RoadVitals

2013 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.
32
Latest Mar 25, 2024
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.
4
Latest Jun 10, 2022
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.
3

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 31 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

  • Powertrain (other)720.0%
  • Engine514.3%
  • Driver assistance411.4%
  • Body & structure411.4%
  • Brakes38.6%
  • Electrical38.6%
  • Exterior lighting25.7%
  • Visibility12.9%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
22V413000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

Jun 10, 2022
2,925,968 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 22S43View on NHTSA.gov
21V376000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

May 24, 2021
192,080 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 21S24View on NHTSA.gov
17V209000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Mar 27, 2017
208,584 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
The risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 17S09View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 32
Suspension
Filed Mar 25, 2024

The Front Suspension Subframe Crossmember had rusted though and the front tires become out of alignment SUDDENLY causing the vehicle to veer of course. The vehicle is then disabled and must be towed and the Front Suspension Subframe Crossmember has to be replaced.

NHTSA ID
11579235
Incident
Mar 23, 2024
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 12, 2023

Power transmission failure due to electrical issues. 63k miles only.

NHTSA ID
11526579
Incident
Jun 8, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2022

Transmission. I was driving down the road in my Ford transit going 65 miles an hour I I started to have major transmission problems from traffic slow down so I slow down with it down to 30 miles an hour after doing so traffic sped back up and I could not get out of third gear when I realized how fast I was going in third gear and it would not shift, I tried to slow down and then re-accelerate to see if it would shift when it shifted in the fourth gear it never left fourth gear and revs back to 8000 RPMs at that point the check engine light came on with the gear light in with the transmission light and I lost all power and I could only drive in second gear so I drove in second gear to the shop. Problem with transmission confirmed by independent shop.

NHTSA ID
11473987
Incident
Jul 1, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 12, 2022
Crash reported

The Transit was parked on a slope and was in "Park", but it rolled back down the slope and hit a parked car.

NHTSA ID
11473581
Incident
Jul 12, 2022
Interior & seats
Filed Jun 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front driver’s side door was unlatched independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the front driver’s side door also failed to latch. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact attempted to speak to the manufacturer but was unable to reach a representative. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11470635
Incident
Jun 1, 2021
Body & structureElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 21, 2022

The muffler split open most likely from a clog. Because of that, the exhaust was directed toward the floor of the truck instead of going out of the muffler. As a result, it burnt through the heat shield, the back of the truck, melted the wiring harness, and burned a hole straight through the fuel tank. A mechanic took out the fuel tank and when it was being dropped out fuel spilled everywhere and there was a hole in the side of the tank. Since the wiring harness was melted, there was no power and no fuel pump power. The safety of the driver was put at risk because the car could have easily started on fire, or the fuel tank could have blown up and injured the driver or worse.

NHTSA ID
11461601
Incident
Mar 21, 2022
Filed Sep 11, 2020

I TURNED ON MY REAR DEFROST THIS MORNING. LEFT MY DRIVEWAY AND GOT MAYBE A HALF MILE AND HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE. IT BLEW A HOLE OUT OF MY BACK DOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE. I MEAN IT BLEW A HOLE OUT OF IT. I HAVE SEEN ONLINE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THIS VEHICLE.THE REAR DEFROST BLEW A HOLE IN MY WINDOW! I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT HAD BEEN ON FOR LIKE 2-3 MINUTES WHEN IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID
11354374
Incident
Sep 11, 2020
Mileage
42,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN PLACE WITH NO ROOM TO MOVE, MAKING IT FEEL LIKE THE PASSENGER WOULD BE STRANGLED. THE CONTACT CALLED HASSETT FORD LOCATED AT 3530 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793, (516) 785-7800, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11354142
Incident
Jul 10, 2018
Mileage
30,000 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 53040

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 repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

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.

TSB 22-2066

POWER TRAIN

Some 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2018 C-MAX, 2014-2019 Escape, 2014-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles may indicate an incorrect shifter lever position. This may be due to the bushing at the transmission end of the shifter lever cable resulting in a mismatch of cluster and selected gear position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the bushing and on certain vehicles install the protective cap over the selector at the transmission end of the selector lever cable.

TSB 22-2114

EQUIPMENT; SEATS

This article supersedes TSB 20-2047 to update the model years affected. Some 2013-2022 Transit Connect vehicles built on or after 1-Jan-2013 may exhibit a condition where either section of the second row seat is stuck or difficult to fold or unfold. This may be due to a misrouted cable or a cable that is in need of adjustment. It may be necessary to reduce the cable end fitting length. It is not necessary to install a new second row seat.

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
2013Viewing324049.0
2012261045.1
2011241036.0
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.