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2012 Ford Transit Connect problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Ford Transit Connect is windows, wipers and visibility, typically around 60,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Transit Connect model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
76/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
22
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
23mpg

The worst 2012 Ford Transit Connect problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Visibility
    9
  • Engine
    6
  • Electrical
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Body
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Visibility
    9
  • Engine
    6
  • Electrical
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Trouble codes owners of the 2012 Ford Transit Connect mention

P2111 3P2135 3P0122 2P0222 2

Recalls 1

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported August 2, 2012 · 16,330 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 12V374000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect 22

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 22 bulletins for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect

2012 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2226-2723

What 2012 Ford Transit Connect owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Body · 116,838 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts were damp following a rainstorm. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the door seals on both front doors were allowing water to enter the vehicle, causing the seat belts to become damp. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,838.

Filed Apr 20, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · NC

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. I was not aware that there was damage to the fuel tank or a fuel leak at the time. The vehicle simply ceased to run and would not start. I was towed to a Ford dealership. A week later the dealership called to inform me that they had added fuel to the tank to diagnose the starting issue, but were still unable to start, and wanted to replace the fuel pump. I explained that the tank had been filled only about 80 miles before, so there was some issue. Another week later, the dealer informed me that when replacing the fuel pump they had found that the tank had been melted. This was when I was first aware of the issue with the fuel tank.

Filed Oct 13, 2022 · Seat belts, Seats · CA · 1 injury

The seat belt buckle/latch in the backseat is a dangerous defective design that can cause injury. It is available for inspection, see photos provided. Merely taking a seat can result in a bruised or broken coccyx. The car was parked when the incident occurred. No, the problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. No, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance reps or others. No, there are no warnings or messages. The danger is inherent in the design.

Filed Jul 7, 2022 · Visibility · 200,000 miles · IN

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Apr 17, 2022 · Tires · NY

I noticed the 2 rear P205/65R15 (with approximately 4,500 mi) had a small dip in the sidewall. Typically evident of belt breaks or some other defect. About four weeks later, the front 2 p205/65R15 (with approximately 2,500 mi) also display this same dip in the sidewall. I’ve not had a problem with any 4 tires to date, all tires are still installed in my vehicle and available for inspection. I have not had these examined by a service center yet.

Filed Dec 29, 2019 · Driver assistance · 92,000 miles · WI

Could not drive in slushy snow, vehicle self cut power in middle of road, there is no way to disable traction control so vehicle can spin to gain forward movement. This situation almost caused head on collision with oncoming vehicle. I had to keep backing up to try to gain forward motion. If I had been able to disable traction control so the vehicle could spin just a little, I would have had no incident. This situation is very unsafe in the snowy conditions. In reading about this, other people have had the same issue. To disable this system people are pulling the fuse on these vehicles to solve this issue. This is very unsafe. Ford needs to install an temporary interrupt to solve this very unsafe condition.

Filed Oct 11, 2018 · Visibility · 110,000 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford transit connect. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to operate. The driver's view was obstructed while driving in the rain on more than one occasion. Luther family ford (3302 36th street south, fargo, north dakota 58104, (701) 282-2350) diagnosed that the rivets on the wipers were too short and the pivot pin was faulty. The contact stated that the rivets on the windshield wipers were replaced, but the failure recurred. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v374000 (visibility) as a potential cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2018 · Visibility · 67,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford transit connect. The contact stated that when the rear defroster was activated, the rear window fractured. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired by safelite auto glass. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. 2nd time it broke

Filed Feb 9, 2018 · Acceleration · 113,214 miles · OH

Twice in 113,214 miles the throttle body has failed at speed. This is a sudden loss of power anywhere, anytime day or night--just out of power and scrambling for a safe place to stop. The first failure was with 36,366 miles in a snow storm. The second failure was in traffic on the freeway. No notification from ford that this is a known problem has been forthcoming. The replacement part ford installed the first time was also bad and has failed at 113,214 miles. This is a dangerous failure, going from 65 MPH to 5 MPH in moments. There's confusion, panic to get the emergency lights on, and a struggle to get out of the way.

Filed Apr 14, 2016 · Engine · 3,000 miles · IA

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.

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Questions about the 2012 Ford Transit Connect

Is the 2012 Ford Transit Connect reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2012 Ford Transit Connect, fewer than a typical Transit Connect model year.

What is the 2012 Ford Transit Connect year score?

The 2012 Ford Transit Connect scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Transit Connect: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 9 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is engine (6).

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have?

1 recall, covering visibility.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Ford Transit Connect visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 12V374000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Transit Connect have the most visibility problems?

The Ford Transit Connect model years with the most visibility complaints are 2016 (22 complaints) and 2014 (10 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect range from 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 26-27 highway.

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