Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD · 2 NHTSA variants
2023 Ford Transit ConnectRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect. Most complaints involve power train (1). The EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
25–26mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2026 – Jul 2026
- Power train1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
1 report1 crash
“I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving our 2023 Ford Transit Connect (VIN [XXX]) van that resulted in an unintended vehicle movement and collision. While the incident resulted in only minor property damage and a minor injury, we believe the circumstances warrant review due to the potential for a much more severe outcome. The vehicle had been exhibiting operational issues prior to the incident. Employees reported that it was running and shifting noticeably rough and, after being parked, would not move when placed in either Drive or Reverse. The engine RPM would increase to approximately 2,000 RPM with throttle input but the vehicle remained stationary. The following witness statements document the sequence of events: Witness #1: [XXX] started the van to verify whether the issue from the previous day remained. The van still would not move. He placed the transmission in Neutral, turned the engine off, and we were able to push the van by hand. Based on this, he concluded the brakes were not preventing the vehicle from moving. He then reached into the van and restarted the engine. Immediately upon startup, the van accelerated forward unexpectedly…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- 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 Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 28 | 26 | $2,450 | 348 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 26 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
—/ 5
Not ratedFord Transit Connect Van CV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- Not rated
- Rollover risk
- 0.0%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Transit Connect Wagon PV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.9%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2023 Transit Connect questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Transit Connect have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Ford Transit Connect problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Ford Transit Connect get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Ford Transit Connect at 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2023 Ford Transit Connect?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Ford Transit Connect 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026