains clear by flushing with water bottle twice yearly if equipped
Buy the 2.0L EcoBoost only, avoid the 2.5L Duratec entirely — budget $1,500-2,000 for deferred maintenance and latch/cooler repairs on any used example.
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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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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which may result in the panel separating from the vehicle.
Consequence: Panoramic roof panel separation while driving can increase the risk of an injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 16V-695. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S35.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 20V331000
2020-06-08 · RQ19005
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · 17V209000
2017-03-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Consequence: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · 16V695000
2016-09-27
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured October 4, 2013, to July 14, 2014 and equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. The panoramic roof panel may have an inadequate bond to the vehicle, possibly resulting in the panel separating from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S35.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 16V643000
2016-09-06 · PE16001
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence: If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · 15V050000
2015-01-30
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 6, 2013, to September 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the upper seat belt bolts may have been improperly torqued, allowing them to loosen over time.
Consequence: If the seat belt anchorage fasteners loosen over time, there is an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the original seatbelt fasteners with properly torqued fasteners, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S03.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR · 14V777000
2014-12-05
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Transit Connect cargo vans manufactured August 9, 2013, to September 20, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped with sliding door panels that may have an improper bond strength between the plastic panel and paint primer. This could cause the door panel to separate from the vehicle while driving.
Consequence: If the plastic sliding door panel separates while driving, it can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reinstall the panel with proper materials, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S26.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 14V703000
2014-11-05
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to July 10, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the fuel and vapor lines may have been incorrectly installed in the engine compartment, allowing the two lines to make contact.
Consequence: Contact between the two lines may result in abrasion and a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel line routing. If the fuel line has been routed incorrectly, it will be replaced and routed correctly. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S24.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 14V406000
2014-07-02
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, through May 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake reservoir cap that does not have the required text advising owners which brake fluid the vehicle uses. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Without the correct brake reservoir label on the cap someone may add the wrong brake fluid, causing damage to the brake system seals, resulting in brake fluid leaks, lengthened stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners. Dealers will replace the brake reservoir cap with a correct one, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C06.
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