NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 26 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve engine (6) and visibility (5). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 2 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE STOP, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND FINALLY THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I HAVE ALMOST RUN INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. I HAVE TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WE PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM NEW AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.”
“The contact's boyfriend owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving 25 MPH, the windshield wiper arms failed to operate. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V374000 (Visibility) which she linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
“1. The heat shielding around the exhaust system failed to protect the fuel tank from exhaust heat. Heat from the exhaust system melted holes in the fuel tank, causing fuel to leak from the tank. The parts are at the Ford dealer with the vehicle. 2. The fuel tank developed leaks when it melted, causing a risk of fire or explosion. 3. The dealer confirmed that the fuel tank melted and leaked due to heat from the exhaust system. In diagnosing the issue, they refilled the fuel tank and it continued to leak. 4. To my knowledge, the vehicle or components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. My insurance chose not to be involved since it does not fall under "comprehensive" coverage, as there was no theft, vandalism, storm, or animal damage. 5. The vehicle waring lamps did not indicate the melting of the fuel tank or the leak. I was not aware that there was damage to the fuel tank or a fuel leak at the time. The vehicle simply ceased to run and would not start. I was towed to a Ford dealership. A week later the dealership called to inform me that they had added fuel to the tank to diagnose the starting issue, but…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Van Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,600 | 386 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 23 | $2,600 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 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.
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (6), visibility (5), electrical system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford Transit Connect at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Ford Transit Connect 2 out of 5 stars overall.