Is the 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT reliable?

The 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 72 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (24 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (19 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Yes, there are 8 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

The 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT is approximately $1,607/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.

2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.9x the segment average of 38. The most common issue is transmission problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: 2019 ford transit connect 2.0l gdi i4 engine 8 spd auto transaxle, 83,000 miles. transmission exhibiting difficulty shifting in lower gears. van was working fine, then all at once the transmission stopped working at a stop light. transmission acted like it was in park, i turned off key and turned ba. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

24 complaints

33%

• 2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2.0L GDI I4 ENGINE 8 SPD AUTO TRANSAXLE, 83,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. VAN WAS WORKING FINE, THEN ALL AT ONCE THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING AT A STOP LIGHT. TRANSMISSION ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN PARK, I TURNED OFF KEY AND TURNED BA
• VEHICLE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY, THEN STUCK IN 3RD GEAR. DEALER SAYS IT HAS A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AND COOKED INTERNAL COMPONENTS (SEALED TRANSMISSION WITH NO DIPSTICK)
• 2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2.0L 8 SPD AUTO transmission. 84,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. VAN WAS WORKING FINE, THEN ALL AT ONCE THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING AT A WALMART. TRANSMISSION ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN PARK, I TURNED OFF KEY AND TURNED BACK ON AND THE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2.0L GDI I4 ENGINE 8 SPD AUTO TRANSAXLE, 83,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. VAN WAS WORKING FINE, THEN ALL AT ONCE THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING AT A STOP LIGHT. TRANSMISSION ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN PARK, I TURNED OFF KEY AND TURNED BA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Based on 19 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 13K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 300 mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

High-mileage issuemedian 83K mi · 5 reports

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 (8)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE17/12/2020

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

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 2019 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

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

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 rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

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 2019 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 72 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: 2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2.0L GDI I4 ENGINE 8 SPD AUTO TRANSAXLE, 83,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION EXHIBITING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. VAN WAS WORKING FINE, THEN ALL AT ONCE THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING AT A STOP LIGHT. TRANSMISSION ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN PARK, I TURNED OFF KEY AND TURNED BA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PRE-COLLISION ASSIST ENGAGED SPONTANEOUSLY WITHOUT WARNING OR POTENTIAL COLLISION. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BUZZING NOISE DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TED BRITT FORD OF CHANTILLY FORD BUILDING (4175 AUTO PARK C
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: ON GOING, I HAVE PICTURES OF MULTIPLE STAGES WITH THE MILEAGE. THE WIPERS CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION. THE CAR HAS GONE IN MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THIS. THE HOSE CONTINUES TO DISCONNECT. THE REAR CAMERA, SENSORS, CHARGING MECHANISMS MALFUNCTION. IT ACTIVATES THE REAR CAMERA IT ALSO SAYS PARKING ISSUE AND BA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I CAN NOT SEEM TO GET MY REDUCED GUARD FUNCTION AS SHOWN IN INTERNAL MEMO SSM48081 AND IN MY FACTORY FORD OWNERS MANUEL SET UP BY ANY FORD DEALERSHIP I HAVE BEEN TO. LAST NIGHT AT DINNER IT SET OFF 5 TIMES WITH MY DOG INSIDE. WAS TOLD BY ONE DEALERSHIP TO JUST NOT LOCK THE DOORS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)