Wrench.Pro

2015 Ford Transit Connect Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Ford Transit Connect carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and sun/moon roof assembly. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sliding door latch and lock failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #20V331000 · Aug 6, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #20V260000 · Aug 5, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.

Risk: If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S22.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #21V376000 · May 24, 2021

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

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.

Fix: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #16V643000 · Jun 9, 2016

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #17V209000 · Mar 27, 2017

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.

Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #15V406000 · Jun 24, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 11, 2014, to July 2, 2015. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Risk: If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #15V005000 · Sep 1, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on January 8, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, to May 8, 2014, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured April 21, 2014, to May 15, 2014. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 45,505 vehicles, including certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, to August 29, 2014, 2014-2015 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured April 10, 2014, to June 17, 2014 and 2014 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 21, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S30.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Campaign #22V413000 · Oct 6, 2022

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

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.

Fix: 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. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #23V502000 · Jul 21, 2023

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles. The front door latch pawl may crack and prevent the door from latching.

Risk: An unlatched door can open while driving, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front door latches as necessary, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2024.  Owners may contact Ford customer service 1-866-436-7332.  Ford's number for this recall is 23S36.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #25V572000 · Apr 9, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Ford Transit Connect.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door latch and lock failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

16 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-10

“Sliding side door on passenger side of van breaks free from the detente designed to hold it in the open position causing it to violently and suddenly close if the van is parked on a grade”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574191
“The contact stated that while attempting to close the driver's side door, the door failed to latch securely”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565855
“The rear passenger side sliding door fell off the track and fell off the vehicle, while the door was being closed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11597058

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rearview camera and back-over prevention system failure

BACK OVER PREVENTION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2026-07

“The rearview camera on my vehicle frequently displays a message stating “Rear View Camera Unavailable, Contact Ford Dealership” and then goes to a black screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716171
“The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention camera system failed to function as intended”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663885
“The fuse associated with the rearview camera of this vehicle has consistently blown over the last few years leaving the backup camera inoperable with no image on the dashboard display”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448092

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine overheating and exhaust carbon monoxide intrusion

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2024-06

“UNDER NORMAL DRIVING THE VEHICLE GOT REAL HOT ,AND OVER HEATED. THE WATER AND OIL LEVELS WHERE AT THE PROPER LEVELS. THE ENGINE HEAD CRACKED OR BLEW THE HEAD GASKET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123285
“THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11161208
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact became aware that the engine was overheating”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spontaneous rear window and liftgate glass failure

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2021-06

“Rear glass on liftgate spontaneously exploded. No apparent cause. Glass shards were showered inside the cabin and the rear of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420481
“REAR WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, LESS THAN 5 MPH ON CITY STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11074545
“THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING PARKED CURBSIDE WHILE OUR DAUGHTER WAS IN SCHOOL AND ON A BREAK, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR CLOSER AND WHEN I SHUT THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE BACK GLASS SHATTERED AND FELL TO THE STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11034208

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and electrical display blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2024-12

“ALL INTERIOR DISPLAYS AND GAUGES GO BLANK WHILE STILL PARKED OR DRIVING AT ANY SPEED INCLUDING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS FAIL TO ACTIVATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11006072
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139676
“The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, The vehicle speedometer failed to display the speed of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632726

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Gear shifter failure causing vehicle rollaway

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2021-10

“The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the gear shifter seized and the vehicle rolled forward, crashing into a brick wall and damaging the front driver side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436070
“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FRACTURED AND FAILED TO RELEASE FROM PARK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360876
“PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT SON'S SCHOOL, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WAITED FOR MY SON. THEN CAR WOULD NOT START. DISPLAY WAS SAYING I WAS IN REVERSE. BUT, THE SHIFTER WAS IN THE PARK POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11301076

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering system loss of control

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2022-11

“WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY FAILS TO CONTROL YOUR CAR WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119772
“THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO TURN DIRECTIONS. I WAS LEAVING A CUSTOMER HOME AND THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING JUST STOP OPERATING. THIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320792
“Steering knuckle developed a crack through what appears to be defective casting of the part”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492279

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

12 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Ford Transit Connect reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →