The Lemon IndexAll carsFordTransit Connect2013
2012
20141st generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: brakes
13 owner complaints, first 3 years 23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 Chevrolet Express 112013 Ford E-Series 14
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 10 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 22V413000 (transmission & drivetrain), 21V376000 (transmission & drivetrain) and 17V209000 (engine) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Ford sent dealers 31 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “No service action is recommended for this condition”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Ford's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 13 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 54K miles (8K to 88K km) on the car (10 of all 13 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
In 45 mph highway the brakes went to the floor at the stop sign and caused the vehicle to cross the road and into a tree section totling the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy.
2013 Ford Transit Connect owner · NHTSA complaint 10561361
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 7.5M views · 2010–2013 Ford Transit Connect
Most-watched topics
- Transmission & shifter239K views
How to Replace Transmission Shift Solenoid 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 147K views · 6 videos - Steering & suspension159K views
How to Replace Lower Ball Joint 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 41K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors157K views
How to Replace Cylinder Temperature Sensor 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 89K views · 4 videos - Brakes & ABS146K views
How to Replace Rear Brake Drum and Shoes 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 79K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Heat, A/C & blend door134K views
How to Replace Blower Motor Resistor 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 42K views · 6 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical131K views
How to Replace Starter 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 60K views · 4 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x4126K views
How to Replace Front Driver's Side CV Axle 2010-2013 Ford Transit ConnectTRQ · 77K views · 3 videos - Starter, alternator & belts99K views
How to Replace Drive Belt Component Kit 2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect 2.0LTRQ · 97K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Transit Connect Van 2010-2013 1st Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 366K views
Ford Transit Connect Review & Buyers' Guide 2011VansA2Z · 48K views
2010-2013 Ford Transit Connect transmission problemsAngelo handyman · 32K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2013 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 31 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No service action is recommended for this condition
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a…
- No start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2022
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2021 2.5L engines only
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
- Engine · recall issued 2017 1.6L engines only
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.
Show all 4 recalls
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2014
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Ford Transit Connect recall, all years · All Ford recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,600 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Ford Transit Connect year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 11 Ford Transit Connect years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2013 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/ford-transit-connect/?y=2013" title="Ford Transit Connect reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="468" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/ford-transit-connect/2013/">Lemon Index</a> (2013 Ford Transit Connect reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2013 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a quarter as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 27; 100 is average, lower is better). The Ford Transit Connect year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2018.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Transit Connect problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (15%), speed control (15%) and body structure (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect have?
4 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect get?
23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Ford Transit Connect safe?
NHTSA gave it 2 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Ford Transit Connect have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Ford Transit Connect year than the 2013?
Not nearby: the 2013 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Ford Transit Connect years within 3 model years of it. Across every year, 2018 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works