Skip to content
Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Ford Transit Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
21%of 84 total for the year
Median mileage
87,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Ford Transit, 21% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When starting the car, I hear popping noises sounding like a spark plug and or a tap/pop noise. I hear the noise every couple of days during startup, driving, and at idle.”

NHTSA complaint #11405697, filed 2021-03, 5,000 miles

“Driving vehicle on the road and experience transmission slipping, about an hour later it started making whining noise, then gear shifted and vehicle skid. Started making light grinding noise while shifting gears. After cooling, van would shift gears but not move, including reverse. Took to dealership and they said van had a transmission leak. Van did not have any evidence of leakage, from puddles under vehicle to any trail of fluid or mess when inspecting under vehicle. Had the van for less than 30 days and they say 10 quarts of oil leaked! There is no transmission fluid on my driveway at all!”

NHTSA complaint #11414772, filed 2021-05, 5,000 miles

“The bolts holding the axle together to the driveshaft failed on the rear right wheel, nearly causing an accident but fortunately it was 6am with little traffic on the interstate. The axle came out and destroyed our driveshaft, requiring a full replacement. We have had the vehicle serviced regularly since our purchase.”

NHTSA complaint #11744442, filed 2026-06

“A few months ago, my 2020 Ford Transit had a transmission issue, and the dealer replaced the torque converter. Now, at 101,300 miles, I’m experiencing loss of power, jerking, and rough shifting, and I have to replace the entire transmission. After researching online, I’ve found that many others have experienced the same issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11650037, filed 2025-03

“Loss of power while driving with no warning. Almost crashed. Shifting violently. After a few months it wasn't safe for anyone and was happening all the time . It's at the dealer getting the transmission rebuilt with re engineered parts . That's what the dealer told me . He said this will resolve the problem for good . 8000$$ 67k miles ford is not helping with cost. Ford had to re engineer the parts that are going in my van , isn't that them admitting they have a transmission that was no good from the start”

NHTSA complaint #11658009, filed 2025-04

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024311%
20231423%
202238%
2021625%
20201821%
201938%
20181221%
20174041%
20166038%
20157840%

Other parts of the 2020 Ford Transit

Seats
27 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Ford Transit

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology