Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD

2011 Ford Transit ConnectRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 24 owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (6) and power train (4). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2012
Owner complaints
24
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: windshield wiper

Free remedy

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.

VisibilityReported Aug 2, 2012NHTSA 12V374000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

24 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2012 – Mar 2026
  1. Visibility/wiper6
  2. Power train4
  3. Engine4
  4. Electrical system4
  5. Service brakes2
  6. Vehicle speed control2
  7. Traction control system2
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  9. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Transit Connect model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201042
201124
201226
201332
2014128
201566
2016104
201728
201822
201951
202032
202112
20226
20231
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility/wiper

6 reports
“Passenger side wiper arm came off during a recent rain storm. I have contacted my local Ford dealer and Ford Customer Service in regards to 12s36 (NHTSA #12v-374). Ford explained it effects certain model years, produced during a certain time, at a certain manufacture facility. My vehicle meets all of the parameters, yet they will not honor the recall because the vin number is not listed. Please help. It is a minor repair, yet it is obviously a manufacturer issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11723576

Power train

4 reports
“WHEN HALF OR 3/4 LOADED GOING UP A HILL ON HWY VAN DOWN SHIFTS A JERKS IN TO GEAR . FEELS LIKE YOU GOT KICKED OFF A HORSE . MOST NOTICABLE BETWEEN 40MPH AND 50 MPH.. THIS HAS DAMAGED 3 SETS OF MOTOR MOUNTS IN 117,000 MILES STARTED ST 15000 MILES AND GETTING WORSE AT DEALER AGAIN”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2020Power train, Electronic stability control (esc), EngineODI 11319275

Engine

4 reports
“PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND DID A BASIC TUNEUP, OIL CHANGE AND SPARK PLUGS. I ORDERED A AFTER MARKET FILTER FROM K&N AND HAD TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE IT ARRIVED. AIR FILTER WAS NOT REPLACED YET BUT HOPING IT WOULD HELP WITH ACCELERATING. THE A/C WORKED WELL AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING BUT STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR DURING IDLE. A FEW DAYS LATER MY TRANSIT GOT REAL HOT AT A STOP LIGHT SO I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED FOR ANY LEAKS OR COOLANT LOSE IN THE RESERVOIR... ALL WAS WELL AND I SAW THE ELECTRIC FANS SPINNING. CAR GOT HOT AGAIN AND CHECKED ONLINE FOR A SOLUTION AND SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HIGH SPEED FUSE BEING BLOWN. CHECKED AND THAT WAS THE ISSUE, REPLACED THE FUSE AND HIGH SPEED WORKED AGAIN. CHECKED FOR RECALLS BECAUSE THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND SAW THAT THERE WAS RECALLS ON SOME BUT NOT ALL VINS QUALIFY???? ALSO SAW COMPLAINTS ABOUT IDLELING AND POOR ACCELERATION... INSTALLED K&N AIR FILTER, CLEANED THROTTLE BODY AND THE PROBLEMS STILL PERSIST. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS GREAT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2018Electrical system, EngineODI 11110070
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Transit Connect
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212522$2,750404
  • Transit Connect
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    21 city · 25 hwy · $2,750/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 172
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Transit Connect questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Transit Connect have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Ford Transit Connect problems?

Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (6), power train (4), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Ford Transit Connect get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Ford Transit Connect at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026