Common Ford Transit Connect Faults: Reliability, Breakdowns And More!
It’s impossible not to talk about the Ford Transit Connect when it comes to the best cargo vans on the market. The model is known to be the most fuel efficient city van, with a combined fuel economy of 25.5 miles per gallon (mpg). If you are interested in knowing the common faults of the Ford Transit Connect , this article is made for you.
It has a resale value of approximately $14,570, depreciating 54% after five years.
How good is the Ford Transit Connect?
The Ford Transit Connect ranks 5th out of 21 commercial vans, giving the model a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0. Annual repair and maintenance costs for the Transit Connect are relatively high at $926, compared to the typical $652 for other vehicle models. Its cost of ownership, however, is still cheaper than other commercial vans.
Transit Connect owners typically take their vans in for unscheduled repairs 0.5 times a year. The model has a 14% chance of needing a major repair , compared to the typical 12% for all vehicle models and 16% for other commercial vans.
Common Ford Transit Connect faults
Although the Transit Connect is one of the most reliable city vans on the market, it can have worn or damaged parts that could affect its driveability, quality and safety. These are the common Ford Transit Connect faults found in the different models:
1- Transmission failure
Transmission problems are not uncommon in the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. Many owners of this redesign have reported instances where their vans lost power and stopped shifting properly.
Some drivers have also reported that parts needed to repair the transmission were on national order. This prevented them from using their vans for a long time.
Aside from the 2012 redesign, some 2013 to 2021 Transit Connects have also been reported to have transmission issues. In early 2021, Ford issued a recall for more than 192,000 2013-2021 Transit Connects due to their high probability of going off-road when in park mode.
According to the automaker’s report, a faulty connection between the shifter cable and the transmission could cause the van to appear to be in park mode even when it isn’t, increasing the risk of an accident. Although there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this problem, Ford has announced that it will replace the defective part free of charge .
There are several issues that can cause the transmission to go bad. Among them, a failed transmission solenoid, a bad torque converter, a bad clutch, and low transmission fluid. If you notice that your van is showing signs of sluggishness, make sure you have it checked out by a licensed mechanic to find out whether or not you need a new transmission.
2- Engine failures
There have been cases of engine failure in some 2016 Transit Connect redesigns. Most owners of affected models have complained that their engine died while driving. Others reported their vans vibrating excessively and displaying erratic gauge readings along with an illuminated check engine light.
Upon inspecting their vans, most owners determined that the problems were caused by a faulty throttle body. This part can cost between $100 and $900 to replace, plus labor costs.
Ford issued a recall in 2021 for newer Ford Transit Connects (such as the 2020 model) that have a faulty engine safety feature. The failsafe could cause increased temperatures and delay the engine cooling strategy, resulting in decreased engine power and increased risk of fire.
3- Loose panoramic roof panel
One of the most notable features of the 2014 Ford Transit Connect is the panoramic roof, which allows additional light to enter the cabin, while making it appear more spacious. But while this feature has its advantages, the roof panel on some models has been reported to cause some problems.
In May 2020, Ford recalled some 2014-2017 Transit Connects due to a loose panoramic roof panel that could cause wind noise and water leaks. It could also separate from the vehicle body. Ford dealers have been notified to remove, clean and reinstall panoramic roof panels on affected vans free of charge.
4- Loose door latch
A loose door latch on some 2014-2016 Transit Connects has been reported to cause some drivers to have difficulty fully closing the doors. This prompted Ford to issue a recall in 2020 to replace the faulty part.
If you are dealing with the same problem and your Transit Connect is not included in the recalled vehicle list, you may choose to get an aftermarket door latch. It can cost anywhere from $40 to $100 plus labor costs.
5- Problems with the air conditioning unit (A/C)
Owners of some 2014 Transit Connects have complained that their A/C units don’t blow fresh air from time to time. Several factors can cause this problem, such as a clogged cabin air filter, a lack of refrigerant, and a faulty A/C compressor . If you have the same problem, make sure you have your van checked out by a licensed mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
To end
Reliable as it is, Transit Connect is not immune to issues that can affect your driving experience. Fortunately, by knowing the common Ford Transit Connect failures, you’ll know what parts you’ll need to replace to keep your city van running at peak performance. It’s also a good idea to be aware of your van’s maintenance needs to make sure all of its parts are working as they should.
