2013 Ford Transit Connect Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Transit Connect, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)720.0%
- Engine514.3%
- Driver assistance411.4%
- Body & structure411.4%
- Brakes38.6%
- Electrical38.6%
- Exterior lighting25.7%
- Visibility12.9%
- Fuel system12.9%
- Interior & seats12.9%
- Other / unspecified12.9%
- Seat belts12.9%
- Suspension12.9%
- Airbags12.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power transmission failure due to electrical issues. 63k miles only.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL - COOLING SYSTEM, OVERHEATING , DANGER - COULD CAUSE FIRE DUE TO OVER HEATING ! COOLANT LEVEL KEEPS DROPPING , NO WARNING !! ALWAYS WHILE DRIVING ! CAN'T GO FAR ! CAN'T DRIVE VEHICLE !!
3/19 THE TEMPERATURE GAGE WENT HOT QUICKLY. CHECKED COOLANT, ALTHOUGH FULL IN 2/19 NOW EMPTY. GARAGE COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND CONTACTED DAVIDSON'S FORD WHO ADVISED TO INSTALL A NEW RADIATOR AND THERMOSTAT. IN 7/19 TRANSIT BEGAN TO STALL AFTER SHORT DRIVE, THEN ENGINE GOT SO HOT IT STALLED IN TRAFFIC AT A BUSY INTERSECTION AND WOULD NOT START. I KEPT TRYING TO START IT MANY TIMES. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DAVIDSON'S FORD WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND FOUND THE COOLANT BOILS OUT OF RESERVOIR EVEN WHEN SITTING BEFORE FANS CAN COME ON. I BELIEVE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE AS THE ENGINE MAY CRACK AND LEAK OIL IF IT OVERHEATS. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT $700 ON RADIATOR AND THERMOSTAT AND NOW IT LOOKS LIKE THEY WILL INSTALL A WATER PUMP AND/OR HEAD GASKET. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE RECALL # 17V209000 - FORD RECALL # 17S09 WHICH INCLUDES 2013 TRANSIT CONNECT, BUT MY VIN # DOESN'T COME UP AS I HAVE A SMALLER ENGINE. WAS STUCK AT THE BUSY INTERSECTION FOR NEARLY AN HOUR. POLICE REPORT AVAILABLE AND INSURANCE FOR TOWING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I FOUND PULLING ON TO A 55 MPH HIGHWAY STARTING FROM A GRAVEL LOT, I ALLOW PLENTY OF SPACE FROM TRAFFIC AND, IF I GET THE SLIGHTEST WHEN SPIN, THE POWER DROPS AND I AM HALF IN TRAFFIC AND CAN'T MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS. I HAVE HAD CARS HONK AND WEAVE AROUND ME TO AVOID COLLISION. I MADE A GREAT DISTANCE TO BE SAFE AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY STALLING IN THE LANE. 4 SECONDS AT 60 MPH IS 352 FEET. IT GOES AWAY QUICK. OTHERS REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE SNOW TRAPPING THE VAN IN PLACE. OTHERS HAVE PULLED FUSE 191 TO DISABLE ALL ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTIONS. YOU CAN'T DO THAT IN TRAFFIC. HAS NO-ONE CRASHED, OR BEEN KILLED BY THIS? FORD OFFERS NO SOLUTION FOR THIS DEATH TRAP.
I PURCHASED A 2013 TRANSIT CONNECT FROM A FORD DEALER THIS FALL. STILL UNDER FORD WARRANTY AND PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH FORD. TODAY WE GOT OUR FIRST SNOW AND WHILE DRIVING THE TCS KICKED IN AND BASICALLY DISABLED THE VEHICLE. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE, SO WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLES TVS LIGHT WAS ON BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. I OPENED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND LOOKED FOR THE TCS SHUT OFF BUTTON LISTED IN THE MANUAL AND MY VEHICLE DOES HAVE ONE. SO NOW I REALIZE I AM IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE I CANNOT MOVE AND OTHER VEHICLE INCLUDING TWO WHEEL DRIVE CARS ARE DRIVING AROUND ME. I JUST INVESTED $20,000 IN A VEHICLE FOR MY BUSINESS ( HEATING/COOLING/ELECTRIC) AND I CANNOT EVEN GET TO THE CUSTOMERS HOUSE WITH AND INCH OF SNOW ON THE GROUND. I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY REVERSE TO A DRIVEWAY AND AFTER 30 MINUTES GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE DOWN THE SMALL GRADE. I LITERALLY WAS ABLE TO DRIVE A 14 YEAR OLD HONDA CIVIC THAT COST $3200 UP THE SLIGHT SLOPE THAT A LIKE NEW WITH ONLY 32K MILES ON IT TRANSIT CONNECT WOULD NOT GO. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. SO FAR THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND FORDS CUSTOMER CARE LINE HAVE NO ANSWERS FOR ME. WHY IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IS THERE A LISTED TCS SHUT OFF BUTTON AND A LOCATION ON MY DASHBOARD FOR IT BUT NO PART # OR OPTION TO ADD IT TO MY VEHICLE. I INVESTED IN THIS FORD FOR MY BUSINESS AND NOW I CANNOT EVEN GET TO CUSTOMERS HOMES. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW AND NOT SURE WHAT TO DO SINCE THE DEALER HAS NO ANSWERS AND FORD HAD NONE EITHER. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THE ENGINEERS AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID NOT THINK TO OUT THIS TCS OFF BUTTON ON ALL VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH TCS AND THAT THE NHTSA HAS NOT FINED FORD MOTOR COMPANY THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. , HOW CAN ENGINEERS DESIGNE A VEHICLE FOR THE USA THAT WILL NOT MOVE IN AN INCH OF SNOW?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
MY TRANSIT IS ONLY 7 YEAR OLD AND THE CHASIS LOOK REALLY BAD THERE IS A LOT OF RUST IN ALL CHASIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR WHEEL ADJUSTERS ARE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED EVERY 15 TO 20 THOUSAND MILES MAINLY ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEELS. WE HAVE ONLY BEEN USING MOTORCRAFT PARTS. THE DRIVER COMPLAINS THAT THERE IS A GRINDING, CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. I HAVE CHECKED WITH THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE ISSUE AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEY ONLY SELL A LOT OF THEM.
VEHICLE STOPS WHEN BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED, THEN MOVES FORWARD WHILE BRAKE PEDAL IS HELD DOWN. VEHICLE THEM MOVES FORWARD ON ITS OWN,AGAIN, REQUIRING ADDITIONAL PEDAL PRESSURE UNTIL PEDAL NEARLY AT FLOOR. NUMEROUS DRIVERS IN THE OFFICE HAVE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER (JONES FORD) WHO SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG - THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE AT LEAST FOUR DIFFERENT DRIVERS EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power transmission failure due to electrical issues. 63k miles only.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT TURN SIGNALS BURNING THROUGH CONTACT. BOTH SIDES, BOTH CONNECTS THAT I HAVE. GOING TO BE SECOND TIME REPLACING EACH OF THEM ON EACH VEHICLE.
MY SPOUSE REAR ENDED THE ABOVE VEHICLE. SHE SAYS THAT THE STOP LIGHTS WERE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN IN FULL SUN. INCIDENT OCCURRED IN SLOW AND GO TRAFFIC ON A FREEWAY. WHEN EXCHANGING INFORMATION WITH THE DRIVER, HE STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN REAR ENDED JUST RECENTLY DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINTER DRIVING VERY HAZARDOUS, WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR FLUID FREEZES IN COLD WEATHER. SALT BUILD-UP ON WINDSHIELD CAUSES VERY SERIOUS VISIBILITY PROBLEM, FORCING DRIVER OFF THE ROAD TO HAND WASH WINDSHIELD. LOCATION OF RESERVOIR IS THE PROBLEM I BELIEVE............ *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE BALANCED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,100.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN 45 MPH HIGHWAY THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AT THE STOP SIGN AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CROSS THE ROAD AND INTO A TREE SECTION TOTLING THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .