What are the most common Ford Transit Connect problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,100+ owner reports, the 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure, Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (2.5L/1.6L), Throttle Body/ETC Fault Causing Limp Mode (Reduced Engine Power). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Transit Connect reliable?
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 14 known issues documented across 2,100+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure and Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (2.5L/1.6L) and Throttle Body/ETC Fault Causing Limp Mode (Reduced Engine Power) and ABS Wheel Speed Sensor/Wiring Fault (ABS/Traction Control Lights On). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Transit Connect problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Transit Connect issues range from $50 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure, typically costs $200-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2019-2023 Ford Transit Connect 8F35 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Failure?
The 2019-2023 Ford Transit Connect equipped with the 8F35 8-speed automatic transmission experiences transmission shuddering, harsh engagements, slipping, and premature failure. Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin for 2019-2021 Transit Connect vehicles built before December… Repairs typically run $200-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (2.5L/1.6L)?
Transit Connect owners report intermittent misfires, rough running, and flashing MIL events commonly traced to failing coil-on-plug ignition coils. Heat and age-related breakdown can cause single-cylinder misfires that may damage the catalytic converter if driven long-term. This… Repairs typically run $120-$650. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Throttle Body/ETC Fault Causing Limp Mode (Reduced Engine Power)?
Owners report sudden reduced power, poor throttle response, and limp-home behavior due to electronic throttle body contamination/wear or throttle actuator control faults. The issue can be intermittent and may clear after a key cycle, then recur, which is a common pattern in NHTSA… Repairs typically run $140-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect ABS Wheel Speed Sensor/Wiring Fault (ABS/Traction Control Lights On)?
Transit Connect owners report intermittent ABS and traction control warnings caused by wheel speed sensor signal dropouts, often due to sensor contamination, corrosion at connectors, or damaged wiring near the hubs. The issue can be intermittent and may also disable stability con… Repairs typically run $120-$650. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect EVAP Purge Valve Stuck Open (Hard Start After Refueling)?
Owners report extended cranking, rough idle, or stalling shortly after refueling due to an EVAP canister purge valve that sticks open and floods the intake with fuel vapor. This failure mode is documented across Ford applications and appears in Transit Connect owner reports and s… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect HVAC Blower Motor Resistor/Control Module Failure (Fan Works Only on High or Not at All)?
Transit Connect owners report the cabin blower losing lower speeds, operating only on high, or stopping entirely due to failure of the blower motor resistor/control module. Heat-related stress and connector resistance can damage the module and/or melt the connector, leading to in… Repairs typically run $120-$550. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Catalytic Converter Efficiency Fault (P0420) on 2.5L Duratec?
Transit Connect models with the 2.5L Duratec commonly generate catalyst efficiency codes, often after repeated misfire events, oil consumption, or exhaust leaks upstream of the catalyst. Owners report a persistent check engine light with no drivability change, or reduced power if… Repairs typically run $450-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Rear Liftgate Latch/Handle Failure (Liftgate Won’t Open)?
Owners report the rear liftgate handle/latch mechanism binding or failing, leaving the liftgate stuck closed or intermittently not releasing. Complaints commonly describe the exterior handle feeling loose or the latch motor/actuator not responding, sometimes after water intrusion… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect A/C Compressor Failure or No-Cool Condition (Refrigerant Leak/Compressor Damage)?
Owners report loss of A/C cooling, compressor noise, or compressor clutch/variable displacement control issues leading to warm air. Some cases involve refrigerant leaks at seals/lines, while others involve compressor internal failure contaminating the system. Transit Connect owne… Repairs typically run $250-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Front Wheel Bearing/Hubs Premature Wear (Growl/Hum Increases With Speed)?
Transit Connect owners report front hub bearing noise that increases with road speed and changes with steering load, sometimes requiring hub replacement earlier than expected. The vehicle’s duty cycle (commercial use, heavy loads) can accelerate wear, and some reports describe re… Repairs typically run $280-$850. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Rear Door Wiring Harness Break (Liftgate/Rear Electrical Intermittent)?
Repeated opening/closing of the liftgate can fatigue and break wires in the rubber boot/harness at the rear hinge area. Owners report intermittent rear wiper, rear defrost, license plate lamps, rear camera, and/or liftgate release issues that come and go with liftgate movement. T… Repairs typically run $120-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Ford Transit Connect Sliding Door Cable and Roller Mechanism Failure?
The second-generation Ford Transit Connect (2014+) suffers from premature failure of the sliding door cable and roller mechanism on both driver and passenger sides. The cable frays or snaps, and the nylon rollers crack or wear flat, causing the door to bind, jump off the track, o… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Ford Transit Connect Water Leak Through Taillight Housing Gasket?
The Transit Connect taillight housing gaskets deteriorate and allow water intrusion into the rear cargo area, particularly on the passenger side. Water pools in the spare tire well and behind interior panels, causing mold, corrosion of wiring harnesses, and eventual electrical gr… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2022 Ford Transit Connect Rear Suspension Clunking Over Bumps — Stabilizer Bar Links and Bushings?
The Transit Connect rear suspension develops a persistent clunking or knocking noise over bumps, particularly noticeable at low speeds in parking lots and over speed bumps. The primary cause is worn rear stabilizer bar end links and bushings, though rear shock absorber upper moun… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: low.
