What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Transit?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Ford Transit is **SEATS**, with **27** owner reports. That is about **28%** of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include **SEATS, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM**.

Are complaints about the 2020 Ford Transit a serious warning sign?

Potentially. **28** complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Ford Transit?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Ford Transit severe?

28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal

Name: NHTSA complaints for 2020 Ford Transit
Creator: Carfocal

SEATS

27 Reports28% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

NOTICED THAT A PUMP (FUEL???) WAS CYCLING ON WHEN DRIVER DOOR WAS OPENED AND WHEN KEY WAS INSERTED IN IGNITION. PARKING LIGHTS ALSO TURN ON WHEN DOOR IS OPENED. THE PUMP HAS ALSO CYCLED ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AFTER ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. CHECKED BATTERY WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER DRIVER SEAT AND FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL CABLES THAT LEAD TO SEAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY RIVETS HOLDING SWIVEL SEAT WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FORWARD AND BACK. CAREFULLY MOVED THE SEAT BACK GUIDING THE CABLE BUNDLE UNDER THE RIVETS. THE PUMP NOW DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED BUT STILL CYCLES WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS INSERTED. HAVE MOVED THE TRANSIT OUT OF THE GARAGE DUE TO POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. PHOTOS OF WIRE CABLE ARE INCLUDED. TRANSIT WAS JUST PURCHASED ON 1/20/2020 AND THE SWIVEL SEATS ARE NEW FOR THE 2020 MODEL.

1/26/2020

UPDATE TO COMPLAINT NO 11302124 DATED 2/26/2020 SPOKE WITH FORD CUST SERVICE REP REGARDING THE ISSUES AND WAS TOLD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER TO CHECK OUT THE SEAT AND ELECTRIC SYSTEM. THE SERVICE DEPT CHECKED THE ISSUES ON 2/12/2020. THE SERVICE TECH VERIFIED THAT THE WIRE BUNDLE IS BEING DAMAGED BY THE SEAT BEING MOVED. THE SERVICE TECH WRAPPED THE BUNDLE WITH TAPE AND RE-ROUTED THE BUNDLE. THE SEAT WAS TESTED FORWARD AND BACK BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THE SWIVEL WAS TESTED. IT APPEARS THAT THE WIRE BUNDLE AND DRIVER'S SWIVEL SEAT NEEDS FURTHER TESTING AND REPAIRS TO ASSURE THAT THE SWIVEL SEAT IS NOT DAMAGING THE WIRE BUNDLE. DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT WIRE BUNDLE MIGHT AFFECT SEAT AIR BAG OPERATION CAUSING EITHER FAILURE TO DEPLOY OR DEPLOYING WHEN NOT NEEDED. DAMAGE ALSO MIGHT AFFECT SEAT BELT AND SEAT WEIGHT/ORIENTATION SENSORS. FOLLOWING ARE THE FORD SERVICE TECH NOTES FROM THE SERVICE WORK ORDER: CUSTOMER STATES WIRING BUNDLE UNDER DRIVER SEAT THAT IS BEING DAMAGE FROM THE SEAT MOVING BACK AND FORTH PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE CAUSE 612 DRIVERS SEAT HARNESS IS CHAFFING ON SEAT RIVETS VERIFIED DRIVERS SEAT HARNESS IS CHAFFING ON SEAT RIVETS. HAD SERVICE WRITER TAKE PICTURES OF DAMAGE. CHECKED OASIS NO TSB'S, SSM'S, OR GSB'S RELATED. WRAPPED HARNESS WITH HIGH TEMP CLOTH ELECTRICAL TAPE AND RE-ROUTED HARNESS TO CLEAR SEAT RIVETS. TESTED SEAT FORWARD AND BACK TO VERIFIED CHAFFING CONCERN IS NO LONGER PRESENT. THE SERVICE WRITER ALSO CHECKED WITH FORD REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE SYSTEMS ACTIVATING WHEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED AND WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION. THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THAT HE WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE 2020 TRANSIT AND CANNOT BE CHANGED. THIS SHOULD BE CONFIRMED SINCE THIS BEHAVIOR ADDS ADDITIONAL WEAR/TEAR TO THE ENGINE SYSTEMS AND COULD BE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.

2/23/2020

25 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

14 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN STARTING THE CAR, I HEAR POPPING NOISES SOUNDING LIKE A SPARK PLUG AND OR A TAP/POP NOISE. I HEAR THE NOISE EVERY COUPLE OF DAYS DURING STARTUP, DRIVING, AND AT IDLE.

3/30/2021

DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ABOUT AN HOUR LATER IT STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISE, THEN GEAR SHIFTED AND VEHICLE SKID. STARTED MAKING LIGHT GRINDING NOISE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. AFTER COOLING, VAN WOULD SHIFT GEARS BUT NOT MOVE, INCLUDING REVERSE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID VAN HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. VAN DID NOT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE, FROM PUDDLES UNDER VEHICLE TO ANY TRAIL OF FLUID OR MESS WHEN INSPECTING UNDER VEHICLE. HAD THE VAN FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS AND THEY SAY 10 QUARTS OF OIL LEAKED! THERE IS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID ON MY DRIVEWAY AT ALL!

5/2/2021

12 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

NOTICED THAT A PUMP (FUEL???) WAS CYCLING ON WHEN DRIVER DOOR WAS OPENED AND WHEN KEY WAS INSERTED IN IGNITION. PARKING LIGHTS ALSO TURN ON WHEN DOOR IS OPENED. THE PUMP HAS ALSO CYCLED ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AFTER ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. CHECKED BATTERY WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER DRIVER SEAT AND FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL CABLES THAT LEAD TO SEAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY RIVETS HOLDING SWIVEL SEAT WHEN THE SEAT IS MOVED FORWARD AND BACK. CAREFULLY MOVED THE SEAT BACK GUIDING THE CABLE BUNDLE UNDER THE RIVETS. THE PUMP NOW DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED BUT STILL CYCLES WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS INSERTED. HAVE MOVED THE TRANSIT OUT OF THE GARAGE DUE TO POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. PHOTOS OF WIRE CABLE ARE INCLUDED. TRANSIT WAS JUST PURCHASED ON 1/20/2020 AND THE SWIVEL SEATS ARE NEW FOR THE 2020 MODEL.

1/26/2020

VAN WAS STATIONARY ON STREET AND FAILED TO START TWO TIMES, BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED.

11/19/2020

10 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

KEYS ARE BREAKING OFF FROM THE ACTUAL REMOTE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE STUCK WITHOUT A WAY TO START THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AT LEAST 5 OTHER VANS AS WELL AND OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS THAT DELIVER AMAZON PACKAGES. THERE ARE WELL OVER 20 TO 30 VANS THAT THIS IS ALSO HAPPENING TO.

1/26/2021

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH IN NO TRAFFIC, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE CRASH BREAKING NOT AVAILABLE. APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED. WE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART IT THERE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS A BUG ON THE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT BACK TO US AND NOW IT IS DEAD AGAIN AND WON'T START. THE VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW AND THE STALL OCCURRED ON OUR FIRST OUTING. IT WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER.

2/18/2021

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY A STEERING ASSIST WARNING SHOWED IN THE VEHICLE INFORMATION AREA. IT WAS STATIONARY. THE POWER STEERING DID NOT FUNCTION AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. NEXT DAY STARTED VEHICLE WITHOUT STEERING ASSIST WARNING APPEARING AND THE POWER STEERING WAS APPARENTLY WORKING AGAIN. MOVED VEHICLE TO THE STREET SO IT CAN MORE EASILY BE DRIVEN TO THE MECHANIC IF PROBLEM RE-OCCURS. THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE WITH THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND HAS TO SIT IDLE AND UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS RECTIFIED.

12/1/2020

SINCE PURCHASING THE VAN, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS OCCASIONALLY FELT SLUGGISH AND HEAVIER TO TURN AT CERTAIN TIMES THAN OTHERS. THE FINAL TIME IT WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND FELT ALMOST LOCKED, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE AT RANDOM TIMES AND IMPEDES DRIVING AND OVERALL SAFETY AS IT SEEMS TO COME AND GO AS AN ISSUE. THIS HAS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION.

12/21/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN STARTING THE CAR, I HEAR POPPING NOISES SOUNDING LIKE A SPARK PLUG AND OR A TAP/POP NOISE. I HEAR THE NOISE EVERY COUPLE OF DAYS DURING STARTUP, DRIVING, AND AT IDLE.

3/30/2021

DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND EXPERIENCE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ABOUT AN HOUR LATER IT STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISE, THEN GEAR SHIFTED AND VEHICLE SKID. STARTED MAKING LIGHT GRINDING NOISE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. AFTER COOLING, VAN WOULD SHIFT GEARS BUT NOT MOVE, INCLUDING REVERSE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID VAN HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. VAN DID NOT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE, FROM PUDDLES UNDER VEHICLE TO ANY TRAIL OF FLUID OR MESS WHEN INSPECTING UNDER VEHICLE. HAD THE VAN FOR LESS THAN 30 DAYS AND THEY SAY 10 QUARTS OF OIL LEAKED! THERE IS NO TRANSMISSION FLUID ON MY DRIVEWAY AT ALL!

5/2/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 FORD TRANSIT CARGO VAN EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, TIRE LINE: VANCONTACT A/S N/A, TIRE SIZE: 235/65/R16 N/A, DOT NUMBER: 16Y04DR83. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD BEFORE THE VAN BECAME UNSTABLE AND BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE HAD SUSTAINED SEVERE SIDE WALL DAMAGE AND TREAD SEPARATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. ENTERPRISE TRUCK RENTAL LOCATED AT 249 FOREST PKWY, FOREST PARK, GA 30297 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

9/4/2020

While driving on the freeway at about 75 mph, the rear passenger tire exploded causing our driver to almost lose control of the vehicle before coming to a stop on the side of the road. No lamps or warnings were given. No inspections have been completed but I have retained the tire if needed.

9/29/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT 565 MILES I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ONE OF MY VALVE STEMS STARTED RAPIDLY LEAKING AIR. AT 11,400 MILES, ANOTHER VALVE STEM STARTED LEAKING RAPIDLY AFTER STOPPING FOR GAS ON A TRIP. ALUMINUM WHEELS, NEVER TOUCHED ANYTHING WITH THEM. WHEN WILL THE REMAINING ONES FAIL?

9/22/2020

THE PAINT AND BODY PANELS ARE DEFINITELY DEFECTIVE.

12/7/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

We own a fleet of these vans and 5 out of the last 7 purchased from 2020-2023 have had total rear brake system failure. The calipers are not retracting and are overheating and freezing up the rear brake system. In some cases leaving our employee(s) stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter storm waiting to get towed putting their safety at risk. The problem has been reproduced as it has happened on 5 of the last 7 vehicles we purchased. Our local Ford dealer has inspected these issues and we contacted the Ford Consumer phone today - spoke with Rena at Ford on 6/19/24 at approximately 2pm - 2:15pm PDT. No warning lamps or message alerts. Brakes are making a squeaky noise and hot smell prior to seizing. We have had to pay thousands of dollars for some of these repairs and towing. We wanted to alert Ford and you as we are noticing an alarming trend. In speaking with Ford Motor Company, they correlate this issue as a maintenance issue but if it was a maintenance issue, the front brakes would have failed before the rear. I will be completing this form for the additional VIN numbers. Thank you.

6/19/2024

We own a fleet of these vans and 5 out of the last 7 purchased from 2020-2023 have had total rear brake system failure. The calipers are not retracting and are overheating and freezing up the rear brake system. In some cases leaving our employee(s) stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter storm waiting to get towed putting their safety at risk. The problem has been reproduced as it has happened on 5 of the last 7 vehicles we purchased. Our local Ford dealer has inspected these issues and we contacted the Ford Consumer phone today - spoke with Rena at Ford on 6/19/24 at approximately 2pm - 2:15pm PDT. No warning lamps or message alerts. Brakes are making a squeaky noise and hot smell prior to seizing. We have had to pay thousands of dollars for some of these repairs and towing. We wanted to alert Ford and you as we are noticing an alarming trend. In speaking with Ford Motor Company, they correlate this issue as a maintenance issue but if it was a maintenance issue, the front brakes would have failed before the rear. I will be completing this form for the additional VIN numbers. Thank you.

6/20/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 FORD TRANSIT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V575000 (VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WAYNE AKERS FORD (2000 10TH AVE N, LAKE WORTH, FL 33461) FOR THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR SINCE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAYED A DISTORTED IMAGE, WHICH RESULTED IN HER REVERSING INTO AN ELECTRICAL POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

4/23/2021

Windshield wiper motor, working only in high speed, found overheated ground wire, melted insulation for approximately 1 foot of wire. If dry leaves were nearby there would be a possibility of a fire. Replaced wiper motor and wire harness work done by Brewster Ford in New York found that the new motor has not been updated which means this problem may happen again went on Google website found many owners having same problem. As you can see from the wiper motor connector, there is a pin that shows signs of overheating the wiper motor was the cause of the problem as the wiper motor was drawing excessive current

1/22/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear camera unavailable message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times because of the persistent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed about an unknown recall however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

4/29/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rearview camera became static, blue, and black and failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

5/24/2024