2020 Ford Transit problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Transit, most often about seats & seat belts. There are 9 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
84
Recalls
9
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
2
Median mileage
5,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Seats & Seat Belts is the most-reported problem area, named in 27 of 84 complaints (32%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (18) and electrical system (14) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 5,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 3 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2020 Ford Transit has 9 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 4th of 12 Ford Transit model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 155% more complaints than the 2019 model year (33).

2020 Ford Transit problems by category

  • 27 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    18 complaints
  • Electrical System
    14 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    8 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    7 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    6 complaints
  • Steering
    6 complaints
  • Brakes
    5 complaints
  • Engine
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Seats27
Power train18
Electrical system12
Steering6
Unknown or other6
Service brakes5
Engine5
Wheels5

When problems happen (mileage)

15Under 10k210k–30k330k–60k360k–100k1100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Ford Transit complaints that list mileage.

2020 Ford Transit recalls (9)

  • Recall 25V876000Dec 17, 202586 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:

    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.

    Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

  • Recall 25V442000Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 23V499000Jul 19, 202310 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    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.

    Risk: A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel hose and clamps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Owners may contact Quality Vans customer service at 1-480-464-7007.

  • Recall 21V978000Dec 16, 20214,548 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

    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.

    Risk: Driveshaft separation can result in a loss of drive power, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts. If any loose bolts are found, the driveshaft, attachment hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S54.

  • Recall 21V631000Aug 11, 202130 vehicles
    PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

    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.

    Risk: Parking brake failure can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side parking brake cable with a cable that provides sufficient clearance to the damper shield, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S39.

  • Recall 20V575000Sep 23, 2020620,246 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

    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."

    Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.

  • Recall 20V415000Jul 17, 202068 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

    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.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the diffuser detaches from the inflator during air bag deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bag modules, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed August 3, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S35.

  • Recall 20V250000May 5, 20205 vehicles
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

    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."

    Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: National Van Builders will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or National Van Builders customer service at 1-800-527-7477.

  • Recall 20V222000Apr 20, 2020205 vehicles
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

    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."

    Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: TransitWorks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2020. Dealers can contact Freedman Seating Company for parts and reimbursement information at 1-800-443-4540.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • RQ21002Opened Aug 3, 2021Openled to recall 26V104

    Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

    On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 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 for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera op…

Recent 2020 Ford Transit complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 17, 202687,000 miSCTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and came to a complete stop in traffic. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with internal transmission failure involving the sleeve and cylinder of the 10-speed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11765092 · source
  2. Filed Jul 29, 2026168,000 miNJElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 69,000, which was confirmed by a fraudulent Carfax report the seller provided to the contact. However, upon searching the VIN on a Ford mobile app, it was discovered that the mileage was 168,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11753468 · source
  3. Filed Jun 30, 2026PAWheels & Tires
    My Tire pressure Monitor give me alert while driving I select to view tire pressures for display show 3 tires fail send reading One of the three back sending reading two stay off For few days same then all tires reading went off just 1 tire send reading on /off every few miles This is first time happened
    NHTSA complaint #11747513 · source
  4. Filed Jun 18, 2026INBrakes
    Rear brake issues. Upon taking off the brake pads on the driver's back the caliper piston would not turn in as it should. So I ordered a new one. Then I started on the passenger rear. When I tried to press and turn the piston back in it did the same thing as the other one. The piston came out of the passenger rear caliper. Upon further inspection I noticed the interior housing for the piston has a portion of it missing.
    NHTSA complaint #11745147 · source
  5. Filed Jun 16, 2026MOBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain
    The bolts holding the axle together to the driveshaft failed on the rear right wheel, nearly causing an accident but fortunately it was 6am with little traffic on the interstate. The axle came out and destroyed our driveshaft, requiring a full replacement. We have had the vehicle serviced regularly since our purchase.
    NHTSA complaint #11744442 · source
  6. Filed May 8, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain
    Transmission intermittently struggling to reach 3rd, 4th, 5th gears. Performed IDS diag at shop, found hitorical code P0734 for "Incorrect gear 4 ratio" TSB 26-2046 to overhaul transmission.
    NHTSA complaint #11736616 · source
  7. Filed Jan 13, 2026CASteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle shakes violently on or about 65 to 70 mph. Upon slowing to approximately 60 mph the shaking stops. Also at slower speeds the vehicle pulls to the right. Contacted Ford Fairfield, California dealer two days ago; left voicemail no reply at this writing.
    NHTSA complaint #11710770 · source
  8. Filed Sep 25, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain
    We started experiencing slight transmission shifting issues in early-mid 2024. More issues in December 2024/January 2025 - this time it was really hard and jerky shifting. It was sporadic at this time, but it was often. My wife and I have 7 children. This vehicle is usually driven by my wife to pick up kids from school, run errands, etc. At the beginning of March 2025, my wife was merging onto the highway, but it didn't want to shift. She stated that a big rig was coming…
    NHTSA complaint #11689596 · source

Compare the 2020 Ford Transit with another vehicle →

Other 2020 Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology