2013 Ford Transit Connect: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Ford Transit Connect has 32 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag underpowered engine performance: described as gutless, sluggish, and struggling with acceleration, especially when loaded. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

32
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
3
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2013 a good year for the Transit Connect?

Across the 5 Transit Connect model years we track, complaint volume runs from 24 (2011) to 253 (2015). With 32 complaints, the 2013 Transit Connect sits belowthe model's median of 77.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
7
engine
5
structure
4
electrical system
3
service brakes
3

Recalls affecting the 2013 Transit Connect

power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)

Campaign 21V376000

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.

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 17V209000

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 insuf

equipment adaptive/mobility

Campaign 14V706000

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 Transi

power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)

Campaign 22V413000

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

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation model (approximately 2010-2013) is frequently criticized for significant transmission reliability issues, poor driving dynamics, and a cheap, unrefined feel,…

  • Transmission reliability problems: very frequent reports of failures, rough shifting, and concerns, particularly in first-generation models (pre-2014). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Underpowered engine performance: described as gutless, sluggish, and struggling with acceleration, especially when loaded. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Transit Connect. See the full Transit Connect owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Transit Connect listings typically run $12,995–$20,297 across 2010 to 2023 model years.

Other Transit Connect model years

Compare every Transit Connect year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Transit Connect against its rivals