NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Ford Transit Connect
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
The 2019 Ford Transit Connect earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13267
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)25V196000
Risk: An engine that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S32.
Reported 2025-03-28
VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY24V294000
Risk: A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S29.
Reported 2024-04-26
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)22V413000
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Reported 2022-06-10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)21V376000
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Reported 2021-05-24
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE20V791000
Risk: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.
Reported 2020-12-17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM20V636000
Risk: If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S60.
Reported 2020-10-15
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V550000
Risk: Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Reported 2020-09-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.