NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford Transit Connect Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 8 recalls, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect has not received an overall crash rating from NHTSA, leaving a significant gap in its safety profile. This absence of a comprehensive assessment limits confidence in its passive protection. Its rollover risk, however, is a modest positive in an otherwise incomplete test picture. With 8 recall campaigns, the Transit Connect scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Average band.
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Hatchback/Wagons from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ford Transit Connect ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 4 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect lands at 74/100, a one-point slip from the 2019 model year's 75/100, with both years sitting in the Average band. That single-point decline is modest on its face, but the underlying breakdown tells a more specific story for this vintage. The defect record sub-score of 9 out of 20 is the weakest pillar, driven by 8 recall campaigns that touch the transmission control system twice over, including a 2025 campaign correcting an incorrectly performed prior repair, which signals a multi-step remediation history that used-market buyers must trace carefully. The crash protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 is constrained by the absence of frontal and side star ratings from NHTSA, leaving the 4-star rollover result as the only direct crash-test evidence for this year. The avoidance technology score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control, with lane departure warning listed as optional rather than standard, a distinction that matters when evaluating specific used units. The complaint record, with power train and service brakes as the top alleged concern areas, aligns thematically with the transmission-focused recall activity that defines this model year's safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford Transit Connect perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect has an 18-percent rollover risk, as determined by NHTSA's dynamic tip test, earning it a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating. There are no other federal crash-test star ratings for this model year. Overall, frontal, and side impact protection cannot be evaluated as NHTSA did not assign ratings in these categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14903
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. Eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Named component areas include back-over prevention software, automatic transmission control modules (including a follow-up remedy for a previously incorrect repair under an earlier campaign), gear position indication bushings and PRNDL systems across two separate campaigns, and a front windshield manufacturing defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
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
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD22V192000
Risk: During a crash, the windshield may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S20.
Reported 2022-03-25
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
Thirty unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top alleged problem area is the power train, cited in 10 reports, followed by service brakes and an unknown-or-other category with 5 each, visibility with 4, and forward collision avoidance with 3. Two alleged crashes and two alleged fires appear in the complaint record. All are unverified allegations.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect has a notable recall record, with 8 campaigns issued. One recall, slated for 2025, addresses a transmission repair that was previously performed incorrectly. Given this volume of corrective actions, prospective buyers should verify the completion of all recalls for any specific vehicle through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2020 model year carries 8 NHTSA recall campaigns, a figure that directly pulls the defect record sub-score to 9 out of 20 and is the primary reason the Safety Index fell one point from the 2019 model year.
- A 2025 recall campaign specifically targets 2020 Transit Connect units that received an incorrect prior repair to the automatic transmission control module, meaning some vehicles may require a second service visit to achieve a proper remedy.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests for this model year, so the only star rating available is the 4-out-of-5 rollover score with an 18-percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on this model year, so buyers of used units should confirm whether that specific feature is present on the vehicle they are evaluating.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford Transit Connect places
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford Transit Connect safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford Transit Connect crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford Transit Connect, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford Transit Connect crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford Transit Connect earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Transit Connect have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford Transit Connect?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Transit Connect years
Rivals in Hatchback/Wagon (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Yaris | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Transit | 64/100 | 3 of 5 | 9 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14903), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Transit Connect 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 3 of 4 in the Hatchback/Wagon class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.