Ford Transit Connect Vans Called Back for Flying Roofs

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 1,300 Transit Connect vans over a problem with their panoramic roofs, the automaker recently told federal vehicle safety regulators.

The vans’ roofs may loosen and detach, Ford said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a threat for anyone in the vans or on the road with them.

“A panoramic roof with poor adhesion may result in wind noise, water leak, and in some cases, separation from the vehicle,” Ford said. “A separated roof can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The recall covers certain Transit Connect vans from model years 2017 through 2019, which were produced between October 2016 and June 2019.

Ford blamed a supplier for the defect, which it called “an improper bond” between the roofs and the bodies of the vans.

“Contamination may have been present on the glass surface during primer application at the roof supplier facility,” the company said.

Ford said it planned to notify owners of recalled vans via mail by the end of May. Van owners in the meantime can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.

The company will be asked to bring their vans to an authorized dealer for inspection and repair.

“Dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the panoramic roof panel, free of charge,” Ford said. “There will be no charge for this service.”

Ford Safety Risks

These kinds of recalls are, unfortunately, old hat for Ford. The company has issued more recalls in the U.S. than any other auto manufacturer in each of the last three years.

Ford announced 58 recalls last year, totaling roughly 16% of all recalls nationwide, according to data compiled by NHTSA. The tally was about 30% more than the 45 recalls by Chrysler, the second-most called back brand last year.

The safety issues have continued into this year. 

The company recently recalled some 43,000 Bronco and Escape sport utility vehicles, citing fire risks. The following month, Ford said it was calling back nearly a quarter of a million Maverick pickup trucks over a tail light defect.

How the California Lemon Law Works

The good news for car owners in California is that the state’s lemon law offers you some significant rights and protections.

The lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is vital to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney who can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.