EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
30 September 2025 (updated) Table of Contents
Since 2002, the Ford Transit Connect has established itself as a compact commercial vehicle specialist in the European market and has undergone a remarkable evolution in terms of engines. Over three generations, Ford has developed a diverse range of engines from economical diesel units to modern EcoBlue units. The technological development reflects the change from Euro 3 standards to the current Euro 6d-TEMP standards.
The first generation of the Transit Connect shaped the compact commercial vehicle segment for over a decade and established itself as a reliable work partner with typical mileages of 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers. Major repairs are usually due between 180,000 and 220,000 kilometers, with turbochargers and injection systems being the most common wearing parts. The 1.8 TDCi with 90 hp is regarded as the absolute pinnacle of this generation and combines robustness with acceptable fuel consumption. The Duratorq TDCi technology was advanced for its time, but struggled with typical teething troubles such as particulate filter problems from 2006 onwards. In a market comparison, the Transit Connect positioned itself between the smaller Citroën Berlingo and the larger VW Caddy.
The first-generation diesel engine range was based entirely on Duratorq TDCi technology with common-rail injection. Available were the 1.8 TDCi with 75 hp (BHDB), 90 hp (RWPA/RWPB) and 110 hp (RWPC) and, from 2009, the more modern 1.6 TDCi with 75 hp (HHJB), 90 hp (HHJC) and 95 hp (HHJD). The 1.8 TDCi with 90 hp proved to be the optimum compromise between performance and reliability, while the 110 hp variant frequently had turbocharger problems after 150,000 kilometers. Typical weak points of all TDCi engines are clogged particulate filters on short journeys from 80,000 kilometers, defective glow plugs after 120,000 kilometers and problems with the high-pressure pump from 180,000 kilometers. The 1.6-liter units generally required less maintenance, but rarely achieved the longevity of the robust 1.8-liter units.
Petrol engines played a subordinate role in the first generation and were limited to a few markets. The 1.8-liter Duratec HE with 120 hp (CGBA), which was characterized by moderate fuel consumption of around 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers, was mainly offered. This engine proved to be rock solid, but not very exciting in terms of power delivery. Occasional ignition coil failures after 100,000 kilometers and thermostat defects after 150,000 kilometers were problematic. The petrol versions typically achieved mileages of between 200,000 and 280,000 kilometers, but remained unpopular with tradespeople due to their higher fuel consumption.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TDCi 75 hp | 75 | 6,2 | Turbocharger from 200,000 km | Good |
| 1.8 TDCi 90 hp | 90 | 6,4 | Particle filter, glow plugs | Very good |
| 1.8 TDCi 110 hp | 110 | 6,8 | Turbocharger from 150,000 km | Average |
| 1.6 TDCi 75 hp | 75 | 5,9 | High-pressure pump from 180,000 km | Good |
| 1.6 TDCi 90 hp | 90 | 6,1 | DPF clogging on short journeys | Good |
| 1.8 Duratec-HE | 120 | 8,5 | Ignition coils, thermostat | Average |
The second generation marked a technological leap with the introduction of EcoBlue diesel technology from 2018, reaching new benchmarks at mileages of 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers. Maintenance-intensive repairs shifted to 220,000 to 260,000 kilometers, with the AdBlue systems bringing new challenges. The 1.5 EcoBlue with 100 hp established itself as the reference in its class and impressed with its efficiency and durability. The transition phase from Euro 5 to Euro 6 brought with it more complex exhaust gas purification systems, but these did not fundamentally affect reliability. Compared to competitors such as the Renault Kangoo or Peugeot Partner, Ford offered more modern engine technology with comparable robustness.
The early years of the second generation continued to rely on proven TDCi technology, but with refined Euro 6 emissions standards. Available were the 1.6 TDCi with 75 hp (XQDA), 95 hp (XQDB) and 115 hp (XQDC) as well as the powerful 1.5 TDCi with 120 hp (XWDA). These engines integrate AdBlue systems and optimized particulate filter technology for the first time. The 1.6 TDCi with 95 hp offered the best ratio of performance and consumption at 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers. AdBlue pumps proved problematic from 120,000 kilometers and clogged EGR valves after 150,000 kilometers. The 115 hp variant was prone to turbocharger problems from 180,000 kilometers, while the 1.5-liter engine with 120 hp impressed with its smooth running and pulling power.
With EcoBlue technology, Ford revolutionized the diesel engines of the Transit Connect in 2018 and introduced a completely new 1.5-litre series. Power levels of 75 hp (XWDB), 100 hp (XWDC) and 120 hp (XWDD) were offered, which shone with optimized combustion and reduced friction. The 1.5 EcoBlue with 100 hp quickly established itself as a bestseller, achieving fuel consumption figures of just 5.2 liters with excellent long-term reliability. The EcoBlue engines have significantly fewer problems with particulate filters and achieve longer maintenance intervals of 20,000 kilometers. Weak points are mainly limited to AdBlue sensors after 100,000 kilometers and occasional software updates for the engine control unit. The 120 hp version offers impressive driving performance with only slightly higher fuel consumption.
The EcoBoost petrol engines expanded the range from 2013 and brought modern turbo technology to the segment. The 1.0 EcoBoost was mainly available with 100 PS (M1DA) and 125 PS (M2DA), which stood out with its characteristic three-cylinder sound. These engines impressed with their lively performance and fuel consumption figures of around 6.8 liters, but exhibited typical turbo petrol engine problems. Frequent defects concerned ignition coils from 80,000 kilometers, turbocharger wear after 150,000 kilometers and problems with the timing chain from 120,000 kilometers. The 1.0 EcoBoost with 100 hp offered the best price-performance ratio, while the 125 hp version was disappointing due to its higher susceptibility to repairs. For frequent drivers, the diesel versions remained the more economical choice.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Consumption (l/100km) | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 TDCi 75 hp | 75 | 6,0 | AdBlue pump, EGR valve | Good |
| 1.6 TDCi 95 hp | 95 | 5,8 | AdBlue system from 120,000 km | Very good |
| 1.6 TDCi 115 hp | 115 | 6,2 | Turbocharger from 180,000 km | Average |
| 1.5 TDCi 120 hp | 120 | 6,1 | EGR valve, particulate filter | Good |
| 1.5 EcoBlue 75 hp | 75 | 5,4 | AdBlue sensors | Good |
| 1.5 EcoBlue 100 hp | 100 | 5,2 | Very few problems | Very good |
| 1.5 EcoBlue 120 hp | 120 | 5,6 | AdBlue sensors from 100,000 km | Very good |
| 1.0 EcoBoost 100 hp | 100 | 6,8 | Ignition coils, timing chain | Average |
| 1.0 EcoBoost 125 hp | 125 | 7,2 | Turbocharger from 150,000 km | Moderate |
The current third generation of the Transit Connect consistently relies on electrified drives and represents Ford's strategy for reducing emissions in the commercial vehicle segment. Initial long-term experience indicates mileages of over 350,000 kilometers, with the mHEV systems introducing additional complexity. The 1.5 EcoBlue mHEV with 100 hp is regarded as a technological highlight and combines proven diesel technology with intelligent electrification. The 48-volt mild hybrid technology significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, but brings with it new potential sources of error. In a competitive comparison, Ford is positioned technologically ahead of traditional manufacturers such as Iveco or Fiat.
The current generation of engines is based exclusively on the further developed EcoBlue technology with 48-volt mild hybrid support. Available are the 1.5 EcoBlue mHEV with 100 hp (XWDE) and 120 hp (XWDF), which are supplemented by an integrated starter-alternator. The mHEV system enables sailing at constant speeds and assists when starting off, reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.4 liters. The 1.5 EcoBlue mHEV with 100 hp achieves fuel consumption figures of just 4.9 liters and impresses with its refined running characteristics. Initial experience shows occasional software problems with the hybrid system after 50,000 kilometers and occasional failures of the 48-volt battery after 80,000 kilometers. The basic engines are proving to be just as reliable as their predecessors, while electrification can cause additional maintenance work.
In parallel to the mild hybrid diesels, Ford offers the Transit Connect as a fully electric E-Transit Connect, which uses an 83 kW (113 hp) electric motor with 290 Nm of torque. The 44.7 kWh battery enables a WLTP range of up to 265 kilometers, with practical values between 180 and 220 kilometers depending on the load and driving style. The vehicle supports AC charging with up to 11 kW and DC fast charging with 80 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes. Initial long-term experience is still limited, but similar Ford electric vehicles show good battery longevity. Charging station compatibility and software updates may prove problematic, while the electric motor itself is considered low-maintenance.
| Motor | Power (PS) | Consumption/range | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 EcoBlue mHEV 100 hp | 100 | 4.9 l/100km | 48V battery, software | Very good |
| 1.5 EcoBlue mHEV 120 hp | 120 | 5.1 l/100km | mHEV system from 50,000 km | Very good |
| Electric motor | 113 | 265 km range | Charging system, software | Good |
The evolution of Ford Transit Connect engines reflects three decades of technological progress, from robust TDCi units to efficient EcoBlue units and electrified mHEV technology. Across the board, the series impresses with solid long-term reliability and practical engines for commercial use.
The 1.8 Duratec-HE with 120 hp from the first generation remains the most reliable gasoline engine in the range, even though EcoBoost units offer more power.
The 1.5 EcoBlue with 100 hp from the second generation establishes itself as the reference with optimum fuel consumption, high reliability and modern emission control.
The 1.5 EcoBlue mHEV with 100 hp represents the future of commercial vehicle drives and combines proven diesel technology with intelligent electrification.
You can find suitable spare parts and maintenance components for all Ford Transit Connect engines at AUTODOC at reasonable prices.
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