Ford

Transit Connect (1st)

2010-2013 · Compact Van ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.4)
166 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
12 Crash Reports
Includes data from: TRANSIT CONNECTTRANSIT CONNECT VANTRANSIT CONNECT WAGON
View all 2 generations of the Ford Transit Connect → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 2/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
2/5
Rollover
3/5 (25.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 2/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
2/5
Rollover
3/5 (25.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (25.6% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford

2.0L 4-cyl / 136 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
128 complaints 32.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Transit Connect regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (30 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (24 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (23 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (21 complaints)
brakes critical
Body/Trim Issues (17 complaints)
body critical

Alternatives in Compact Van

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect problems?

The 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect has accumulated 166 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Transit Connect engine is most reliable?

The 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect a good used car?

The 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 166 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect have?

The 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect has 166 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Transit Connect?

Before buying a used Ford Transit Connect, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Transit Connect?

The 2013 Ford Transit Connect received an overall 2-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 2 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (25.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 166 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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