Verdict
2012 Ford Transit Connect: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2012 Ford Transit Connect — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Not enough federal data to rank this one yet.
Complaint data for this model year is still being compiled. Engine leads the reports (15%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2012 vehicles, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
26
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Peer ranking not yet available for this model year.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (15% of 26 reports), followed by visibility (15%).
+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 26 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10855603, ODI 10817079, ODI 10817084, ODI 10817071.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
VisibilityFeb 2012 · 12V374000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: If the wiper arm detaches, the windshield wiper will fail and the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side wiper arm and blade assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 22 | 26 | 23 |
| Transit Connect Van | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 21 | 27 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2012 Ford Transit Connect: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?
Owners filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. Among the 14 model years of this Transit Connect, that ranks #6 by complaint volume, where #1 has the fewest.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (15% of complaints) and visibility (15%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2012 Ford Transit Connect, covering components such as visibility. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford Transit Connect at 23 mpg combined.