Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Ford Transit Connect
The 2017 Ford Transit Connect is a van that earns a Carivo score of 6.2/10 — rated Fair. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.1/10, while Performance at 5.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.8/10 for reliability, this van trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $24,355–$29,780, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Transit Connect sits in the budget-friendly tier of the van market. The value score of 6.0/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Based on our scoring, the 2017 Ford Transit Connect underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Vans
The 2017 Ford Transit Connect ranks #10 of 21 vans in the Carivo database — better than 57% of the segment. Its 6.2/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 6.2/10. Its $24,355 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $29,905 by about 19%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Transit Connect Year Should You Buy?
Across the Transit Connect model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Available in a range of trims to suit different budgets
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Ford Transit Connect (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Seat belts / Front 27/05/2020 · 20V305000
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…
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…
Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 24/05/2021 · 21V376000
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.
Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 10/06/2022 · 22V413000
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.
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.
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2017 Ford Transit Connect that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2017 Ford Transit Connect
Is the 2017 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
We rate the 2017 Ford Transit Connect's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2017 Ford Transit Connect have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2017 Ford Transit Connect worth buying?
It scores 6.2/10 overall, ranking #10 of 21 vans in our database (better than 57% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2017 Ford Transit Connect cost?
The 2017 Ford Transit Connect starts at $24,355 and ranges up to $29,780 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Transit Connect years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Transit Connect years we've rated are 2015 (6.1/10), 2017 (6.2/10), 2016 (6.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2017 Ford Transit Connect have?
The documented issues for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Visibility, Power train, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford Transit Connect
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Similar Van to Consider
Other vans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year