NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford Transit Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford Transit scores 64 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 3-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 81 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A 2-star rollover rating for the 2020 Ford Transit warrants close consideration from prospective buyers. This specific model year received nine separate recall campaigns. While the vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index score of 64/100 represents a meaningful improvement over the 2019 model's 57/100, these factors place it in the Below Average safety band.
The 2020 Ford Transit Low Roof 15-Passenger Wagon received a 2-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 64 out of 100 based on NHTSA crash-test and recall 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 ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 64 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 3 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 2 stars |
| Rollover risk | 33.8% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 81 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 4 of 4 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford Transit?
The 2020 Ford Transit Low Roof 15-Passenger Wagon marks a notable step up from the 2019 edition: the NHTSA Safety Index rose 7 points, moving from a 57 Weak to a 64 Below Average. That movement is driven primarily by the crash-protection subscore of 48 out of 70 and a solid avoidance-tech subscore of 8.5 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control. However, the defect record subscore of only 7 out of 20 pulls the composite down sharply, and that number is consistent with nine active recall campaigns. The 2-star rollover rating with a 34 percent rollover risk is the single most striking crash-test result for this year and is especially relevant in a tall, high-capacity passenger van carrying up to 15 occupants. The side-impact 5-star result is a genuine strength. The AWD-specific driveshaft bolt recall and the multi-year driveshaft damper campaign are the most mechanically consequential defect records tied directly to this model year. Taken together, the 2020 Transit shows improvement over its predecessor but remains a Below Average safety performer, with the rollover vulnerability and the volume of recall activity as the defining characteristics of this specific year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford Transit perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Ford Transit presents a mixed safety profile, with its side-impact protection standing out. The federal crash-test program awarded a full 5 out of 5 stars for side impacts. However, the overall rating for the Transit was 3 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection scored 3 stars. Rollover resistance is a significant concern, receiving only 2 stars with a 34 percent measured rollover risk. Dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14910
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford Transit have any recalls?
Nine recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented issues include AWD rear driveshaft bolts that could detach, an incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit fitted across 2015-2020 Transits, a back-over prevention software defect spanning 2019-2020 model years, fuel system hose and fitting concerns on generator-equipped vans, and a wheelchair restraint latch issue affecting aftermarket mobility conversions. No explicit park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the summarized campaign language provided, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V876000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Reported 2025-12-17
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS23V499000
Risk: A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel hose and clamps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Owners may contact Quality Vans customer service at 1-480-464-7007.
Reported 2023-07-19
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21V978000
Risk: Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. If any loose bolts are found, the driveshaft, attachment hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S54.
Reported 2021-12-16
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE21V631000
Risk: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.
Reported 2021-08-11
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V575000
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Reported 2020-09-23
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW20V415000
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.
Reported 2020-07-17
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR20V250000
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: National Van Builders will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or National Van Builders customer service at 1-800-527-7477.
Reported 2020-05-05
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR20V222000
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: TransitWorks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2020. Dealers can contact Freedman Seating Company for parts and reimbursement information at 1-800-443-4540.
Reported 2020-04-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ford Transit?
NHTSA has logged 81 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Transit. The most frequently alleged problem area is Seats with 27 reports, followed by Power Train at 17 and Electrical System at 13. Steering and Service Brakes also appear. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
81 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford Transit?
Nine recall campaigns were issued for the 2020 Ford Transit. Prior to purchase, prospective owners should confirm with NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all applicable recall remedies have been completed. Some of these campaigns span multiple model years, and completion is not automatic.
- The 2020 Transit's rollover star rating of 2 out of 5 and a 34 percent rollover risk figure are specific to this model year's NHTSA NCAP evaluation and represent the lowest-scoring dimension of its crash-test profile.
- Nine recall campaigns are on record for this model year, including an AWD-specific rear driveshaft bolt separation risk and a back-over prevention software defect affecting 2019-2020 vehicles, both of which are directly tied to this production year.
- The Safety Index improved 7 points over the 2019 model year, from 57 to 64, but the defect record subscore of 7 out of 20 is the primary factor keeping this year in the Below Average band rather than a higher tier.
- Eighty-one unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with Seats accounting for 27 of them, an unusually high concentration for a single component that may reflect the demands placed on a 15-passenger configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford Transit places
The 2020 Ford Transit qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford Transit safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford Transit crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford Transit, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 64 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford Transit crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford Transit earned 3 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 2 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 33.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Transit have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford Transit. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford Transit?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 81 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford Transit. 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 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 Connect | 74/100 | not rated | 8 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14910), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Transit 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 4 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.