Left front axle leaking transmission fluid

[Chris Kurtz]

I just returned from dealership to have 5000 mile service and recall for fuel line and vapor line performed on my 2014 Ford transit connect XLT wagon. Luckily, my vehicle didn't need any fuel line replacement, but they did find that my left front axle was leaking transmission fluid. They had to replace the left front axle seal and top off the fluid. Car is only six months old and has 4800 miles on it. This may end up being another recall from Ford. Anyone else having similar issues with their vehicle??

[windguy]

Chris,

Thanks for sharing your info.

Sorry to hear about the transmission leaking fluid.

Below is the link to a pretty active thread documenting this very same problem along with hard shifting between gears 1/2 and 5/6. Have you experienced that problem also?

http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2972-2014-transit-connect-lt-lwb-transmission-shifting-issue-any-one/

Please keep us posted on what happens with your TC

How do you like ride of the van?

Thanks

Edited December 6, 2014 by windguy

[Chris Kurtz]

I like the ride if the van. It rides smooth. I also purchased snow tires as we had a snow storm and it was not great in the snow. Thanks for the link and I will keep everyone posted. I don't have a hard shifting problem either with my van. I purchased this van to transport my disabled son and just want a vehicle that gives me peace of mind and so far with a recall and this issue, I'm a bit worried!!

[windguy]

glad you like the van, except for the recent problems, understandable.

good to know it's working out for your special requirements. shows the versatility of the design.

some others have posted recently about getting snow tires as well and where to source extra wheels.

I'd be worried too, but I'm pretty confident that Ford will sort out this transmission problem soon. They don't have much choice since there is a lot at stake here. Luckily it's not a problem that leaves the van unusable, except when it's in the shop getting fixed, multiple times.

when you get a chance, consider creating your own Photo Gallery, which is easy to do, and post some pics of your new ride and travels.

you can easily attach pics from your Gallery to any posts you make (My Media option in the Toolbar).

thanks

[Johnyguy]

glad you like the van, except for the recent problems, understandable.

good to know it's working out for your special requirements. shows the versatility of the design.

some others have posted recently about getting snow tires as well and where to source extra wheels.

I'd be worried too, but I'm pretty confident that Ford will sort out this transmission problem soon. They don't have much choice since there is a lot at stake here. Luckily it's not a problem that leaves the van unusable, except when it's in the shop getting fixed, multiple times.

when you get a chance, consider creating your own Photo Gallery, which is easy to do, and post some pics of your new ride and travels.

you can easily attach pics from your Gallery to any posts you make (My Media option in the Toolbar).

thanks

Yes the other choice of van would be the Nissan but thats too small i don't like it its sucks there is no other japanese made small van in the us to buy, i really hope they come up with the solution for the leak!

So you are still getting the ford so far or not sure yet?

I was thinking i should have gone with the Nissan but the ford looks better in every way and a bigger size and engine as well.

Its too late for me i have the van already ,just like you said i needed something reliable.

Edited December 8, 2014 by Johnyguy

[windguy]

Yes the other choice of van would be the Nissan but thats too small i don't like it its sucks there is no other japanese made small van in the us to buy, i really hope they come up with the solution for the leak!

So you are still getting the ford so far or not sure yet?

I was thinking i should have gone with the Nissan but the ford looks better in every way and a bigger size and engine as well.

Its too late for me i have the van already ,just like you said i needed something reliable.

When I said "they don't have much choice", I was referring to Ford. They need to fix this problem. Their reputation and product is at stake.

The Nissan NV200's specs aren't as good as the TC but I haven't checked its reliability.

I've been doing some research on small cargo vans the last week and I will make a post in the 2015 TC van thread regarding what I've found out. Stay tuned!

Edited December 8, 2014 by windguy

[Tfill]

I have had my 2014 Transit Connect Wagon in to two different dealers THREE times to fix the transmission leak..first at 5500 miles, then at 11000 miles and today at 17900 miles. Ford obviously has a problem with these transmissions. Ford should step up and FIX this if they want to live up to their Quality Assurance and "Built Ford Tough" themes. Although I have been a Ford lover for a number of years, this experience is making me rethink my next purchase.

[Johnyguy]

I have had my 2014 Transit Connect Wagon in to two different dealers THREE times to fix the transmission leak..first at 5500 miles, then at 11000 miles and today at 17900 miles. Ford obviously has a problem with these transmissions. Ford should step up and FIX this if they want to live up to their Quality Assurance and "Built Ford Tough" themes. Although I have been a Ford lover for a number of years, this experience is making me rethink my next purchase.

Hi im planing to go to dealer for the first time on this Friday ,i have 7500 miles on mine did you notice any rough shifting or anything how did they fix it or pretend to fix it ?

Thank you

John

[Johnyguy]

I have had my 2014 Transit Connect Wagon in to two different dealers THREE times to fix the transmission leak..first at 5500 miles, then at 11000 miles and today at 17900 miles. Ford obviously has a problem with these transmissions. Ford should step up and FIX this if they want to live up to their Quality Assurance and "Built Ford Tough" themes. Although I have been a Ford lover for a number of years, this experience is making me rethink my next purchase.

i guess you meant 2015 model

[windguy]

I have had my 2014 Transit Connect Wagon in to two different dealers THREE times to fix the transmission leak..first at 5500 miles, then at 11000 miles and today at 17900 miles. Ford obviously has a problem with these transmissions. Ford should step up and FIX this if they want to live up to their Quality Assurance and "Built Ford Tough" themes. Although I have been a Ford lover for a number of years, this experience is making me rethink my next purchase.

sorry to hear that. I guess it's important to know what was "fixed" for each service.

Another forum member, Jimmyboost, had many similar problems as documented in his post on this other transmission thread

http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2972-2014-transit-connect-lt-lwb-transmission-shifting-issue-any-one/

I think he gave up and went the Lemon Law route.

Hope you can resolve this problem quickly and peacefully. please keep us posted.

[Johnyguy]

sorry to hear that. I guess it's important to know what was "fixed" for each service.

Another forum member, Jimmyboost, had many similar problems as documented in his post on this other transmission thread

http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2972-2014-transit-connect-lt-lwb-transmission-shifting-issue-any-one/

I think he gave up and went the Lemon Law route.

Hope you can resolve this problem quickly and peacefully. please keep us posted.

Hi i went to the a dealer to get my seal checked they said it has to be ordered i did not like how they treated me so I'm not going back to that dealership my oil change is coming up so when i do that i will see how bed is the leak since the last time i saw it .

By the way the seal is only 11$ i called and asked. So it not expensive what I'm planing to do is to check the level my self , i means even if you get it replaced there is no guaranty looks like that's going to stop the leak as i read other people experience.

So if my level is OK i will just leave it alone until they have a permanent fix.

Mr windguy how you like your van how is your transmission behaves mine is OK I'm use to it i don't get rough shifting to second because i know the way to avoid it meaning the way you drive it can be eliminated. Otherwise so far mine ok .how is your gas mileage?

I spoke to ppl who owns the Nissan nv200 and they gas mileage is not great considering that van has a 2.0L engine, i think our ford is way cooler looking and i think the engine has enough torque and HP my friend who owns the Nissan says it has very little torque.

I been carrying some plywood for work and flooring and its handel it well.

Like to hear your opinion on this Thanks!

[windguy]

crap, my axle is leaking trans fluid too :(

brought the van in for its first oil change on Friday after roughly 1,100 miles (over four months). yeah, I don't drive too much.

per other posters' suggestions, figured it would be a good idea to do an early first oil change and get that axle checked for leaks.

I have an appointment in a week to have the local dealer's transmission person replace the seal.

Service advisor said she only saw one other case of this fluid leaking. I would have thought they'd seen more by now.

I knew going in this might be a problem but I was hoping the 2015 model would have fixed that problem known on the 2014's.
Now I'm hoping that replacing the seal will solve the problem and I'll be done with it. Perhaps I'm sticking my head in the sand a second time.

I plan to have the axle checked after another 1,000 or so miles to make sure it's not leaking again.

Edited May 10, 2015 by windguy

[G B L]

Mine weeps a couple of oz of oil every 1500 to 2000 miles Ford has not figured out the real cause of the Problem. The Escape had a drivers seal problem and they came

out with a kit that had a seal, shaft bushing and a new inner CV drive hub. The other side has the same seal . The difference is the right shaft has an out board Bearing and stops the angular motion of the shaft at the trans axle . This would be not much of an issue if they had put the dip stick in the car.

I am watching ford for the real fix Checking the level is the best defense against Transmission troubles

[windguy]

@GBL - good input. thanks.

in the other transmission thread, someone reported this issue back at the end of November, so this has been going on for at least five months, if not longer.

You would think that Ford would have a fix for this by now. hopefully soon

[G B L]

Checked the Trans fluid today a few drips but no real change in the level Have 6400 miles on mine

with the amount you drive and if you keep a check on the fluid you will not have any problems.

I think having the fuel pump stop me will be higher on the Worry List

No Recall letter yet on that for me.

The Leak issue has been around on the Escape much longer . I think the fix is somewhat elusive but I think they must be working on it

[Tfill]

i guess you meant 2015 model

mine is a 2014 and it has now been in the shop for over a week. they are rebuilding the transmission, replacing all the seals and the left case half and a joint. My gut tells me to watch for a recall on this. Sounds like a manufacturing defect. This is the third time they have replaced the left axel seal. Obviously this is not solving the problem. Hopefully the case half and the joint replacement in combination with the seals will fix it. ... In the mean time, I've been researching lemon Laws.

[G B L]

Tfill Sorry to here that . How many miles on your car and how much was it leaking?

Did the trans run out of oil? was it shifting funny

The Escape Half Shaft Problem has been around for 3 or 4 years and there was a Recall on it

Thanks for the info

keep us posted

[G B L]

Tfill

Found your earlier Post telling your mileage Did you leak get progressively worse or was it constant.

I think that you are right in that it needs to be addressed in a Service bulletin and a recall

Again Thanks for the info.

[Tfill]

Hi im planing to go to dealer for the first time on this Friday ,i have 7500 miles on mine did you notice any rough shifting or anything how did they fix it or pretend to fix it ?

Thank you

John

My independent mechanic spotted the leaks all three times. First dealership replaced the left axel seal, the second dealer re-sealed the case halves and now they have dropped the transmission, installed a complete seal kit, and replacing a joint. And reinstalling. I have experienced some rough shifting when using cruise control, but the technicians clain it is all withing normal limits.

[daneli]

Add me to the list. Changed my oil today (13,000 miles on a 2014) and noticed oil weeping out of the driver's side trans case where the cv axle enters the case. So far shifting is fine. I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see what they suggest.

[G B L]

I feel for you how much oil have you added to keep the level up?

As for the Transmission Shifting in Cruse . The Computer will try so hard to keep the speed perfect it will even put the brakes on going down hill. It took a while to figure out what was going on. I proved it by hitting the Cancel tab as I came over the top and let it coast on the down hill and no abrupt movements by the car.

I can't wait for the results Did they show you the old seal and Bushing and CV joint? Would love to see a Picture

Keep us posted

[G B L]

daneli Did you check the level and how much did fluid did it need

[daneli]

GBL: I haven't checked the level yet. Given that there isn't an actual drip but the area is just damp I will wait to see what the dealer finds. The car is going in early next week.

[G B L]

daneli

hope it is small, I think that ford does not under stand this yet. If the leak is small then puting a new seal with the old design may not help.

But making them aware that there is a big problem will speed the redesign.

Interesred in what you find out.

[windguy]

crap, my axle is leaking trans fluid too :(

brought the van in for its first oil change on Friday after roughly 1,100 miles (over four months). yeah, I don't drive too much.

per other posters' suggestions, figured it would be a good idea to do an early first oil change and get that axle checked for leaks.

I have an appointment in a week to have the local dealer's transmission person replace the seal.

Service advisor said she only saw one other case of this fluid leaking. I would have thought they'd seen more by now.

I knew going in this might be a problem but I was hoping the 2015 model would have fixed that problem known on the 2014's.

Now I'm hoping that replacing the seal will solve the problem and I'll be done with it. Perhaps I'm sticking my head in the sand a second time.

I plan to have the axle checked after another 1,000 or so miles to make sure it's not leaking again.

brought the van in this morning to have it looked at by the dealer's transmission guy. They said the leak is very minor so we are going to take the strategy of watching this and not doing anything until Ford comes out with a Technical Bulletin on this issue. They would have replaced the seal if I wanted but based on everyone's experience so far I don't see any benefit to doing this at this point. I don't put a lot of mileage on the van so I'm hoping there will be a fix for this before it becomes a bigger problem.

Edited May 18, 2015 by windguy