MotorDeets

2013 Ford Transit Connect: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Ford Transit Connect: 4 recalls, 32 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
32owner complaints
3mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2013 Ford Transit Connect
Photo: F. D. Richards · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #14V706000 · 2014 · 34 vehicles

What's wrong: The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts May crack.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V209000 · 2017 · 208,584 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil May contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.

The 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.

Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V376000 · 2021 · 192,080 vehicles

What's wrong: 5l engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V413000 · 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles

What's wrong: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain7
Engine5
Body & structure4
Brakes3
Electrical3
Stability control3
Other / unknown2
Speed control / throttle2

What owners describe

The 2013 Ford Transit Connect has 32 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 14 Transit Connect model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 41). Complaints peaked in 2014 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 35,350 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (26 complaints, 1 recalls), 2014 (127 complaints, 15 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive212723Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive222623Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Ford Transit Connect manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Ford Transit Connect. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Ford Transit Connect problems?

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (7), engine (5), body & structure (4).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Ford Transit Connect repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Transit Connect years

20102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023