What engine is in a Ford Transit Connect van?
The Transit Connect does not use a single engine for every market or model year. Engine choices depend on the vehicle’s generation and the region where it’s sold. In North America, recent Connects are powered by a gasoline four‑cylinder, while European models have more diesel options and separate gasoline engines.
To understand what motor a given Transit Connect has, you’ll need to check the specific year, market, and trim. Ford’s official materials and the vehicle’s VIN plate are the most reliable sources for identifying the exact engine in a particular van.
Overview by market
North America (United States and Canada)
The current‑generation Transit Connect sold in North America uses a gasoline inline‑four engine. This configuration is paired with Ford’s standard transmission options for the lineup, and, in this market, there has historically been no diesel option from the factory for the Transit Connect. Hybrid or plug‑in variants have not been broadly offered for the Connect in this region.
The following list highlights the engine setup you’re most likely to encounter in North American Transit Connect models:
- Gasoline 4‑cylinder inline engine (2.0L class) in most recent model years
- Diesel options have not been offered by Ford for the Transit Connect in the North American market
In summary, if you’re shopping an NA Transit Connect today, expect a gasoline 4‑cylinder under the hood, with no factory diesel option in this region.
Europe and other markets
In Europe and many other regions, the Transit Connect has been offered with a broader range of engines, including common diesel options and smaller petrol engines. Diesel powerplants from Ford’s EcoBlue and Duratorq families have been prevalent, alongside smaller turbocharged petrol options in some generations.
The following list outlines typical engine approaches found outside North America:
- Diesel engines (e.g., Ford EcoBlue/Duratorq family) in various displacements
- Petrol turbo engines (smaller EcoBoost units) in certain markets and trims
For international models, you’ll often find a mix of diesel burdened by efficient turbocharged petrol options, depending on local emission regulations and market demand.
Historical engines by generation
First generation (approx. 2002–2013)
The first generation Transit Connect offered a mix of diesel and petrol engines, with diesels based on Ford’s Duratorq/TDCi family in Europe and larger gasoline engines in markets where demand favored petrol options. European vans commonly relied on diesel power for efficiency and torque, while North American models leaned toward gasoline units.
The following list summarizes typical options from this era:
- Diesel Duratorq/TDCi engines in European markets (various displacements)
- Gasoline four‑cylinder engines in North America and select markets
Overall, this generation established the regional split: diesel engines were more common in Europe, with gasoline variants dominating the North American lineup.
Second generation (approx. 2013–present)
The second generation broadened engine choices to accommodate regional regulations and consumer preferences. In North America, gasoline four‑cylinder powertrains became standard, while Europe and other markets continued to offer diesel options, along with smaller petrol engines in some markets.
The following list captures the core tendencies of this generation:
- North American: gasoline inline‑4 engines (2.0L class) with standard configurations
- European/other markets: diesel EcoBlue/Duratorq engines plus smaller petrol turbo options in some trims
In short, the second generation solidified the regional engine strategy: NA = gasoline only (primarily 2.0L), Europe/other regions = mix of diesel and petrol options.
How to identify your Transit Connect engine
If you’re trying to confirm the exact engine in a specific Transit Connect, these steps will help:
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dash or door jamb and look up the build sheet or Ford’s VIN decoder for engine details.
- Read the engine code on the engine itself or on the information plate near the radiator/engine bay.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the door sticker (often on the driver’s side pillar) for the engine specification listed by Ford for that exact vehicle.
- When in doubt, contact a Ford dealer with the VIN; they can confirm the original engine and any factory options installed.
Knowing the exact engine helps with maintenance, parts compatibility, and future repairs. If you’re considering a used Transit Connect, verify the engine type and any region‑specific variations before purchase.
Summary
The Ford Transit Connect does not have a single, universal engine. Engine options vary by generation and market: North American models have typically used gasoline inline‑4 engines, while European and other international versions have included diesel EcoBlue/Duratorq engines and various petrol options. To determine the exact engine in a given van, check the VIN, engine code, and official documentation for that specific vehicle.
What is the most common problem with a Ford Transit Connect?
One of the most common problems with the Ford Transit Connect is transmission issues. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels and any problem with it can result in significant performance issues.
What is the most reliable Ford Transit Connect engine?
Which Ford Transit Engine Is Most Reliable?
- 2.5 DI Diesel (MK4/MK5 – 1994–2000) Known as the “banana engine” due to its curved intake manifold, this is the gold standard of Transit reliability.
- 2.2 TDCi Duratorq (Late MK7/MK8)
- 2.0 EcoBlue Diesel (MK8 Facelift and MK9 – 2018+)
What year is the bad Ford Transit Connect?
Years to potentially avoid for the Ford Transit Connect include early second-generation models (2014–2015) due to transmission problems, and the 2012 model year, also known for transmission issues. Additionally, it's wise to be cautious with models from 2019-2021, as a large 2021 recall addressed the potential for the vehicle to roll away in park, and some earlier 2021 models had faulty shifters.
Specific model years to consider
- 2012: Prone to transmission issues.
- 2014-2015: Automatic transmission problems were reported.
- 2019-2021: A 2021 recall affected a large number of 2013-2021 models because of a potential rolling away issue when in park. Some early 2021 models with 2.5L engines also had faulty shifters.
- 2015: This model year had numerous recalls for issues like instrument cluster problems, brake system components, and fuel line leaks.
General considerations
- Corrosion: Be aware of potential corrosion issues, particularly on older models like the first generation (2002-2013), AUTODOC.
- Transmission: While many later models resolved the issues found in earlier years, it's still crucial to check for a smooth shifting experience, especially in automatic transmission models. Some 2019 and later models have reported 8-speed transmission issues, notes Reddit users.
- Recalls: Always check for open recalls on any used vehicle you are considering. You can use the VIN to check with the Center for Auto Safety or Consumer Reports.
What engine does Ford Transit Connect have?
The Ford Transit Connect has offered a variety of engines depending on the model year and market, with popular options including a 2.0L and 2.5L gasoline engines, and a 1.5L EcoBlue diesel in some markets. For example, a 2.0L gasoline engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission became standard in some 2019 models, while the 2.5L engine was an option and was also compatible with flex-fuel or natural gas.
You can watch this video to learn more about the driving experience and engine options of a Ford Transit Connect: 55sShooting CarsYouTube · Apr 9, 2024
- Gasoline Engines:
- 2.0L: A 2.0L direct-injection I4 engine was introduced as standard on some 2019 models and is a common engine in recent years, often paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces around 162 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque.
- 2.5L: A 2.5L Duratech inline-4 engine was available on older models and could run on gasoline or a gasoline-propane (flex-fuel) blend. It provides decent power and torque.
- 1.0L EcoBoost: Some models have featured a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine with technology like cylinder deactivation.
- Diesel Engines:
- 1.5L EcoBlue: In 2019, a 1.5L EcoBlue turbodiesel was announced for some markets, but its production for North America was abandoned shortly after.
- 1.6L Duratorq TDCi: This was a diesel option offered in some international markets, with different power outputs and manual transmissions.
This video shows the replacement process for a Ford Transit Connect engine: 0:13ASM Property services UKYouTube · Sep 21, 2022
