2012 Ford Transit Connect
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Ford Transit Connect. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
26 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion 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…
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.
- Seat belts · Seats
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…
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.
- Visibility
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…
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.
- Tires
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…
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
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…
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.
- Visibility/wiper
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…
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 nhtsa 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.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
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 *tt
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Engine
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.
- Engine
Driving in stop and go traffic. Stopped at lite. Check engine lite came on. No power. Had to idle home. obdii codes p0122, p0222, p2111. P2135. tps reading stuck at 82%. defective throttle body. *js
- Engine
Vehicle was being driven on expressway. Lose of power and the check engine lite came on. idled the vehicle off the expressway and had towed to bredemann ford in glenview, il. throttle body was replaced under the 3 year/36k mile warranty. *js
- Engine
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. *js
- Visibility/wiper
As you are sitting in the driver's seat, the part of the van's body that connects the front window to the door jam IS so wide that it blocks your (the driver's) view. this makes it difficult and/or impossible for the driver to see signage that's on a median and/or oncoming traffic or pedestrians.…
As you are sitting in the driver's seat, the part of the van's body that connects the front window to the door jam IS so wide that it blocks your (the driver's) view. this makes it difficult and/or impossible for the driver to see signage that's on a median and/or oncoming traffic or pedestrians. mirrors do not solve this problem because they tell you what IS in back of you and the view that IS blocked IS in front of you. I have gotten a ticket for making a u-turn in a no-u-turn zone and have nearly had an accident (on-coming biker) due to this problem.
- Structure · Visibility › Windshield
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Visibility
2012 ford transit connect. consumer writes in regards to misleading gas mileage, radio problems, vehicle locking itself with key in the ignition while engine running and several other issues. *smd the consumer also stated the wipers were not clearly the snow and rain from the windshield. The…
2012 ford transit connect. consumer writes in regards to misleading gas mileage, radio problems, vehicle locking itself with key in the ignition while engine running and several other issues. *smd the consumer also stated the wipers were not clearly the snow and rain from the windshield. The wipers were coming off the windshields surface. The windshield wiper fluid was freezing and the amount of heat coming from the defroster wasn't enough to handle the freezing windshield, which caused the obstruction and loss of vision. *Jb
- Electrical system
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…
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. The transit has been sitting at apple ford untouched ever since (2 months!!) as we looked for answers we only got bounced between apple and corporate ford with no resolution and no answers. Our insurance company has now gotten involved and their expert originator found it was the blower motor resister part that failed causing the fire. Ford IS still uncooperative, and changing their story constantly. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford freedom elite motor home equipped with a set of michelin ltx m/s tires, size: lt225/75 R16. The contact stated that she received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 13t012000 (tires) reported in december of 2013 and that parts should have been available before…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford freedom elite motor home equipped with a set of michelin ltx m/s tires, size: lt225/75 R16. The contact stated that she received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 13t012000 (tires) reported in december of 2013 and that parts should have been available before march of 2014. The contact stated that she attempted to have the tires replaced but the dealer stated that the tires were unavailable. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified but did not provide any assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
On start up after it has been warm and then gotten cold vehicle check engine light comes on and ecu stores codes p2101,p2111 and p2135. Throttle body becomes disabled and vehicle will run poorly and not accelerate. Replaced with new ford throttle body assembly part# 8s4z9e926b @ this time in…
On start up after it has been warm and then gotten cold vehicle check engine light comes on and ecu stores codes p2101,p2111 and p2135. Throttle body becomes disabled and vehicle will run poorly and not accelerate. Replaced with new ford throttle body assembly part# 8s4z9e926b @ this time in december. Fixed problem and vehicle was running fine. Fix lasted until 2/17/14 and about 6000 miles and now have the same exact problem again with same codes. I see several complaints about escapes having this same problem. IS the throttle body a shared part? This problem could be very dangerous if it was to happen while out driving. Fortunately for us it happened both times on cold start up. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
Put on rear defrost back door passenger window exploded from inside the vehicle we were traveling on freeway at about 55 mph heard a loud noise no glass inside vehicle so it exploded from the inside of truck. very dangerous with glass shattered big hole in glass after initial noise pop. *tr
- Seats
While cleaning the interior of the vehicle, I noticed that the rear split bench seat would not lock onto the floor mounting points after I had folded it up to clean beneath it and attempted to return it to it's original position. the rear seats are now secured only by the two shoulder level…
While cleaning the interior of the vehicle, I noticed that the rear split bench seat would not lock onto the floor mounting points after I had folded it up to clean beneath it and attempted to return it to it's original position. the rear seats are now secured only by the two shoulder level latches on the sides of the vehicle. while inspecting the mechanism it appears that two of the three latch mechanisms have missing or broken return springs. this worries me because I mount my five year old sons car seat to this bench seat. *tr
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford transit connect. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt would not disengage from the buckle and would not retract. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated the seat belt mechanism would have to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 ford transit connect. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt would not disengage from the buckle and would not retract. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated the seat belt mechanism would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Traction control system
The ford transit connect needs a way to turn off the traction control in snow and ice. I got stuck in the snow today and because I can not turn this feature off I could not rock the vehicle out of the snow, creating a traffic jam until I was able to be towed out. please make ford create a way that can allow this system to be turned off. *tr
- Visibility
I turn on rear defogger and the back window started making a hissing noise and then the whole window cracked and then the window popped out. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
On a longer trip in my new ford transit connect, I noticed reflections of the outward-facing dashboard and grill on the lower half of the windshield. Sometimes it was there,sometimes not. I checked the owners manual which mentioned "tempory shimmering" while the windshield warmed up. I did not…
On a longer trip in my new ford transit connect, I noticed reflections of the outward-facing dashboard and grill on the lower half of the windshield. Sometimes it was there,sometimes not. I checked the owners manual which mentioned "tempory shimmering" while the windshield warmed up. I did not realize until after a crash how much these reflections interfered with the driver's road visibility. The reflections come about when light shines on the windshield from the front or sides, but not from the back. Now that I know what's going on, I see how dangerous such windshields are, and the cars should be recalled and non-reflective windshields installed. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008948While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
- 10254138All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
- 10235153For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
- 10140323The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10138524The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.
- 10109079Some vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed. The Workshop Manual, Section 501-20A General Procedures has been updated with a locked seatbelt retractor releasing procedure.
- 10057834Ford: no service action IS recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter noise, at highway speeds when the rear door window(s) or sunroof are open.
- 10056144Ford: the radiator side tank seams, either right or left, IS leaking coolant due to gasket between tank and radiator core. Model 2012 transit connect.
- 10054579Ford: the removal of front passenger seat, which do not have the delete option, will illuminate airbag disable indicator and srs warning lamp in instrument cluster. Model 2010-2013 transit connect.
- 10054348Ford: where lamp and socket contact on front turn signal, there may be looseness, damage, or distortion to lamp socket, causing turn signal to be inoperative. Model 2010-2013 transit connect.
- 10051774Ford: lamp socket, where lamp and socket contact for front turn signal, may exhibit looseness, or distortion, or damage. Models 2010-2012 transit connect.
- 10047979Ford: the terminals (female), in connector, could had been damaged at time of manufacturing causes vehicle to hesitate, stumble, run rough, or lose or have lack of power. Model 2012 transit connect.
- 10047499Ford: new and improved, wiper blade and pivot arm replacing old style wiper blade and pivot arm, which fails proper wiping and/or clearing, and needs to be replaced, and not compatible with old style blades and pivot arm. Models 2011-2012 transit connect.
- 10046459Ford: vehicle would exhibit a lack of or loss of power and run rough or stumble or hesitate, due to possibility of spread terminal 69 and/or 70 in powertrain control module (pcm) connector c1753. Model 2012 transit connect.
- 10045343Ford: front turn signal may be inoperative due to damage, looseness, or distortion to bulb socket where bulb and socket come in contact.
- 10045084Ford: transmission in vehicle may have burnt fluid and failure of direct clutch along with no 3RD or 4TH gear and a flare upshift of 2-3 or 2-4. Updated 3/10/14.
- 10044231Ford: some vehicles may exhibit low mileage due to initial fuel fill by baf technologies cng/lpg fuel conversion package and lack of power on highway.
- 10043565Azure dynamics: information provided regarding development of updated vehicle software for improved ess & dmoc diagnostics, and improved drivability.
- 10043324Ford: some model year vehicles may experience no cold air from air conditioner or vehicle overheating due to a blown fuse, making electric cooling fan inoperative.
- 10043321Ford: on some model year vehicles at the oil filter seal, may exhibit an oil leak or the filter housing for the oil may be distorted.
- 10042507Ford: some vehicles may exhibit rough idle and/or hesitation, runs rough or lack of power upon acceleration.
Every Ford Transit Connect model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.