Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Transit, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Seats27
- Power train18
- Electrical system14
- Steering6
- Unknown or other6
- Wheels5
- Engine5
- Service brakes5
- Tires4
- Back over prevention4
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 86 2020 Transit vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 21 people died inside them, and 14 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2020 Ford Transit failed the safety check 0.78% of the time — 34% less often than the average 2020 passenger car (1.18%). Median odometer at inspection: 45,682 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2020
17,317 new Ford Transit cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2020; the largest markets were Germany (9,696), Spain (1,302), Poland (878).
- Average mass
- 2,130 kg
- Average CO₂
- 210 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 95 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 99% · Petrol/electric 0.8%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2020 Ford Transit cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 diesel (96 kW, 129 hp), 1.0 hybrid (62 kW, 83 hp) and 2.0 diesel (125 kW, 168 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 diesel | 96 kW 129 hp | 45 |
| 1.0 hybrid | 62 kW 83 hp | 33 |
| 2.0 diesel | 125 kW 168 hp | 20 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
144 first registered in 2020 are on Dutch roads; 60% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €60,090.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde44
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld20
- Richtingaanwijzers kleur wijkt af/niet toegestaan19
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt18
- Band onvoldoende profiel16
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht12
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm11
- Band beschadigd6
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
244 cars built in 2020 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 3 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 33,883 of these cars first registered in 2020 took their annual MOT test. 79% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2020 the figure was 88%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 7.5% | 2.8% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 7.0% | 3.0% |
| Tyres | 5.1% | 4.9% |
| Brakes | 4.7% | 1.8% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 1.4% | 0.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.4% | 0.6% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
206 of these cars first registered in 2020 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 215,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
122 2020 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; not yet fully rated. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Transit VAN RWD | — | 0.0 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- —
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2020 Ford Transit.
| 2025360 27 Jun 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian re… |
| 2021774 17 Dec 2021 | Powertrain Issue: On certain all-wheel drive vehicles, the rear driveshaft could detach from the transfer case and cause a loss of power to the wheels. The driveshaft co… |
| 2021396 24 Jun 2021 | Visual System Issue: On certain vans, the pivot points for the side mirrors could rust. If this happens, the mirrors could become loose or fall down. Note: This recall on… |
| 2020454 24 Sept 2020 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical problem with the rearview camera could cause it not to work properly. As a result, the rearview image may be distort… |
| 2020333 20 Jul 2020 | Airbag Issue: On a small number of vehicles, there may be a problem with the side curtain airbag inflators. As a result, the airbags may not inflate properly in a cr… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2020 Ford Transit: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010796 | "Some 2019-2021 Transit vehicles built on or before 11-Feb-2021 may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Front seat cushion sagging Illuminated air bag warning indicator with DTCs B1408, B1405, B1407, B0001, B0010 and/or B1404 stored in the RCM" |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11008391 | Various Vehicles Equipped With A 10R80 Automatic Transmission - Harsh/Delayed Engagement And/Or Harsh/Delayed Shift - Built On Or Before 15-Aug-2022 |
| 11006853 | Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Transit All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) Vehicles All-Wheel-Drive Module (AWDM) Software Update. Warranty part analysis and bench testing has shown that thrust bearing damage can occur as a result of repeated high-torque launches consistent with severe-duty package delivery applications. Over time, fatigue failure of the thrust bearing can create loose metal debris in the system and distribute it throughout the transfer case, damaging other internal components and affecting vehicle performance. |
| 11006772 | Some 2020-2022 Explorer, 2020-2023 Transit, 2021-2022 F-150, 2021-2022 Mustang and 2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 10R80 transmission (excluding hybrid) may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated MIL with DTC P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the PCM or TCM. This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circu |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 11001369 | 2024-2024 Tranist- Keyless Entry Keypad and Master Code Retrieval. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in a plastic bag that is located in instrument panel pocket behind the steering wheel. During vehicle delivery, the card should be handed to the vehicle's owner. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, fol |
| 11001180 | This article supersedes TSBs 24-2100 and 24-2070 to add 2023 F-150 vehicles, update the TSB Issue statement and the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P07 |
| 11000297 | Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required. |
| 10254142 | Some 2018-2019 Explorer and 2018-2024 Transit/F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Diagnosis should include checking for an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, or loose/corroded grounds. Confirm FPCM connector (Explorer - C3239, Transit - C433, F-150 - C460/C4336, Expedition/Navigator - C433/C4033) is fully seated and inspec |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10254123 | 2015-2024 Transit and 2023-2024 Transit Trail vehicles equipped with DRW have a high mount rear marker lamp that does not illuminate with the stop lamps. This lamp assembly may appear to be a stop lamp but is intended to illuminate with the parking lamps only. This information is available in Workshop Manual Section 417-01. The JDDAB feature code description, found under OASIS additional information, is common between single rear wheel and DRW vehicles, and incorrectly reflects stop functionality when applied to DRW units. |
| 10253886 | This article supersedes TSB 22-2444 to add 2024 model year vehicles. Some 2015-2024 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (only), and U-joints at the transmission flange and rear driveshaft may experience a boom/hum/moan noise from the rear while driving. This noise is most noticeable at highway speeds: 112-121 km/h (70-75 mph) for 4.10 axle ratio 121-128 km/h (75-80 mph) for 3.73 axle ratio 136-145 km/h (85-90 mph) for 3.31 axle ratio The noise may also be present to a lesser degree at roughly half of the noted speeds. This may be due to a 2nd order driveli |
| 10252673 | This article supersedes TSB 24-2059 to update the Service Procedure LTIS statement. Some 2021-2022 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), the transm |
| 10252662 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2351 to remove 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicle applications. The 2023 F-150 10R80 and 10R80 MHT vehicles will be the subject of a separate article. Some 2021-2022 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes that are stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the |
| 10252528 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2235 to correct the Parts List and update Step 2 of the Service Procedure. Some 2019-2021 Transit vehicles built on or before 11-Feb-2021 may experience a front seat cushion sagging. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated air bag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1408, B1405, B1407, B0001, B0010 and/or B1404 stored in the restraints control module (RCM). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the suspension mat assembly and install additional webbing strap assemblies to the seat frame. |
| 10251952 | For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbochar |
| 10251934 | During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure. |
| 10250852 | Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass/LincolnWay app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below 50%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep due to one of these conditions, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 414-01 procedure to correct the concern. If the vehicle is going |
| 10246123 | Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator, 2022-2023 Mustang, 2020-2023 Transit, 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes. stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), the transmission solenoid ID strategy, sticking valves in the main control valve body an |
| 10245353 | Some 2019-2020 Transit vehicles may exhibit various SRS diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when used as delivery and/or courier vehicle. This may be due to repeated rear entry of the vehicle by crossing between the front seats or stepping in the center portion of the floor near the restraints control module (RCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to install a revised wiring harness pigtail for connection to the RCM. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation