This page covers 4 recalls, 32 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect.
23 mpg combined
10.2 L/100km
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
2/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect spread across several systems, with engine and powertrain issues drawing the most reports. On the engine side, owners describe a range of failures including exhaust system problems, one notable account involves a muffler failure that reportedly directed exhaust gases toward the vehicle floor, damaging surrounding components. Powertrain complaints center on transmission failures, sometimes at relatively low mileage, with electrical faults cited as a contributing factor. Structure complaints, while fewer in number, include reports of subframe corrosion severe enough to cause sudden alignment shifts and loss of directional control. A smaller number of owners report door latch failures, where the driver's door unlatches or fails to close securely while driving, without any warning light appearing on the dash.
32
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
By System
The 2013 Ford Transit Connect has 4 recalls, all centered on powertrain concerns, with the most serious being a shift cable or bushing failure that can leave the transmission in a different gear than the shifter shows, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly if the driver exits without applying the parking brake.
Two of the recalls describe the same underlying issue: the bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or fall off, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear and causing it to move in an unintended direction. This affects vehicles with either the 1.6L or 2.5L engine depending on the recall. The remaining recall applies only to 1.6L turbocharged models and involves a separate risk: if the engine is started and driven with low coolant, the cylinder head can overheat and crack, leaking oil onto hot engine or exhaust surfaces and raising the risk of an engine fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The shift cable can detach from the transmission, preventing gear changes when you move the shifter. The transmission may be in a different gear than the shifter shows, causing unexpected vehicle movement if you exit without the parking brake applied.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the transmission shifter cable bushing and install a protective service cap to prevent detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting gear selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing and install a protective cap at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
If the engine starts with too little coolant, the cylinder head can overheat, crack, and leak oil.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software to monitor coolant levels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
