Is the 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT reliable?

The 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 32 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Top problems: BRAKES (8 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (6 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

The 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT is approximately $1,511/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 38. The most common issue is brakes problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the local ford dealership has determined that the hydraulic control unit (hcu) on the brakes is defective. in the model year 2016, this same vehicle was recalled due to a defective hcu. this vehicle probably should be added to that recall. symptoms: the front right brake continued to produce smo. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

8 complaints

25%

• The local Ford dealership has determined that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on the brakes is defective. In the model year 2016, this same vehicle was recalled due to a defective HCU. This vehicle probably should be added to that recall. Symptoms: The front right brake continued to produce smo
• On Friday the 22nd of April I was on the interstate and the vehicle began to slow down and make a scrubbing/grinding noise. I took the exit and by the time I reached the crossroad the vehicle would barely move. The brakes were almost completely locked. There was no warning and no diagnostic light wa
• HCU (hydraulic control unit) failure, causing brakes to apply without depression of the brake pedal. This occurred both at residential speeds and highway speeds. This caused brakes to over heat excessively and to dangerous levels without system warning. Failure diagnosed by ford dealership technicia

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“The local Ford dealership has determined that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on the brakes is defective. In the model year 2016, this same vehicle was recalled due to a defective HCU. This vehicle probably should be added to that recall. Symptoms: The front right brake continued to produce smo”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT27/05/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S25.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,511

Full coverage / month

$126

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1511

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford TRANSIT CONNECT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2017 TRANSIT CONNECT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 32 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: The local Ford dealership has determined that the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on the brakes is defective. In the model year 2016, this same vehicle was recalled due to a defective HCU. This vehicle probably should be added to that recall. Symptoms: The front right brake continued to produce smo
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: REAR WINDOW (IN THE HATCHBACK) CRACKED AND COMPLETELY BROKE APART WHEN I CLOSED THE DRIVER DOOR AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE, HAD NOT MOVED/DRIVEN/BEEN ON IN SEVERAL HOURS. NO SIGNS OF VANDALISM/IMPACT ANY OTHER INTERFERENCE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: ELECTRONICS PROBLEMS: CONSOLE DISPLAY WORKS ON A DELAY, WHEN UNLOCKING THE CAR WITH REMOTE KEY ALL 4 WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN, LIGHTS DO NOT SHUT OFF WHEN CAR IS LOCKED. CAR HAS TOW PACKAGE AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN 2015-2017 FORD TRANSIT RECALL FROM 5/2018
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER CAN NOT BE READ IN DAYLIGHT, IT IS COMPLETELY BLACK, BUT CAN BE READ AT NIGHT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)