MODEL
Ford Transit Connect
NHTSA safety across every Ford Transit Connect model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Ford Transit Connect we cover (2019 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 74. 21 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact cargo-and-passenger van built for small businesses, families needing flexible hauling space, and urban operators who want van practicality without full-size bulk. Sold in both cargo and passenger wagon configurations, the 2019-2023 Transit Connect occupies a niche that blends work-van utility with everyday drivability, making it a practical choice for buyers who prioritize versatility over performance.
Across the 2019-2023 model years, the Ford Transit Connect presents a mixed but generally acceptable safety picture by MotorCaliber's standards. Its best NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 arrives in the 2022 model year, landing in the Exceptional band, which is a meaningful high point for a commercial-leaning van segment not always known for top-tier crash-test investment. Crash-test ratings at their best show a strong 5-star side result and a solid 4-star frontal score, with rollover protection also rated at 4 stars, reasonable for a taller, narrow-track body style. The safety index bands across covered years do dip to Average in some iterations, so shoppers should not assume every model year performs equally. The recall count is the most pressing concern here: 20 recalls across just five model years is a notably elevated figure that warrants careful attention. Buyers should run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database before purchase and confirm all open recalls have been resolved. Owner complaints total 94, including 4 reported crashes and 3 reported fires. These are unverified allegations, but the fire complaints in particular are worth monitoring given the recall volume. The 2022 Transit Connect stands as the safest documented choice in this window. If versatility and a strong single-year safety score matter to you, target that year specifically.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ford Transit Connect as a highly practical and maneuverable compact van that punches above its size for cargo flexibility and urban usability. Most acknowledge it fills a genuine gap in the market, though professional assessments tend to note that the powertrain and interior refinement feel workmanlike rather than class-leading, and that the model is better evaluated on utility than on driving engagement.
- The 2022 model year earns the highest NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 in the Exceptional band, making it the standout choice within the 2019-2023 range if safety scoring is your primary filter.
- Twenty recalls across five model years is a high recall burden for this segment. Before buying any used Transit Connect, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool and verify every open action has been completed by a Ford dealer.
- Owner-reported complaints include 3 alleged fire incidents across the covered years. These are unverified allegations, but given the elevated recall count, shoppers should ask for full service history and confirm no recall-related repairs are outstanding.
- Safety index scores vary across model years, dropping to the Average band in some years, so do not assume uniform crash-test performance. Check the specific model year you are considering rather than relying on the best-year figures alone.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Ford Transit Connect with 8 recalls.