2019 Ford Transit Connect

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

Ford Transit Connect
Pictured: Ford Transit Connect (3rd generation) IMG 3395. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Van Xl/Xlt, Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
26 combined · 24 city / 29 hwy
Length
189.4 in
Curb weight
3,580–3,977 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2019 special purpose vehicle (20.6 MPG).

Watch out for

  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 Ford Transit Connect is a special purpose vehicle offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb (Van Xl/Xlt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 29 highway), 26% better than the 2019 special purpose vehicle average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2019

  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 23 to 26

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Transit Connect →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Van Xl/Xlt189.4 in72.4 in70.5 in120.5 in61.4 / 62.2 in3,580 lb55/45
Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium189.4 in72.4 in70.5 in120.5 in61.4 / 62.2 in3,977 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+26%$2,600344
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+26%$2,600344
Transit Connect Van FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 27 / 25+21%$2,700353
Transit Connect Van 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 27 / 25+21%$2,700353
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+7%$3,050404
Transit Connect Van 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22+7%$3,050396
Transit Connect USPS2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22+7%$3,050397
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.6 MPG2019 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★Not ratedNot rated★★★★★17.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2019 special purpose vehicles

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Ford Transit Connect (this car)26 MPGNot rated8
2019 Ram Promaster City24 MPGNot rated10
2019 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van25 MPGNot rated1
2019 Nissan NV200 NYC Taxi24 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (8)

Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Mar 28, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V196000 · 152 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V-636. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay engine cooling and result in engine overheating.
Risk
An engine that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Fixed Panaramic Roof/Sky Light Assembly · Apr 26, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V294000 · 1,315 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Risk
A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles

Problem
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.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · May 24, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V376000 · 192,080 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Dec 17, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V791000 · 12 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Oct 15, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V636000 · 2,903 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay the fail-safe cooling strategy in the event of coolant loss and result in engine overheating.
Risk
If the engine overheats, it can result in engine damage and increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Sep 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V550000 · 97 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

51Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train21
Service Brakes17
Unknown Or Other6
Electrical System5
Power Train › Automatic Transmission3
Visibility/Wiper3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Back Over Prevention › Warnings2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/07: 123/08: 123/10: 223/11: 124/01: 124/02: 124/03: 124/05: 124/07: 224/10: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 225/04: 125/05: 125/08: 125/10: 525/12: 126/01: 126/02: 126/03: 126/04: 126/05: 226/06: 123/0723/1124/0324/1025/0225/0826/0126/04max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Service Brakes — 17 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Ford Transit Connect. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Transit Connect years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated01
2022 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated16
2021 Transit Connect26189.4 in★★★★★412
2020 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated832
2018 Transit Connect23189.4 in★★★★★622
2017 Transit Connect23189.4 in★★★★★628
2016 Transit Connect25189.4 in★★★★★10104
2015 Transit Connect25189.4 in★★★★★1166
2014 Transit Connect25189.4 in★★★★★15125
2013 Transit Connect23181.1 inNot rated425
2012 Transit Connect23181.1 inNot rated115
2011 Transit Connect22181.1 inNot rated112

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →