Most common 2012 Ford Transit Connect problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Transit Connect complaints by model year
Best Transit Connect years: 2022, 2021, 2012. Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2019, 2015. Compare all years →
2012 Ford Transit Connect recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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.
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.
What 2012 Ford Transit Connect owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving 25 MPH, the windshield wiper arms failed to operate. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V374000 (Visibility) which she linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that the dashboard deteriorated, warped and the framework was visible. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs over three times but the failure was recurring. The contact later noticed the presence of a leak. The contact further inspected the vehicle and noticed that the seams near the windshield had become loose, causing water to leak into the vehicle through the dashboard and windshield. The dealer used an epoxy seal to repair the vehicle however, the repair caused damage to the windshield which became cracked. Additionally, an unknown gray substance was leaking into the vehicle near the windshield and dashboard area. The dealer then referred the contact to an independent dealer, who replaced the windshield. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148.
Engine & cooling
When attempting to accelerate from a partial or complete stop, there are times when the gas pedal is pushed all the way to the floor and finally the vehicle takes off. I have had numerous occasions when I have almost run into the vehicle in front of me after taking off from a stop light or stop sign. I have take the vehicle to the dealer we purchased vehicle from new and they can't find anything wrong.
The vehicle was driving normal in suburban traffic. Stop & go with speeds up to 40 MPH. During stop at light the check engine lite came on and the vehicle would not accelerate. The yellow check engine lite is on. The vehicle is in limp mode. Obdii codes: p0122, p0222, p2111, p2135. Throttle body failure.
Electrical system
1. The heat shielding around the exhaust system failed to protect the fuel tank from exhaust heat. Heat from the exhaust system melted holes in the fuel tank, causing fuel to leak from the tank. The parts are at the Ford dealer with the vehicle. 2. The fuel tank developed leaks when it melted, causing a risk of fire or explosion. 3. The dealer confirmed that the fuel tank melted and leaked due to heat from the exhaust system. In diagnosing the issue, they refilled the fuel tank and it continued to leak. 4. To my knowledge, the vehicle or components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. My insurance chose not to be involved since it does not fall under "comprehensive" coverage, as there was no theft, vandalism, storm, or animal damage. 5. The vehicle waring lamps did not indicate the melting of the fuel tank or the leak. …
As I'm driving home, I start to smell an unusual odor. I get home , pull in drive, turn off Transit and start unloading groceries. This is when I notice smoke coming from the dashboard. I continue to unload while I keep an eye on the smoke. It worsens and I realize it was on fire and by now there were orange drops of fire falling to the floor. I yell for my neighbor who uses our fire extinguishers on site to try and put out the fire. We had to unhook the battery cables to finally get the fire out completely. It seemed centralized around the glove box on the passenger side. The dashboard on that side was completely burned. My first call was to Apple Ford in red lion, the dealership it was purchased at less than a year prior. My second call was to my insurance company. Apple dismissed the insurance adjuster saying it was a warranty issue on day 2. …
2012 Ford Transit Connect engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: —.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Ford Transit Connect a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Transit Connect rates average: 39% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Transit Connect at the same age. It is one of the best Transit Connect years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 8 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect, the most recent from August 2, 2012 (windshield wiper/washer). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Transit Connect?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2015. See the full Ford Transit Connect years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Transit Connect problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 37,000 miles; 55% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.