2013 Ford Transit Connect recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect and 32 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (7), engine (5), structure (4). It earned a 2-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 23 mpg combined.
The 2013 ranks #6 of 11 Transit Connect model years for fewest complaints (2012–2022), with fewer complaints than the average year (46). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 6.7 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
Engine and engine cooling · engine
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder head may overheat, crack and leak oil.
Risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S09.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Problem: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Fix: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The Front Suspension Subframe Crossmember had rusted though and the front tires become out of alignment SUDDENLY causing the vehicle to veer of course. The vehicle is then disabled and must be towed and the Front Suspension Subframe Crossmember has to be replaced.
Power transmission failure due to electrical issues. 63k miles only.
Transmission. I was driving down the road in my Ford transit going 65 miles an hour I I started to have major transmission problems from traffic slow down so I slow down with it down to 30 miles an hour after doing so traffic sped back up and I could not get out of third gear when I realized how fast I was going in third gear and it would not shift, I tried to slow down and th…
Safety ratings
2013 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Ford Transit Connect.
Transit Connect Van
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Transit Connect Wagon FWD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect, most recently for power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl) (06/10/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Transit Connect?
Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (7), engine (5), structure (4).
Is the 2013 Ford Transit Connect safe?
The 2013 Ford Transit Connect earned a 2-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Ford Transit Connect?
The 2013 ranks #6 of 11 Transit Connect model years for fewest complaints (2012–2022), with fewer complaints than the average year (46). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 6.7 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect get?
The 2013 Ford Transit Connect is EPA-rated at about 23 mpg combined.
Own a 2013 Ford Transit Connect in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TRANSIT CONNECT, Transit Connect.