FORD TRANSIT CONNECT · model year

2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT

31 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017FORDTRANSIT CONNECT carries 31 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 TRANSIT CONNECT is electrical system with 5 filings, followed by service brakes (4) and unknown or other (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2017 TRANSIT CONNECT, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

31
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

31 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SERVICE BRAKES4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
STEERING2
POWER TRAIN2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
VISIBILITY2
ENGINE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY1
BACK OVER PREVENTION1

Recalls (6)

20V30500027/05/2020

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.

24V29400026/04/2024

VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.

21V37600024/05/2021

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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.

22V41300010/06/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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.

20V26000008/05/2020

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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

25V57200004/09/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distort

Recent Complaints

20251101SERVICE BRAKES

Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van

20251101EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van

20251101ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van

20250123POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

See attached document for complaint

20241114VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20241114BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20240718SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the front driver’s side brakes malfunctioned, and the front driver’s side wheel failed to properly rotate. The contact later examined the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s side brake pad had become stuck to the brake rotor. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS Control Module and Hydraulic Control Unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Mileage: 26,000

20240515SERVICE BRAKES

The brakes on my car would not release. After trying to repair we determined it was due to the abs module. Since the module has to be programed by a dealer to communicate with the ecm, I stopped and turned the car over to a Ford dealer. My car was built just outside a documented recall on the abs module. I told ford thir but they did not cover the repair. It is obvious another bad part got thru and my vehicle should be included. I wrote to the ntsb before, but never heard back. When ford replaced the abs module, I keep the bad part incase someone need to inspect the failed part.

20240407ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This was happened [XXX] in Mesa CO in winter storms negative temperatures and foot of heavy snow far away from anything car simultaneously looks with running engines when I went out of the car with my winter gear and telephone inside. For 4-5 hours didn’t find any body . I thinking I’m going to die. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231110VISIBILITY/WIPER

While driving my 2017 Ford Transit Connect at highway speed the panoramic sun roof and attached sun shade completely separated from the vehicle flew into the air and landed in the lanes of travel the vehicle behind me was nearly struck. This is an obvious safety issue had the glass struck another vehicle it would have likely caused serious damage and or injuries. The failure could have also caused serious injuries to the passengers to the vehicle had it been a partial separation with glass entering the passenger area. The vehicle is available for inspection until 15 Nov when the repairs will be completed. The vehicle was taken to Ford approximately 18 months ago for a wind noise complaint. The service department could not replicate the wind noise. My vehicle was not included in Ford's recall of the same model for sunroof adhesive failure. This was mentioned to the service department and I was told it was fine to continue to drive the vehicle. In the attached photos you can see signs of

20230908VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that there was a windy sound coming from the sunroof of the vehicle. The sound had been progressing as if there was a fracture or separation between the sunroof and the roof sub frame. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

20230728VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that during rainy weather, moisture was leaking into the vehicle through the top passenger’s side windshield. After the contact was involved in a crash, the leak started across the entire top of the windshield. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and paid to have the windshield sealant replaced; however, the windshield cracked during the repair and the contact was forced to pay for a new windshield. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20230702POWER TRAIN

Transmission keeps slipping and failing to accelerate. Feels like my van is running over rumble strips and slows the speed down. This continues to happen at many different speeds. Sometimes often and sometimes intermittently.

20230627VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the panoramic roof panel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20S22 (Panoramic Roof Panel Repair). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,373.

Mileage: 58,373

20230208CrashSERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in the rain, the vehicle in front of him made a sudden stop. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of the other occupied vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS and the hydraulic control unit (HCU) had failed, which caused the brakes failure. The mechanic replaced the ABS module and the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Additionally, the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who updated the ABS module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20221008SERVICE BRAKES

The brake pads do not release immediately after any braking event. Brake release happens between 10 seconds and 24 hours later. Repair work indicates problem is in the abs valve module due to contamination.

20220919SERVICE BRAKES

HCU (hydraulic control unit) failure, causing brakes to apply without depression of the brake pedal. This occurred both at residential speeds and highway speeds. This caused brakes to over heat excessively and to dangerous levels without system warning. Failure diagnosed by ford dealership technician. Units were recalled on the 2016 Ford Transit Connects for failure unspecified and unknown if there is a relation to this issue as units were only 1 production year apart.

20220428SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

On Friday the 22nd of April I was on the interstate and the vehicle began to slow down and make a scrubbing/grinding noise. I took the exit and by the time I reached the crossroad the vehicle would barely move. The brakes were almost completely locked. There was no warning and no diagnostic light was on. Luckily I was able to get off on the shoulder of the road so no one was in danger. The next day the dealer said my brake hoses had deteriorated but after replacing them the problem persisted. They now say the 'hydraulic control module' has failed. This module controls all the braking, sway control functions. There was a safety recall for this module earlier but they said my VIN was not listed in the recall. The dealer (Forrester's Lincoln 832 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, Pa 17201 717-264-4914) has ordered the replacement part. I believe that the problem may include other vehicles not included in the original recall.

20211116SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

The local Ford dealership has determined that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on the brakes is defective. In the model year 2016, this same vehicle was recalled due to a defective HCU. This vehicle probably should be added to that recall. Symptoms: The front right brake continued to produce smoke while driving.

20210517VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

I was driving on the interstate in heavy traffic. I pressed my accelerator pedal to pass a slower vehicle and the arm holding the accelerator pedal broke in two, causing me to de-accelerate rapidly and almost causing an accident. I can't believe it is made out of plastic!

Compare 2017FORDTRANSIT CONNECT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT have?
The 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 31 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
The 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
Yes, the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
The most-complained component for the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.