2012 Ford Transit Connect Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Ford Transit Connect has 26 complaints, a Complaint Index of 54, and 1 recall, earning a Caution verdict, ranked 7th worst out of 14 model years. The top problem area is Visibility & Wipers, tied to a wiper-arm recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 54/100
- #7 of 14 Transit Connect years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 26
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- 2 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21.5 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2012 Ford Transit Connect problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers8 (31%)
- Engine7 (27%)
- Electrical System4 (15%)
- Structure & Body4 (15%)
- Fuel System3 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (12%)
- Brakes2 (8%)
- Seat Belts2 (8%)
- HVAC1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshield reflections from the dashboard and grill caused visibility trouble and were linked to at least one crash.
- Rear defroster windows cracked or exploded outward or inward while driving, sometimes at highway speed.
- Wiper arms detached or failed to clear the windshield properly, prompting the 12V374000 recall.
- Dashboard smoke and fire occurred with falling embers reported after an unusual odor while driving.
- Front driver's side seat belt would not disengage or retract, requiring dealer diagnosis.
- Tire pressure warning lights triggered repeatedly over bumps and uneven roads at low speed.
2012 Ford Transit Connect recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V374000Aug 2, 2012Visibility & Wipers16,330 vehicles
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.
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.
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.
2012 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Transit Connect years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
- It has a Complaint Index of 54 and 26 NHTSA complaints, giving it a Caution verdict, worse than years like 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022 but better than 2014-2016 and 2019.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?
- Visibility & Wipers issues lead with 8 complaints, 31% of the total, including a recall (12V374000) for wiper arms that were not adequately riveted.
- Does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall, 12V374000, issued in August 2012 for wiper arms that could detach and reduce windshield clearing.
- What year Ford Transit Connect should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 carry Avoid verdicts with higher complaint indexes than the 2012 model's 54.
- How many complaints does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have?
- NHTSA lists 26 complaints for the 2012 model year, along with 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported.