Why did Ford stop making the Transit Connect?
The Transit Connect was paused in the North American market as Ford reshaped its commercial-vehicle lineup, prioritizing larger, electrified vans. The model itself still exists in other regions, where it is sold under regional branding such as Tourneo Connect in some markets.
What happened and when
In recent years, Ford rebalanced its van portfolio to emphasize capacity, efficiency, and electrification. As part of that effort, the Transit Connect was phased out of production in North America, while the model—and its regional variants—continued to be offered elsewhere. This split reflects Ford’s strategy to consolidate its commercial-vehicle lineup around the Transit family and its electric future.
To capture the sequence of events, consider the key elements below.
- Ford confirmed a discontinuation of the Transit Connect in the North American market as part of a broader portfolio refocus.
- Production and sales of the model continued in several other regions under different branding conventions (for example, Tourneo Connect in some markets).
- Company communications tied the move to a shift toward a more unified Transit lineup and the growth of electrified options such as the E-Transit.
In short, the North American exit contrasts with ongoing availability in other markets, illustrating a market-by-market approach to Ford’s commercial-vehicle strategy.
Reasons behind the decision
Ford cited a combination of demand patterns, cost considerations, and a strategic push toward electrification as the core drivers of ending Transit Connect production in certain regions. The following factors were repeatedly highlighted in public statements and industry reporting:
- Declining or uneven demand for the smallest Ford van in some markets compared with the larger Transit family.
- A strategic decision to simplify the lineup and reduce production complexity, thereby lowering costs and inventory risk.
- A emphasis on electrified vans, with Ford steering resources toward the all-electric E-Transit and other higher-volume, future-focused models.
- Supply-chain and manufacturing efficiency considerations, enabling Ford to allocate capacity to vehicles with stronger business cases and fleet demand.
The takeaway is that Ford’s move was less about the Transit Connect itself and more about aligning a shrinking, efficiency-focused portfolio with a longer-term electrification trajectory.
Current status by market
Where the Transit Connect nameplate remains active, it tends to operate under regional variants or branding differences, reflecting Ford’s multi-market approach to van naming and product updates. Below is a snapshot of how things stand across major regions:
- Europe, the Middle East, and Africa: The Connect nameplate (often branded as Tourneo Connect in passenger/fleet variants) generally continues to be offered in updated forms aligned with regional demand and regulatory requirements.
- North America: Transit Connect production and sales have been halted as part of Ford’s regional realignment toward larger vans and electrified offerings.
- Other regions: Availability varies by market and local Ford operations; some markets maintain ongoing production of the Connect/Tourneo Connect family while others have shifted to alternative models.
Because regional strategies can change with model-year updates, fleet needs, and regulatory shifts, buyers should check their local Ford official channels for the most current availability and configurations.
Impact on customers and fleets
The end of Transit Connect production in select markets has meaningful implications for buyers who rely on a compact, cargo-friendly van. Fleets looking for a small- to mid-sized option now weigh a few paths: expanding into the larger Transit lineup, pursuing electrified variants within Ford’s current portfolio, or considering alternatives from other brands depending on duty cycle, payload, and total-cost-of-ownership considerations.
For existing Transit Connect customers, Ford often continues to offer service, parts, and maintenance support through its dealer network, even as the model is phased out of new-vehicle sales in those regions. Fleet managers may also explore used-vehicle avenues or inventory through regional dealers as an interim solution while evaluating longer-term needs.
Summary
Ford’s decision to stop producing the Transit Connect in North America reflects a broader shift in its commercial-vehicle strategy toward a leaner lineup and a stronger emphasis on electrification and the larger Transit family. While the Transit Connect’s North American production has ended, the model or its regional equivalents continue in other markets, underscoring Ford’s market-specific approach to offering small-vehicle solutions. For buyers and fleets, the move signals a transition period where they must weigh the trade-offs between space, efficiency, and the evolving mix of gasoline, diesel, and electric options in Ford’s lineup.
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 lifespan of a Ford Transit Connect?
A Ford Transit Connect can last between 150,000 and 300,000 miles or more, with many factors affecting its longevity, such as maintenance, driving habits, and usage. With proper care, it's possible for a Transit Connect to exceed 200,000 miles, while consistent maintenance can extend its life even further.
Factors affecting lifespan
- Maintenance: Regularly following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid flushes, is crucial for extending the vehicle's life. Promptly addressing any mechanical issues also helps.
- Usage: How the vehicle is used plays a significant role. Commercial use with heavy loads or frequent deliveries can cause more wear and tear than lighter or personal use.
- Driving Conditions: Harsh driving conditions or frequent short trips can also impact the lifespan of the components.
- Model Year: Some owners report that specific model years, particularly those with certain transmissions, may have higher rates of issues around 80,000 to 110,000 miles. Newer models often have fewer widespread complaints due to design refinements.
What year to avoid 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.
Will there be a 2025 Ford Transit Connect?
But all versions can fit a Euro pallet. Even the base trend model comes well equipped with parking sensors front and rear traffic sign recognition heated windscreen.
