Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving in a rainstorm, rainwater poured into the vehicle from the front passenger's side windshield. The vehicle was taken to the local Satellite Auto Glass repair shop, and it was discovered that the front windshield adhesive had failed, causing the passenger's side front windshield to become unsecured. The contact was advised that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that several electrical features were damaged due to the water, including the audible warnings and 911 assist from the inoperable Bluetooth. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the windshield was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility) but the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was unable to locate a mechanic to compete the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 31,122.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, wind noises were heard coming from the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front windshield had detached and needed to be reinstalled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V192000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
During a rainy day, I had water coming in from around the top driver's side windshield and from the inside light above the dash. According to my VIN there are no recalls, but apparently there have been recalls on the seal around the windshield on some. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the dealer. The problem began last month (January 2025) and each time it rains I have issues with leaking.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Transit Connect. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V294000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that two dealers were made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there were no technicians at the dealer capable of performing the recall repair. The contact was promised a call back once a technician was able to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I had been driving my car for a few minutes when I heard a loud pop and my rear window glass shattered. Covered in spider glass cracks and only held in place by the tint. No point of impact visible to show that it had been hit by an object. It was chilly, 43 F, and I had the heat/defrost on. Unfortunately, when arriving to work, I opened my sliding door look at the damage from the inside and doing so caused glass to fall out, so I have no picture of just the glass the way it was when it broke. A quick search shows this has happened to other vehicles including transit connects like mine, and caused by the heated glass.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that there was a windy sound coming from the sunroof of the vehicle. The sound had been progressing as if there was a fracture or separation between the sunroof and the roof sub frame. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V260000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the panoramic roof panel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20S22 (Panoramic Roof Panel Repair). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,373.
Related recalls (6)
Visibility › Fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Visibility › Windshield
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2022.
Visibility › Fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which may result in the panel separating from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 16V-695. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body and may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on May 26, 2020.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured October 4, 2013, to July 14, 2014 and equipped with a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista roof. The panoramic roof panel may have an inadequate bond to the vehicle, possibly resulting in the panel separating from the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022.
Show 1 more recall
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Transit Connect vehicles. The wiper arms may not be adequately riveted resulting in incomplete or inconsistent clearing of the windshield and possible detachment of the wiper arm.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side wiper arm and blade assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Transit Connect years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (22), 2012 (8), 2014 (8), 2011 (6) and 2017 (6) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Ford Transit Connect window & wiper problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 24V-294 (fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly, Apr 26, 2024); 22V-192 (windshield, Mar 25, 2022); 21V-977 (fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly, Dec 16, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Transit Connect window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (9 mentions), followed by the sun/moon roof assembly (5).
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.