DecodedCars2017 Ford Transit Connect
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Van Xl/Xlt, Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 189.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,580–3,977 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Ford Transit Connect is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb (Van Xl/Xlt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 11% better than the 2017 special purpose vehicle average of 20.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
- Engine dropped: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 25 to 23
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Transit Connect →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Xl/Xlt | 189.4 in | 72.4 in | 70.5 in | 120.5 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,580 lb | 55/45 |
| Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium | 189.4 in | 72.4 in | 70.5 in | 120.5 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,977 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Van FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +11% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Transit Connect Van 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +11% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +6% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +6% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FFV FFV | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +6% | $3,050 | 401 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +6% | $3,050 | 407 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.8 MPG2017 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2017 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Similar 2017 special purpose vehicles
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Transit Connect (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Ram Promaster City | 24 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2017 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Nissan NV200 NYC Taxi | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Chevrolet City Express Cargo Van | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 3, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V572000 · 1,456,417 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Visibility › Fixed Panaramic Roof/Sky Light Assembly · Apr 26, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V294000 · 1,315 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A roof panel that detaches while driving can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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. Ford's number for this recall is 24S29.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · May 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V376000 · 192,080 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Risk
- A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · May 27, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V305000 · 1,616 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Transit Connect vehicles. The front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioner initiators could contain an improper generant mix ratio that may prevent the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. This recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S25.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · May 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V260000 · 5,088 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the panoramic roof panel separates from the vehicle while it is being driven, it may increase the risk of an injury or crash.
- Fix
- 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S22.
Not every 2017 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
28Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Back Over Prevention — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Transit Connect years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2021 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 12 |
| 2020 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 32 |
| 2019 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 51 |
| 2018 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 22 |
| 2016 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 104 |
| 2015 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 66 |
| 2014 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 125 |
| 2013 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2012 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2011 Transit Connect | 22 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →