Service Brakes Problems of Ford Transit Connect - part 1

Ford Transit Connect owners have reported 59 problems related to service brakes (under the service brakes category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Transit Connect based on all problems reported for the Transit Connect.

1 Service Brakes problem of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 04/29/2026

Abs hydraulic control unit pump malfunction. Vehicles brakes locked up on the highway and could of caused an accident. This is a known and common issue with these vans. This type of thing shouldnt happen my vehicle has only has 67,000 miles on it. I have seen other report this issue with less miles than that. Vehicle is now having the unit replaced.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect 🔎.

2 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 04/21/2026

The vehicle has only been driven for 24k miles and there was an issue with the abs hydraulic control unit (hcu) and the recommendation is for it to be completely replaced. Seems ridiculous if the abs hydralic control unit is meant to last 100k-200k miles.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect 🔎.

3 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 03/13/2026

While traveling on the freeway after approximately 45 minutes of driving at 65 mph, the car suddenly felt like it was down shifting causing it to slow substantially. When I tried to accelerate to avoid cars behind me from hitting me, the car prevented me from speeding up for approximately five seconds. Rpm is over 5000 b4 it allowed speed up. This happened on two separate occasions,. The car would not start after the second trip and was towed to a Ford dealer for repair. I was told I needed a new alternator and battery and what I experienced on the freeway was the alternator impacting the transmission. I picked up what I thought was a repaired vehicle, traveled to one of the same places I had gone previously and approximately 45 minutes into my drive, the same event took place with the car. Slowing severely and not allowing me to accelerate to return to freeway speed for approximately five seconds. It was taken back for repairs shortly thereafter. I was told it wasn't the transmission. It was a sensor in the brake system that causes the brakes to be applied just enough to create friction that heats up two of the wheels to such a high temp. , the brake pads melted onto the rotors. The master cylinder, pads, rotors, sensors all needed replacement. The car is a 2019, purchased new, out of warranty with only 26,000 miles. Ford has offered to pay part of the repairs but expects me to pay the other portion. This car has been well cared for. Nothing I have done while driving it has caused their sensor to create such a dangerous situation on the freeway. It also started happening before it was driven to the dealership by refusing to move for five seconds every time the car came to a stop. I have read other accounts of the same situation happening to people who own the same model and year. This is a dangerous situation created by Ford's faulty equipment. The car is at Ford dealership waiting to be repaired for the 2nd time.

4 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 02/02/2026

Was driving to work passenger front wheel locked overheating brakes and smoking had to have towed to jones Ford in shalotte north carolina today.

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5 Service Brakes problem of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 01/21/2026

One tire locks 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 brake master cylinder which had to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect 🔎.

6 Service Brakes problem of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 01/14/2026

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect 🔎.

7 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 01/12/2026

My van began with the brake sticking and it was not only the brake (with my van with only 34,000 miles on it) 2019 year, so I took it to les schwab to find out that it was a known default of the years of my van 2012 to 2019 that there have been countless replacement of the defect abs pump (costing me 2,000. 00 to fix), and finding out that this same problem was where the did a recall on the 2016 Ford transconnect vans, but didn't honor other years even though it has been a known issue is many. This should have been a recall for my 2019, I barely even drive it.

8 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 10/21/2025

Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up, brake on left front does not release and overheats, right back brake following suit. Took into repair shop for brake service. Quote the inspection "front passenger caliper seized no flow from house caused caliper to lock up. " was advised after rear right brake was found to be developing the same symptoms to have it towed to dealership for further inspection--risk of brake failure increasing likelihood of crash was cited as reasoning to default to dealership and no longer drive the vehicle.

9 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/28/2025

The right front (passenger side) brake caliper seize closed, pulling the vehicle to the right from uneven braking, and destroying the brake pads and rotor on that corner. Fortunately, this occurred on dry asphalt highway, and control was not entirely lost. The problem was diagnosed by the dealer to be the abs module. This appears to be a common fault on the Transit Connect van and the Ford focus sedan/coupe, which shares the same general platform. This particular van is a 2019 model year, and was purchased new in August of 2020. It had 27,272 miles on it when the module failed in September of 2025, five years. The car’s bumper to bumper warranty expired after three years. The repair cost from the dealership, including consequential repairs to the pads, rotor and fluid, totaled $2,813. 65. While there was no actual crash, the affected rotor became heated to a bright orange color.

10 Service Brakes problem of the 2017 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/07/2025

Rear brake lights work when locking and unlocking van however the passenger brake light does not work when pushing the brake pedal to stop van.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Transit Connect 🔎.

11 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 08/29/2025

The brakes suddenly locked up while I was driving which could have caused an accident. Luckily it did not cause me to swerve into oncoming traffic and no one was behind me at the time. This was caused by the abs unit hydraulic control assembly. It was the right front and left rear calipers locking. My vehicle only has 44,401 miles on it. The diagnosis has been confirmed at the dealer. There are other 2016 Ford Transit Connect models that have had a safety recall for this specific component, but mine is just outside of the vehicle recall time period by a few months. It was manufactured at the same plant. Additionally, I wanted to add that there were no warning lights, though I noticed a very slight drag when first accelerating (a few days prior) but didn't think much of it. I wondered if I was just imagining things. It wouldn't have been noticeable to someone who wasn't used to driving it. I contacted Ford and they would not provide any assistance other than me having to start a case (in other words, I have to spend $2,100 to get it fixed at the dealer; also I can't get it fixed anywhere else because the dealer has to program it. ).

12 Service Brakes problem of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 07/12/2025

The brake pedal went down far and there was poor braking. The brake fluid was found to be leaking from the left front brake jounce hose. This was unsafe due to extended braking stop time and less braking ability. I am an ase certified master technician and I work in a private vehicle fleet repair facility. I did not interview the driver if the brake warning light came on but most likely it did due to brake fluid leaking fast from this line. We also had a failure of this type on a 2019 Ford Transit Connect which is also in our fleet. So it appears Ford has another problem with front brake jounce hose failures.

13 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 06/25/2025

Damaged torque converter pump and foreward planetary assy bushings. Jerks when accelerating, loses power, hesitates backing up. Overhaul of torque converter, reseal and reassemble. Hydraulic control unit not working properly and break on left front does not release and overheats. Replaced hydraulic control unit. Airbox loose and damaged. Rattling. Replaced airbox.

14 Service Brakes problem of the 2010 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 03/18/2025

After placing vehicle in park, vehicle rolled away and destroyed my mailbox. Luckily I was able to stop it inches away from neighbors car. There is a recall for other years, but none for this year. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer yet, however, after talking to the dealership service department, it is a common problem and would cost a lot to repair.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Transit Connect 🔎.

15 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 01/10/2025

1 transmission: very harsh shift engagements up shift and downshifting. Harsh downshifting while cornering and approaching intersections made me concerned for my safety. Random slipping in mid gears 3,4, or 5, no dtc's for slipping or harsh engagements. Transmission currently has the dtc: p0772 shift solenoid e stuck on. And is not drive able. Vehicle is in my driveway until I determine where to take it. I am concerned why my vehicle VIN isn't listed in the transmission recalls when I'm having the exact same problem as the recalled vehicles. 2 brakes: February 2024 abs unit. When driving on highways at speeds between 45-65mph, when I would release my foot off the gas pedal the vehicle would apply medium pressure to the braking system (without touching the brake pedal). Vehicle was taken to nazareth Ford, they replaced a front brake hose and cycled the anti-lock brake system unit. I drove back on the highway and the same thing happened, brakes applied when letting off the gas pedal, almost causing an accident. I replaced the abs unit myself and had nazareth Ford program the software. Problem solved. I still have the old abs unit available for inspection.

16 Service Brakes problem of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 12/24/2024

The left front wheel locked up. The dealership first replaced the brake line. When that didn’t repair the problem they said they’d need to replace the abs module. The vehicle has less than 30,000 miles. Online it appears that abs module failure is a common problem in Ford vehicles with the 2. 0 four cylinder engine dating back to 2010.

17 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 10/10/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brakes and calipers needed to be replaced. While the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, wayne Ford (444 us-46, wayne, NJ 07470); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

18 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 10/09/2024

I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The front right brakes are consistently gripping excessively, which generates significant heat and smoke. Despite replacing the rotor, calipers, and brake pads, the problem persists. After conducting a quick online search, I discovered that this issue appears to be common among Transit Connect owners. Some people are suggesting that it's an abs module issue, though I can't say definitively. This ongoing problem poses an extreme safety risk, not only due to potential driving hazards but also due to the possibility of a fire given the excessive heat being produced. I urge you to investigate this matter to ensure the safety of those who rely on this vehicle and to prevent any potential accidents or injuries related to this defect.

19 Service Brakes problem of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/26/2024

Abs brakes are locked up and only release after a few seconds. I have replaced the driver front caliper and now the passenger front is locking. After a quick search online, I have found several cases of the abs module malfunctioning on this vehicle requiring a new module and programming. The first time the driver side locked, there were no warning lights and when I arrived home, the rotor was glowing red. Could have caused a fire.

20 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/17/2024

1. The 2019 Transit Connect wagon transmission would buck or jerk when removing my foot from the accelerator when going 60 mph or more. The brake was not press at the time of the jerk. 2. When entering the Ford service center for the transmission check appointment, the left front brake seized. There was an odor of burning brake pads. 3. After the brake module was replaced and the service center took it for a test drive of the transmission, the technician told me the lighting module needed to be replaced and the vehicle continued to stay at the service center. 4. While still at the service center, they connected the vehicle for a computer reboot/refresh that would take over night. The next morning they informed me that the reboot did not take in the vehicle computer system. 5. The service center called in a regional Ford technician three times to try to solve the issues without success. 6. We never had possession of the vehicle during this time. It continues to be in possession of the service center and to our knowledge is not repaired. 7. The "service engine" red light never came up on the instrument panel when the incident happened.

21 Service Brakes problem of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 08/28/2024

At highway speeds (55-70), light brake pressure resulted in major frontend vibration and front left caliper seized. After pulling off the road, the front left wheel rim was too hot to touch. Vibration and seized caliper could result in loss of control of vehicle while braking, especially at highway speeds. Repair shop initially replaced the caliper and overhauled the brakes. Problem was not resolved, and same symptoms recurred after less than 100 miles. Mechanic determined that anti-lock brake system (abs) module had failed. No warning lights, and no inspection by anyone but my mechanic. Replacement abs module from Ford dealer was installed by independent mechanic and problem is resolved. Ford dealer reported two other abs module replacements same week as mine and internet search identified others with same problem (abs module failure). My vehicle is four years old and has around 40,000 miles. It seems to be a premature abs module failure causing collateral damage (e. G. Caliper) with multiple reports of same problem.

22 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 07/24/2024

The vehicles front driver side wheel brakes keeps receiving too much pressure causing the brake pads to stick and the wheel to get hot and to shake the steering wheel. I have had the caliper replaced twice, the flex bake hose replaced as well, replaced brake pads and rotor and after the most recent diagnosis, I was told that the issue is the hcu. Ford has had issues with this model and you can see under campaigns 16c10/16v482 where this exact issues was happening was being experienced. I believe that they failed to fix the issue when they produced the car I have and are refusing to fix it. When I first experienced the issue my rotor was smoking and the wheel was extremely hot which is an extreme hazard that Ford should be made responsible for.

23 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 07/09/2024

Brakes locked up while car was in motion and brake pedal was not depressed. Smoke came from brakes. Happened with front and rear brakes. Able to stop and restart vehicle and move it off roadway.

24 Service Brakes problem of the 2017 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 07/01/2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the front driver’s side brakes malfunctioned, and the front driver’s side wheel failed to properly rotate. The contact later examined the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s side brake pad had become stuck to the brake rotor. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the abs control module and hydraulic control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 26,000.

25 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 05/04/2024

While traveling, abs braking system intermittently engaged a single caliper and prevented it from retracting. This causes a sudden slowing off the vehicle, creating the risk of collision, particularly while traveling on the highway. An independent service center inspected the vehicle, and reported a computer code referencing the abs/brake booster as the source of the problem.

26 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 02/09/2024

Passenger side, rear brake, complete lock-up while driving. No warning, no abs light warning my wife and grandchild were traveling at about 30 mph when the car started to "wheel hop". They did maintain control of the car due to their low speed, then the front driver side wheel locked up and she skidded but made it home home and into the driveway. The collision light flashed once and then turned to a red light saying impact or collision impact. There was however no impact. They were both somewhat shaken and turned the car off. I (her husband) examined and reworked the brake calipers thinking this might be the problem. Both 2 wheels were still locked up tight. So, we took off the flex lines and one section of the rear brake and line cleaned and ran air first, the dot 4 brake fluid both ways to assure there was no obstruction in the brake lines. After all of this, the brakes were still locked up tight. I have since learned that the issue is the Ford abs hydraulic control unit. Which Ford sells for just under $1000. There are many other Ford vehicles that have the same problem (likely the same abs module) and Ford is apparently aware but does nothing to correct this dangerous product defect. My concern it that the vehicle becomes uncontrollable and someone is going to be killed due to the lack of control when this abs module failure occurs.

27 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 11/01/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 65 mph the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to suddenly reduce speed. After restarting the vehicle the failure was temporarily remedied but later had reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the abs module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.

28 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/07/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a loud sound coming from the engine. Additionally, the contact stated while driving on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice to be diagnosed and it was determined that the brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred several months later. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the hecu needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.

29 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/04/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Transit Connect. The contacted stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the braking system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the freeway. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake system hcu pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v482000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 91,000.

30 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 09/01/2023

Anti-lock brake system failure (abs). Resulting in my driver side front and rear breaks being applied without applying the break pedal. While I was driving on the garden state parkway, my vehicle would abruptly slow down when I eased up on my gas pedal. This could have potentially caused a rear end collision by a driver behind me. I then exited the highway. I also noticed a burning smell coming from my breakes.

31 Service Brakes problem of the 2017 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 08/15/2023

The brakes on my car would not release. After trying to repair we determined it was due to the abs module. Since the module has to be programed by a dealer to communicate with the ecm, I stopped and turned the car over to a Ford dealer. My car was built just outside a documented recall on the abs module. I told Ford thir but they did not cover the repair. It is obvious another bad part got thru and my vehicle should be included. I wrote to the ntsb before, but never heard back. When Ford replaced the abs module, I keep the bad part incase someone need to inspect the failed part.

32 Service Brakes problem of the 2016 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 08/12/2023

Calipers and brake pads were replaced and still front brakes locking up. Unable to drive. Also, I had to replace a brand new brain on the van over $3000 electrical.

33 Service Brakes problem of the 2018 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 06/27/2023

Abs light comes on as well as loss of traction control and hill assist. Steering is more difficult, and the speed ohmmeter will not work. This is the second time this has happen. First time mechanic replaced bad speed sensor on drivers' side front wheel and everything went back to normal it only had around 6k miles on it. Now it has around 7. 5k on it and it has happen again. Have not taken it in for repair yet.

34 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 04/14/2023

Brakes started dragging. I noticed that sometimes they would stick a bit when I was trying to move after stopping somewhere. Once I got on the highway, just after I hit 65 mph, the brakes came on. The car was slowed down to about 30mph. I had to pull over on a very small shoulder on a busy highway. There were no lights or warning of any kind. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it. I was able to make it to the next exit. Albeit at a reduced speed. The brakes were still dragging. I was not able to make it to a dealer but did make it to a nearby firestone shop. It was determined that the vehicle needed the entire brake system replaced, as the brakes were badly locked up. The repairs were $2300. However during my test drive 2 of the brakes were once again dragging and the brakes came on again at 65 mph. Vehicle was taken to the local Ford dealership where it was determined that the abs hydraulic pump was frozen and needed replacement. Repairs were another $2000. Vehicle has just over 25,000 miles and is 2 months past the warranty so there was no help on the repairs. If I had been a few miles further down the highway when the brakes came on it likely would have resulted in a bad accident.

35 Service Brakes problem of the 2019 Ford Transit Connect

Failure Date: 04/04/2023

* what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? left front brake. Vehicle is not yet repaired and available for inspection. * how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while driving on the highway at around 70 mph, the steering started shaking in a concerning matter. The vehicle seemed to decelerate quickly when lifting the foot off the gas pedal. Once I stopped I noticed that the left front brakes was extremely hot. The other brakes were fine. * has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? vehicle is not yet repaired. * has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no. * were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there was no warning visible.



Transit Connect Service Bulletins
Transit Connect Safety Recalls
Transit Connect Defect Investigations