2019 Ford Transit Connect Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe transmission problems, including slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, sudden loss of power, and in some cases a transmission that stops working. Brake problems are also common, with brakes that stick, drag, lock up or slow suddenly, often tied to the ABS module or hydraulic unit. Rear camera freezes and glass or wiper problems appear less often, and reported mileage ranges from a few hundred miles to about 149,000.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission slips, jerks, or stops shifting

   • 25 complaints (49%)
   • median 83,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2021–2026

   Owners describe the transmission slipping, jerking, shifting harshly, or refusing to shift into the intended gear, and in some cases the van stopped moving or entered a limp-type mode. Others describe a sudden loss of power, hesitation or stalling, including on the highway, and a few say the van would move again only after the key was turned off and on. According to complaints, the dealer or Ford replaced the transmission in several cases, and some owners say the manufacturer offered little help, with one noting the van was outside warranty coverage. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 26,000 to 149,000 miles, and many describe failures near 80,000 miles.

   Recall 22V413000Recall 21V3760005 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask whether the 8F35 transmission bulletins for slipping, harsh engagement and delayed reverse engagement were applied, and during a test drive check for smooth shifts and normal reverse engagement.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “2019 Ford Transit Connect 2.0l gdi i4 engine 8 spd auto transaxle, 83,000 miles. Transmission exhibiting difficulty shifting in lower gears. Van was working fine, then all at once the transmission stopped working at a stop light. Transmission acted like it was in park, I turned off key and turned back on and the van would drive again. When I pulled in front of my driveway the van would not go in reverse nor would it go forward again. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11408093, filed 2021-04, 83,000 miles

   “2019 Ford Transit Connect 2.0l 8 spd auto transmission. 84,000 miles. Transmission exhibiting difficulty shifting in lower gears. Van was working fine, then all at once the transmission stopped working at a walmart. Transmission acted like it was in park, I turned off key and turned back on and the van would drive again. When I pulled in front of my driveway the van would not go in reverse nor would it go forward again. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11427554, filed 2021-08
2. 2
   Brakes

   Brakes stick, drag, lock up or slow suddenly

   • 16 complaints (31%)
   • median 21,500 mi at 3.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2020–2026

   Owners describe brakes that stick, drag, lock up or fail to release, often at a front wheel, with the brake overheating or smelling of burning pads. Several describe the ABS module or hydraulic control unit being suspected or replaced, and some report sudden slowing or brakes applying without pedal input, including on the highway. According to complaints, repairs included ABS unit or module replacement and replacement of calipers, pads or rotors, and one owner says the ABS pump was replaced more than once at the owner's expense. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 13,000 to 34,000 miles, and in one report the problem returned after a restart.

   What to check: Ask whether the ABS module or hydraulic control unit has been replaced, and during a test drive check that the brakes release fully and do not pull to one side.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “anti-lock brake system failure (ABS). resulting in my driver side front and rear breaks being applied without applying the break pedal. while i was driving on the Garden State Parkway, my vehicle would abruptly slow down when i eased up on my gas pedal. this could have potentially caused a rear end collision by a driver behind me. I then exited the Highway. I also noticed a burning smell coming from my breakes.”

   NHTSA complaint #11549283, filed 2023-10

   “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. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11620107, filed 2024-10
3. 3
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Windshield, roof glass or wiper hose problems

   • 6 complaints (12%)
   • median 16,500 mi at 3.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2021–2026

   Owners describe a windshield that came loose and needed to be reinstalled, with wind noise while driving, and water entering around the top of the driver's windshield during rain. Other owners describe wiper faults and a wiper hose that keeps coming off, and one reports a panoramic glass recall that could not be completed because glass companies refused to assist. According to complaints, the dealer reinstalled a detached windshield, and the owner says a related windshield recall did not include their vehicle's VIN. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 3,000 to 30,000 miles, and the water leak is described as returning each time it rains.

   Recall 24V294000

   What to check: Check the windshield and roof glass seals for water or wind noise, and confirm that the wipers and wiper hose work and stay connected.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “During a rainy day, I had water coming in from around the top driver's side windshield and from the inside light above the dash. According to my VIN there are no recalls, but apparently there have been recalls on the seal around the windshield on some. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the dealer. The problem began last month (January 2025) and each time it rains I have issues with leaking.”

   NHTSA complaint #11641605, filed 2025-02

   “On going, I have pictures of multiple stages with the mileage. The wipers continue to malfunction. The car has gone in multiple times for this. The hose continues to disconnect. The rear camera, sensors, charging mechanisms malfunction. It activates the rear camera it also says parking issue and back up camera malfunction. It will happen while in motion.”

   NHTSA complaint #11415758, filed 2021-05, 3,000 miles
4. 4
   Back-over prevention (rear camera)

   Rear camera freezes, goes black or fails

   • 5 complaints (10%)
   • median 1,650 mi at 1.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2020–2026

   Owners describe the rear view camera freezing for several seconds when reverse is selected, then going black, and in other cases the camera, sensors or parking functions stopped working. One owner says the backup camera was replaced more than once, and a frozen display can hide people or objects behind the van. According to complaints, the van went to the dealer repeatedly and the camera or related parts were replaced. Where mileage is given, it is about 3,000 miles, and one freezing report says it happens when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.

   Recall 25V4420001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Shift into reverse and check that the rear view image is live, and ask whether the rearview camera software recall or customer satisfaction program was checked.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “This entire vehicle is a problem, including my backup camera needing to be replaced 2x since Oct. My work van does not have a rearview mirror or window so its crucial I'm a sole proprietor business owner and my only business vehicle (2019 Ford transit connect) has been in the shop a total of over 10 weeks in the last 10 months. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11458347, filed 2022-03

   “Transmission converter and Ford refuses to honor the repair. It does not show on their computer yet the RPM needle goes up and down on stealth mode. The wiper hose keeps coming off. The back up camera kept going black. The AC went out at less than 40,000 miles. The software will not update. The eco system would not work properly. The passenger bag is not detected.”

   NHTSA complaint #11568876, filed 2024-01

Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want to ask for the transmission and ABS service history, including whether the 8F35 transmission bulletins were applied and whether the ABS module has been replaced. A test drive can check for smooth shifts, brakes that release fully, and a rear camera image that stays live in reverse.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 47 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.