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2013 Ford Transit Connect: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Transit Connect, and the most common group is the power train[1][2]. The model year also has 4 recalls, so check any van you are considering by VIN[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 32 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Three mention a crash. None mention a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train[2] | 7 |
| Engine[6] | 5 |
| Structure[7] | 4 |
| Brakes[8] | 3 |
| Electrical system[9] | 3 |
| Electronic stability control[10] | 3 |
| Unknown or other[11] | 2 |
| Speed control[12] | 2 |
We read a small sample of complaint texts in the top groups. It is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a hint.
Power train. In a sample of 6 complaints we read, 3 describe a transmission that shifted on its own, failed or lost gears[2]. Two describe shifter or Park trouble, including a van that rolled while in Park. One describes traction control keeping the van from moving in snow[2]. One of the 7 power train complaints mentions a crash[2].
Engine. In a sample of 5 complaints, 4 describe coolant loss or a temperature gauge going hot[6]. Some owners say a radiator and thermostat were replaced[6]. One describes oil mixing with coolant[6]. Recall 17V209 below covers overheating on 1.6L GTDI engines, so check by VIN whether it applies.
Brakes. In a sample of 3 complaints, 2 describe a pedal that went far down or a van that crept while braking[8]. One describes rear brake adjusters needing frequent replacement[8]. One of the 3 brake complaints mentions a crash[8].
Structure. The 4 complaints we read describe four different issues: cracked windshields, a door-ajar light, rust and exhaust damage near the fuel tank[7]. No single theme stands out.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first[3]:
- Shift cable bushing (22V413). Filed 2022-06-10[13]. It covers certain 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect vans and other Ford models. The bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission may wear out or come off. The van may not shift into the gear you choose and may move in an unexpected direction. It may also roll after you select Park. This raises the risk of a crash or injury. Dealers replace the bushing and add a protective cap at no charge. Parts were expected in the fourth quarter of 2022[13].
- Shift cable bushing (21V376). Filed 2021-05-24[14]. It covers certain 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect vans with 2.5L engines[14]. The problem and risk are the same as above. Dealers replace the bushing and add a cap at no charge[14].
- Engine overheating (17V209). Filed 2017-03-27[15]. It covers certain 2013 to 2015 Transit Connect vans with 1.6L GTDI engines, among other Ford models[15]. If the engine runs with too little coolant, the cylinder head can overheat, crack and leak oil. Oil on a hot engine or exhaust part raises the risk of fire. Dealers install a coolant level sensor plus supporting hardware and software at no charge[15].
- Wheelchair lift plates (14V706). Filed 2014-11-05[16]. This is an equipment recall issued by a mobility conversion company for certain Ricon wheelchair lifts. It lists 34 potentially affected units[16] and includes 2013 Transit Connect vans equipped with those lifts[16]. A side plate on the lift can crack, and the platform may fall out when the door opens, which raises the risk of injury to the lift operator. A Ricon dealer or service center adds support bumpers and replace any platform that has started to crack[16].
One owner complaint says One owner complaint says a mechanic found Ford recall 17S09 (the same as 17V209[15]) matched their symptoms, but the VIN did not come up[6]., but the VIN did not come up, possibly because of a different engine size[6]. That is why a VIN check matters. Ford customer service is listed at 1-866-436-7332 in the recall notices[13].
Fuel economy
EPA lists two versions with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, automatic 4-speed, regular fuel and front-wheel drive[4][17].
EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $2,900 for both[4][17]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the van was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA rates the front-wheel-drive van 2 stars overall[5]. Frontal crash gets 3 stars, side crash 2 stars and rollover 3 stars[5]. NHTSA puts rollover risk at 25.6%[5].
Engine and size
The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is rated 136 to 140 hp depending on version[18]. That rating comes from the EPA test car list.
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 42 | 2 |
| 2011 | 24 | 1 |
| 2012 | 26 | 1 |
| 2013 | 32 | 4 |
| 2014 | 127 | 15 |
| 2015 | 66 | 11 |
| 2016 | 104 | 10 |
| 2017 | 28 | 6 |
| 2018 | 22 | 6 |
| 2019 | 51 | 8 |
| 2020 | 32 | 8 |
| 2021 | 11 | 4 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
For model years 2010 to 2023, 2013 has 32 complaints and 4 recalls[3]. Its complaint count ties 2020. Five years have more complaints (2010, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019), and seven have fewer[3]. Its recall count ties 2021 and is lower than every year from 2014 to 2020[3].
2014 has the most of both, with 127 complaints and 15 recalls[3]. Counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so they show where reports and recalls landed, not how likely a problem is.
Should you buy a used 2013 Transit Connect?
The complaint count is moderate next to other years of this model[3]. Shifter and Park problems show up in both the owner sample and the recalls[2][13][14]. Engine cooling complaints also appear[6], but recall 17V209 covers only 1.6L GTDI engines[15]. Before buying, look up the VIN on NHTSA's recall page and ask for proof that any open recall was done. The 2-star overall crash rating and the 2-star side rating are worth weighing too[5]. Our data does not cover towing, oil capacity or tire size, so check those separately.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Transit Connect?
- Power train has the most NHTSA complaints at 7, followed by engine at 5[2][6]. In the samples we read, owners describe transmission shifting trouble and coolant loss or overheating[2][6].
- Does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4[3]. Two cover the shifter cable bushing[13][14], one covers overheating on 1.6L GTDI engines[15] and one covers certain wheelchair lifts[16].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2013 Ford Transit Connect?
- EPA rates the van 21 city, 27 highway and 23 combined MPG, and the wagon 22, 26 and 23[4][17].
- How safe is the 2013 Ford Transit Connect?
- NHTSA gives the front-wheel-drive van 2 stars overall, 3 for frontal, 2 for side and 3 for rollover[5].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect (3 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Transit Connect model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Van, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: overall 2 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 2 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 25.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 22V413, filed June 10, 2022: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V376, filed May 24, 2021: Power Train › Shift Linkage / Cable / Rod. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V209, filed March 27, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V706, filed November 5, 2014: Equipment Adaptive / Mobility. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Transit Connect Wagon FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Ford Transit Connect with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 136 to 140 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov