RoadVitals

2011 Ford Transit Connect

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Mar 11, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Aug 2, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect, most frequently naming the visibility, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 16 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Visibility620.7%
  • Electrical413.8%
  • Powertrain (other)413.8%
  • Engine413.8%
  • Driver assistance310.3%
  • Brakes26.9%
  • Other / unspecified26.9%
  • Exterior lighting13.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
12V374000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Aug 2, 2012
16,330 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 12S36View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 24
Visibility
Filed Mar 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11723576
Incident
Mar 4, 2026
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 25, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11319275
Incident
Mar 24, 2020
Mileage
15,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 13, 2019

TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED AND IS BURN

NHTSA ID
11219797
Incident
May 10, 2019
Mileage
155,650 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 4, 2019

MULTIPLE TIMES, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SEEMS TO JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. WITH NO WARNING ALL THE LIGHTS AND DASH INDICATORS WILL FLASH AND ALL GO OUT. ENGINE WILL BRIEFLY RUN, THEN QUIT. SEVERAL TIMES BEEN VERY LUCKY TO GET OFF ROAD OR FREEWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. FORD DEALER WORKED ON IT FOR 1+ YRS, REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. I'VE TROUBLE TESTED AND FIND NO ISSUES. NO APPARENT GROUNDING ISSUES. NO FUSES OR RELAYS APPEAR TO BE FAULTY. FOUND MANY LIKE-COMPLAINTS ONLINE. ACTS LIKE A BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ISSUE. BUT LATER, AFTER JUMPED BATTERY, ALL SYSTEMS WORKS WITHOUT INCIDENT FOR SEVERAL DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS...YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ITS GOING TO HIT.

NHTSA ID
11193946
Incident
Apr 3, 2019
Mileage
27,900 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO DECELERATE. ALSO, BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. PRATER FORD (704 S WALL ST, CALHOUN, GA 30701, (706) 629-2883) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR BRAKES NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ID
11183981
Incident
Feb 1, 2019
Mileage
117,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jul 29, 2018

WHEN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE VAN IT DOES NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK THE BACK DOORS FOR THE SLIDING DOORS HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE FRONT SEATS TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THEM DIFFICULT TO GET CHILDREN OUT OF THE BACK SEAT EXTREME PROBLEM IN AN EMERGENCY

NHTSA ID
11114436
Incident
Jul 29, 2018
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 8, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID
11110070
Incident
Jul 2, 2018
Mileage
244,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 9, 2015

DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY AT 80 MPH AND CAR STALLS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED TO THE SIDE RESTARTED CAR EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER STARTED DOING AGAIN AND MORE OFTEN. I AM AFRAID TO RIDE MY CAR IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I PUT A SCANNER ON THE CAR AND "THROTTLE STUCK CLOSED CODE CAME ON". I WILL TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER TOMORROW. I BELIEVE IT IS A ISSUE FROM THE MANUFACTURERE.

NHTSA ID
10809362
Incident
Dec 9, 2015
Mileage
81,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

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. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

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 be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

SSM 51536

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 module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

SSM 47009

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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 can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

SSM 47009

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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 can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

44863

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

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 SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Transit Connect by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2023100—
2022510—
2021840—
2020318059.8
2019518058.9
2018226047.9
2017286053.1
201610410259.8
20156610261.7
201412715262.1
2013324049.0
2012261045.1
2011Viewing241036.0
2010422048.3

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.