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2012 Ford Transit Connect problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Ford Transit Connect has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 26owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 43%fail the UK MOT
26 complaints, against an average of 48 for the other 10 Ford Transit Connect model years.
Every Ford Transit Connect model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2012 Ford Transit Connect? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?
The components named most often in the 26 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Fault codes 2012 Ford Transit Connect owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2012 Ford Transit Connect been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2012 Ford Transit Connect recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAClutch pressure plate may fracture
Risk: A number of vehicles fitted with a 1.0 1.5 or 1.6 Ecoboost engine and 6-speed manual transmission could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture. This results in clutch smell reduced vehicle speed and performance. In the unlikely event of clutch pressure plate fracture a noise (thud / bang) could be heard from the vicinity of the transmission in extreme cases resulting in clutch / transmission fragments being released and striking under hood components creating a risk of smoke and fire from the under hood area.
Fix: To prevent the repeated heating /cooling events a new calibration has been developed for vehicles fitted with Engine Stop Start feature. The software with the additional feature sets the Instrument panel Wrench light and de-rates the engine performance if prolonged clutch slip is detected. The software feature includes a drive cycle strategy for latching the wrench light and engine performance de-rate if the customer should experience repeated clutch slip events. For vehicles that do not have Engine Stop Start feature an alternative clutch kit has been released.
UK DVSAThe engine cylinder head may crack
Risk: Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: On affected vehicles Inspect engine and cooling system. Replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver.
EU Safety GateThe clutch pressure plate may break while the vehicle is in motion.This may lead to a malfunction of the transmission and to increased risk of the engine catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe pivot pin used to connect the driver and passenger side wiper arms to the wiper arm heads can become loose, causing the wiper arm to…The pivot pin used to connect the driver and passenger side wiper arms to the wiper arm heads can become loose, causing the wiper arm to lose tension to the windshield and possibly allowing the arm to separate. If a wiper arm separates while driving, a loss of windshield wiper function could occur on that side, possibly reducing visibility and leading to the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Ford Transit Connect owners report?
12 of the 26 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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
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.
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
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.
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
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…
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…
2012 Ford Transit Connect: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Transit Connect; the most common categories were engine (6, 23.1%), visibility (5, 19.2%), electrical system (4, 15.4%). There is 1 safety recall. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Transit Connect?
Across 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (23.1% of complaints), visibility (19.2% of complaints), electrical system (15.4% of complaints), visibility/wiper (15.4% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (7.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect; the most recent (campaign 12V374000, 2012-08-02) concerns Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Transit Connect
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2012 only. How these reports are made.