Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the brakes locked up. After releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to shake abnormally. While driving, the power steering became inoperable. The Hill Assist, traction control, and steering assist became inoperable. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact is a former mechanic and determined that the ABS module hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. When the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, there were no codes displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while attempting to pull into a parking lot, the brakes locked up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were made to forcefully engage and unlock the brakes. After restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brakes slowly released after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve assembly modulator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,484.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was temporarily remedied but later 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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the traction and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that transmission fluid was leaking from the transmission. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. The VIN was not available.
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. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Transit Connect years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (19), 2016 (17), 2010 (9), 2017 (8) and 2018 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Ford Transit Connect brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Ford Transit Connect model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Transit Connect brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (2 mentions), followed by the power assist › electric › control module (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.