Transit Connect (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Ford Transit Connect Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Ford
2.0L 4-cyl / 136 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford Transit Connect regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
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 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS, 2009 GMC SAVANA, AND 2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT CHASSIS, AND FITTED WITH CERTAIN BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Transit Connect vehicles. The wiper arms may not be adequately riveted resulting in incomplete or inconsistent clearing of the windshield and possible detachment of the wiper arm.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TRANSIT CONNECT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 5, 2008 THROUGH MAY 31, 2010 FOR FAILING TO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING VEHICLE TESTING THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED HEAD INJURY CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS SET BY THE STANDARD. THE HEADLINER RETENTION PUSHPIN LOCATED ON THE HEADLINER ABOVE THE B-PILLAR TRIM ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLES NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect problems?
The 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect has accumulated 123 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford Transit Connect engine is most reliable?
The 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect was offered with 2 engine options. 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 sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 123 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 123 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 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — 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, Engine, Transmission, 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. 123 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.