Table 1 shows one common electrical system related problems of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electrical System problems |
Component affected: service brakes / abs module / hydraulic braking system description of safety defect: there is an active, intermittent, catastrophic failure in the front braking system/abs module causing the front brakes to completely lock up mid-transit while operating at high speeds (60+ mph). First incident (April 24, 2026): during operation on a busy interstate at over 60 mph, the front braking system experienced a sudden, catastrophic thermal lock-up. This caused violent vehicle shuddering, extreme friction heat, and heavy, thick, acrid smoke. The vehicle was brought to a dealer shop for repair. Second incident (April 29, 2026): four days after delivery, the identical catastrophic brake lock-up recurred mid-transit, creating an immediate fire hazard due to friction heat and smoke. An independent repair facility diagnosed the failure and replaced the abs module. Third incident (June 4, 2026): the identical component failure recurred while traveling at over 60 mph on interstate 694 with a minor child in the vehicle. The front brakes fully locked up mid-transit, creating an immediate risk of a high-speed collision, severe thermal friction, and heavy burning odors, rendering the vehicle entirely un-roadworthy. Current status: > the vehicle has sat grounded at a repair shop for 30 cumulative days out of 54 days of ownership due to the persistent re-locking of the front hydraulic braking system. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on public roads. No crash or fire occurred, but the failure poses an imminent thermal and collision hazard.
Loud noise w/vibration and foul odor coming from heater blower. Dealership discovered a rodent's nest in the climate control blower motor. Dealership indicated that there is no remedy to prevent recurrence. Dealership also mentioned that the Ford escape has a history of the same problem. See Ford's TSB 17-0034, published 3/21/17 re Ford's recommended prevention: ". . . Install the new inlet duct gasket with screen. . . " (emphasis added).