FordTransit Connect2020Overview/ford/transit-connect/2020/base/

2020 Ford Transit Connect

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Transit Connect.

Body VANTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2020 Ford Transit Connect is a compact van built on Ford’s versatile platform, powered by an automatic S6 transmission and a modest 4.8‑quart oil capacity that runs on 5W‑20 oil, delivering EPA‑rated fuel economy of 20 / 27 / 22 mpg. It stands out with a reliable drivetrain that has seen only eight recalls this model year, yet the Power Train remains the most frequently cited complaint area among owners. In the broader reliability window from 2011‑2021, the Transit Connect peaked in 2014 with 127 complaints and fell to just eight in 2021, placing the 2020 model in a relatively stable, low‑complaint segment of its history.

Model year202320222021202020192018201720162015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque111.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy20/27/22 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI H7 · 800 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI H7 · 800 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size215/55R16/XL 97HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189.4 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height70.5 in
Wheelbase120.5 in
Curb weight3580 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined20 / 27 / 22 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Transit Connect of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.7–12.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.70 sec — 2014 XLT EcoBoost LWB Cargo Van
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2019Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.0L I-410.50 sec17.80 sec162 hpFWD
2017Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.5L I-410.10 sec17.60 sec169 hpFWD
2014XLT EcoBoost LWB Cargo Van 1.6L Turbo I-48.70 sec16.50 sec178 hpFWD
2014Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.5L I-410.00 sec17.50 sec169 hpFWD
2014Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.5L I-410.20 sec17.60 sec169 hpFWD
2010XLT Cargo Van 2.0L I-411.10 sec18.30 sec136 hpFWD
2010XLT Wagon (Passenger) 2.0L I-412.10 sec18.70 sec136 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 111.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid6
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6 Speed AT
Brake FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantMotorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity8.06
Engine Coolant Capacity10.0
Engine OilSAE 5W · Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity4.8 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.1 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.4 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)8.8 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts111.0 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts35.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug6 Speed AT: 13.24, 8 Speed AT: 8.8 ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubPress fit ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Housing Bolts81.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405
Spark Plug Gap0.035 in
Spark Plug Torque11.08 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405
Spark Plug Gap0.051 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-33
RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil TypeYN-35
RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil TypeYN-35
Standard BCI Group NumberH7

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum79.8 Engine Running psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)72.5
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum50.8–72.5 Engine running psi
Engine Oil Pressure29.0–38.9 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMhot @ 2,000 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure29.0-60 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPMhot @ 2,000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash0.009–0.013 in

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 21; Rear: 21 /
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129; Rear: 81 /; Front: 129.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 81.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 3.6; Rear: 3.6 /; Front: 6.0; Rear: 6.0
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .906; Rear: .354 /; Front: .906; Rear: .354
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishStamped on rotor / NS
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationStamped on rotor / NS
Maximum Rotor RunoutStamped on rotor / .002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.1 ft.lbs. Step 2: 11.85.1 ft.lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.1 ft.lbs. Step 2: 11.85.1 ft.lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
162.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 12.062 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
162.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 142.0 inch lbs.62 in
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
144.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°44 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 60°30 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
121.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°21 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs. Step 2: 21.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 90°7.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 21.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°89 in
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 21.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°89 in
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°74 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.1 ft. lbs. Step 2: 11.08 ft. lbs. Step 3: 41.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 90° Step 5: 90°5.1 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.1 ft. lbs. Step 2: 11.08 ft. lbs. Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 4: 90° Step 5: 90°5.1 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
15.1 ft. lbs.5.1 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
4Loosen 90°
5135°
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
15.17 ft. lbs.5.17 ft. lbs
211.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
490°
590°.
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 83.037 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
141.0
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
141.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.6 ft. lbs. Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 90°3.6 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.6 ft. lbs. Step 2: 18.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 90°3.6 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs. Step 2: 14.757.4 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.4 ft. lbs. Step 2: 14.757.4 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180 inch lbs.89 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 180.0 inch lbs.89 in

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 model year registers 30 complaints and 8 recalls, representing a marked improvement from 2019’s 51 complaints while carrying the same recall volume, yet it remains notably higher than 2021’s cleaner record of just 8 complaints and 4 recalls. Across this generation, federal data reveals a distinct arc: a severe spike in 2014 with 127 complaints and 15 recalls, gradual stabilization through 2018, a secondary elevation in 2019, and a downward trend into 2020-2021. The 2020 model sits in this late-generation improvement phase, though it has not achieved the minimal complaint levels of the final 2021 model year; Power Train leads the 2020 complaint categories with 8 instances, followed by 5 unspecified "Unknown Or Other" complaints, though the data does not specify root causes for these categories or for the 2 reported fire and 2 crash incidents. Given that 2020 shows declining complaint volume compared to the troubled mid-generation years and the preceding 2019 model, yet carries twice the recall burden of 2021, it represents a moderate-risk option—acceptable if priced accordingly, though buyers seeking maximum statistical reliability should prioritize the 2021 model year.

8
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
93
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
30
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 30 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train8
Unknown Or Other5
Service Brakes4
Visibility4
Visibility/Wiper1
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Steering,Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Power Train,Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V791000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 17/12/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners…

20V636000Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemReported 15/10/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 93 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
SSM 545892026-02-17Electrical SystemSome 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various…
TSB 25-25502026-01-08Power TrainThis article supersedes TSB 24-2092 to update model years. Some of the vehicles listed in…
25L022025-12-02Unknown Or OtherSpecial Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Transit Connect. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2020 Transit Connect take?

4.8 qt of SAE 5W-20 - Synthetic Blend Motor Oil, per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Transit Connect have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Transit Connect get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined mpg.