2012 Ford Transit Connect Problems
Compared with other Ford Transit Connect years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
13/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Ford Transit Connect year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 26 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (9 complaints, median 60,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 26filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 35,003miles, 20 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 2 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The part named most often is visibility, with 9 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine (6) and electrical system (4). 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 55% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,003 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 22 technical service bulletins for this model year. Visibility complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Compared with the other 8 Ford Transit Connect model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 13 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine6 23%
- Electrical system4 15%
- Fuel system3 12%
- Seat belts2 7.7%
- Seats2 7.7%
- Body and structure2 7.7%
- Tires2 7.7%
- Other or unknown1 3.9%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “On a longer trip in my new Ford Transit Connect, I noticed reflections of the outward-facing dashboard and grill on the lower half of the windshield. Sometimes it was there,sometimes not. I checked the owners manual which mentioned tempory shimmering while the windshield warmed up. I did not realize until after a crash how much these reflections interfered with the driver's road visibility. The reflections come about when light shines on the windshield from the front or sides, but not from the back. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489415, filed 2012-12, 4,100 milesEngine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10855603, filed 2016-04, 3,000 milesElectrical system: “As I'm driving home, I start to smell an unusual odor. I get home , pull in drive, turn off transit and start unloading groceries. This is when I notice smoke coming from the dashboard. I continue to unload while I keep an eye on the smoke. It worsens and I realize it was on fire and by now there were orange drops of fire falling to the floor. I yell for my neighbor who uses our fire extinguishers on site to try and put out the fire. We had to unhook the battery cables to finally get the fire out completely. It seemed centralized around the glove box on the passenger side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576899, filed 2014-04, 9,700 milesFuel system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11584273, filed 2024-04Mileage when problems were reported
55% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,000 and 92,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect · VAN FWD | ★★☆☆☆ | 3 / 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 · 25.6% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Ford Transit Connect version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 12V374000Aug 2, 2012Visibility › Windshield wiper/washerCovers: Ford Transit Connect 2011–2012
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.
Recall details for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 22 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission…
- 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should…
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement…
- 10140323Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad…
- 10138524Jan 10, 2018Equipment. The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad…
- 10109079Sep 30, 2016Seat belts. Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a…
- 10057834Jul 1, 2015Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Ford: no service action is recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter noise, at highway…
- 10056144May 22, 2014Engine cooling. Ford: the radiator side tank seams, either right or left, is leaking coolant due to gasket between tank and radiator core. Model 2012 transit connect.
- 10045084Feb 7, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. Ford: transmission in vehicle may have burnt fluid and failure of direct clutch along with no 3rd or 4th gear and a flare upshift of 2-3 or 2-4. *pe updated 3/10/14.
Other model years of the Ford Transit Connect
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | — | 1 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 12 | — | 4 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 32 | 17,000 | 8 | — | 25 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 51 | 30,000 | 8 | — | 25 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 22 | 46,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | — | Stable |
| 2017 | 28 | 50,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 104 | 59,000 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 66 | 80,000 | 11 | 5 | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 127 | 60,000 | 15 | 5 | 24 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 32 | 35,350 | 4 | 2 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 26 | 35,003 | 1 | 2 | 23 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 24 | 48,668 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 42 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 23 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
All Ford Transit Connect model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have?
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Ford Transit Connect is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 9 complaints (35% of the total), followed by engine with 6.
Has the 2012 Ford Transit Connect been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Ford Transit Connect do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Ford Transit Connect 2 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford Transit Connect (Transit Connect Van, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Ford Transit Connect reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,003 miles and the middle half falls between 6,000 and 92,000 miles; 55% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.