Table 1 shows one common service brakes related problems of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes problems |
My husband was driving the vehicle and I was the passenger. We got on the highway and were going 67 mph when we smelled something burning. The vehicle speed dropped from 67 mph to 30 mph. No warning lights on the dashboard alerted to anything. We got off the highway and to a place of safety. We got out of the vehicle and both front rotors were glowing red and flames were coming out from behind the driver's side wheel. We had to use an abc fire extinguisher (which we had in the vehicle) on both front wheels. Once we let everything cool down, we tried to start the vehicle again. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and flames shot out again from behind the driver's side wheel. The fire extinguisher was used once again to put out the flames. We then had it towed to the closest car repair business that was opened on a Saturday. We have contacted Ford customer service, and a case has been started.
Was driving on the highway. Thought there was a smell of something burning. Stopped didn't see anything. When I arrived at my location the smell was much stronger. When I stopped I saw smoke and fire coming from the left front tire. Fire department was called because the vehicle was parked next to a building. I used three fire extinguishers to put the fire out. The fire department arrived and put water on the area to lower the heat. It turns out the abs system malfunctioned locking up the right rear and left front brakes. Turns out to be a common issue with the Transit Connects. Ford dealership said the issue is a faulty abs controller that would cost a minimum of $3000 to replace and program. If we didn't have the fire extinguishers we would have lost the vehicle and most likely the building it was parked next to according to the fire department.
While driving down the road the abs brakes (front driver and passenger rear) started tightening up then they temporarily released for a few miles. Then started tightening up again it continued to tighted and not release until it was completely locked down. Immediately pulled off road and brakes visibly caught on fire and damaged all components in the wheels. This could have been a dangerous situation for myself or others on the road if it hadnt occured at a lower speed. This scenario has also occurred in 2 identical fleet vehicles purchased on the same date and the incidents occurred 3 months apart. There were no warning lights on at the time of the incidents. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealership where they confirmed and repaired the issue. Vehicle was also inspected for an insurance claim. Dealership stated that it was the abs system.
Automatic braking system module system went out mid drive and locked up the front right and back left brakes making vehicle immovable in the middle of the highway. Towed to a dealership where they had to remove and replace abs module no warning lamps were present. No prior symptoms before failure.
Two tires lock up gradually and then completely preventing the vehicle from being driven and causing damage to the other tires. The inability to drive the vehicle on the open road is very dangerous. There are no warning lamps. The vehicle may seem sluggish to accelerate. After towing to a service station, the abs module failed and this caused damage to the brakes which had to be replaced.
July2, 2022 Saturday, 4pm 2021 Ford Transit Connect titanium -sudden unintended acceleration I was making a very slow (2-3mph) u-turn in an empty, very small strip mall parking lot with the brake being lightly pushed as I went around tight left turn. 3/4 thru the turn the van suddenly accelerated while I believe the brake pedal was still being pushed, I pushed the brake pedal down hard but the van continued to accelerate. . It wouldn't slow down. The van jumped the curb and ran into a 4' square cement planter on the sidewalk, sliding the planter about 3 ft. Forward. The whole sudden acceleration happened within about 3-5 seconds and was stopped by the cement planter, cutting off the engine. All front airbags were deployed. A few cuts and bruises from the airbags required no medical attention. No citations were issued by the police. The vehicle damage has been estimated at 27,000 and the insurance company is deciding whether to total it or repair it.