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2020 Ford Transit

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Transit do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 37.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

25 reports with mileage · 58 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Seats. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports3 fire reports1 injury reports

Power Train complaints

17 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the syst…

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In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the system should be off. We heard mechanical diagnostic sounds, and the battery would not maintain a charge after being driven. Upon getting it home and a day later upon jump starting again and when i began to turn the wheel, a violent jerking response came from the steering column. Cheched the dash and several popup windows had to be closed. AWD, BATTERY, and low fuel. There was also the wrench light on the dash itself. Went on the Ford forum and many others were describing the same issues, mainly battery drain. I thought i had disconnected the cargo area lights only to find out i did disconnect part but not them all only to further discover Ford engineered the vehicle where most of the features that were described in the forum not so accessible such as the fuse panel 'fuse 32' because theres no clear indication of where that is exactly on the diagrams. Ive have pretty much used the vehicle on occasions where im moving my equipment. As of september, i received a letter from fords "Customer Satisfaction Program" in which i responded only to be told from Bannister Ford that the Software Update that would fix High-Torque launches would not be installed because the battery light was on. Now to me, this sounds like a catch-22 because the issue is with their electrical design where if one problem occurs they have a fix but you wont get it until you fix the prom (ideally with them). all the while I'm setting up the appointment im being served ads for add-on services. Its october 2024 and i am just sick of this van. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11618474

95,000 miles · Aug 17, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission coolant was leaking, and that the transmission …

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive, the vehicle failed to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission coolant was leaking, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer. The dealer was contacted and advised that there was a service bulletin for the failure, but the VIN was not included in the service bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact was also informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #11539196

150,000 miles · Jul 22, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle would not shift out of gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independe…

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle would not shift out of gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #11475300

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2022
Power TrainSeatsInjury

1. 10 SPEED ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION - When traveling at a lower speed when approaching a turn (10, 15, 20, 25mph); when you release the accelerator to make the turn, and then begin to apply pressure to the accelerator to move forward, the transmission has not selected a gear and no acceleration occurs. This leaves the transmissio…

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1. 10 SPEED ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION - When traveling at a lower speed when approaching a turn (10, 15, 20, 25mph); when you release the accelerator to make the turn, and then begin to apply pressure to the accelerator to move forward, the transmission has not selected a gear and no acceleration occurs. This leaves the transmission between gears (neutral momentarily) and the vehicle has no power to move forward. It has happened on several occasions and I believe it places the driver in a dangerous position to not maintain power to the drive train. 2. FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENT RAILS - The two rails on each seat are irregular shaped heavy metal rails which the seat assembly slides back and forth on. When getting into the truck (stepping up and moving your legs around the outside corner of the seat), the sharp metal end (painted) scrapes, scratches, or lacerates your calf, as you get in. This has happened on several occasions to me as the driver, and more than several occasions to my wife; who has the seat adjusted further back, thus exposing more of the metal rail to contact with her leg. In my owner's manual, diagrams show an plastic end cap on the front portion of the rails. They are not installed on the 2020 (actually 2021) model. I spoke to the Ford parts department. They are available for earlier model vans (2017, 2018 as an example) but, they are not available for the 2020 model. The price for me to purchase the "plastic" injection molded end caps to prevent future injury are $96.00 FOR EACH END CAP! Plus tax, over $414. If they were installed on previous models, why not the 2020 model? Injuries are minor but, they are injuries because of a part deletion/omission by Ford Motor Company.

NHTSA ODI #11448677

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

Driving 30 MPH engine starting revving up to 4000rpm and very loud! Stalled out and wouldn't start, 3 times during a 5 minute drive.

NHTSA ODI #11440247

5,000 miles · May 2, 2021
EnginePower Train

DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ABOUT AN HOUR LATER IT STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISE, THEN GEAR SHIFTED AND VEHICLE SKID. STARTED MAKING LIGHT GRINDING NOISE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. AFTER COOLING, VAN WOULD SHIFT GEARS BUT NOT MOVE, INCLUDING REVERSE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID VAN HAD A TRAN…

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DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ABOUT AN HOUR LATER IT STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISE, THEN GEAR SHIFTED AND VEHICLE SKID. STARTED MAKING LIGHT GRINDING NOISE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. AFTER COOLING, VAN WOULD SHIFT GEARS BUT NOT MOVE, INCLUDING REVERSE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID VAN HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. VAN DID NOT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE, FROM PUDDLES UNDER VEHICLE TO ANY TRAIL OF FLUID OR MESS WHEN INSPECTING UNDER VEHICLE. HAD THE VAN FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS AND THEY SAY 10 QUARTS OF OIL LEAKED! THERE IS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID ON MY DRIVEWAY AT ALL!

NHTSA ODI #11414772

5,000 miles · Mar 30, 2021
EnginePower Train

WHEN STARTING THE CAR, I HEAR POPPING NOISES SOUNDING LIKE A SPARK PLUG AND OR A TAP/POP NOISE. I HEAR THE NOISE EVERY COUPLE OF DAYS DURING STARTUP, DRIVING, AND AT IDLE.

NHTSA ODI #11405697

Official recalls

9

25V876000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility:wheelchair Restraints/securement:latch/anchor:

Dec 17, 2025

Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 27, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V499000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 19, 2023

Quality Vans (Quality Vans) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ford Transit vans equipped with Onan QG 2800i EVAP generators, part number 2.8HGLAA-8303A. The fuel hose between the inline fuel filter and the Injection Pump Module (IPM) may not be properly secured, which can cause a gas leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V978000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Dec 16, 2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Transit vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD). The bolts that attach the rear driveshaft to the transfer case may become loose or damaged, which can result in separation of the driveshaft from the transfer case.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V631000 · Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical:linkage And Cable

Aug 11, 2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Transit vehicles. An incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit may have been installed, which can allow the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable, possibly resulting in parking brake failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V575000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 23, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V415000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jul 17, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and Transit vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an improperly crimped diffuser in the side curtain air bags which may result in the diffuser detaching from the inflator in the event of an air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V250000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

May 5, 2020

National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van Builders) is recalling certain vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit and 2019 Ram Promaster vans equipped with Freedman GO-ES foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V222000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 20, 2020

TransitWorks is recalling certain Driverge vehicles based on 2019-2020 Ford Transit vans equipped with Freedman Seating Company (FSC) PT Foldaway and GO-ES 3-point Foldaway seats. The seat belt retractor block out zone may have not been set correctly, potentially resulting in a seat belt that may not properly secure the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ21002 · Rearview Camera Fmvss 111 Noncompliance

Opened Aug 3, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera operation. The supplier of the cameras was Magna Electronics.According to Ford's chronology in the Part 573, during the period February-April 2020, Ford identified and monitored warranty claims pertaining to intermittent or inoperative rearview cameras. Ford reviewed supplier product changes, focusing on changes introduced by the supplier in the October-November 2019 time frame. The Part 573 stated that the issue was brought to Ford's Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) for review on May 12, 2020.On July 7, 2020, NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC) informed the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a trend of MY 2020 Escape vehicles with rearview camera malfunctions. ODI contacted Ford the next day, providing five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging inoperative rearview cameras. On July 15, 2020, Ford met with NHTSA to discuss the rearview camera issue. In a subsequent August 24, 2020 meeting, ODI and NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) met with Ford to discuss the recall status and additional VOQs. Ford presented rate and scope data for many of its MY 2020 products during the August 2020 meeting indicating high failure rates for certain models.This RQ is being opened to investigate both the timeliness and scope of Ford's rearview camera recall (20V-575), and Ford's compliance with reporting requirements.The subject reports referenced in the opening resume are identified by the following ODI reference numbers which can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov: 11349813, 11344126, 11342696, 11341486, 11340254, 11337274, 11331444, 11330875, 11329235, 11316960, 11343521, 11341884, 11337226, 11344018, and 11339573.