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2011 Ford Transit Connect Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2011 Ford Transit Connect carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering windshield wiper/washer. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield wiper arm detachment in rain.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Campaign #12V374000 · Feb 8, 2012

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Ford Transit Connect.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield wiper arm detachment in rain

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2012-09 → 2026-03

“Passenger side wiper arm came off during a recent rain storm. I have contacted my local Ford dealer and Ford Customer Service in regards to 12s36 (NHTSA #12v-374). Ford explained it effects certain model years, produced during a certain time, at a certain manufacture facility”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723576
“WE HAD A WINDSHIELD WIPER FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING IN A STORM. WHEN WE BROUGHT IT TO REPAIR SHOP THE OTHER WIPER FELL OFF. WE DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND SHOWED SOME VEHICLES FOR THAT ISSUE WERE RECALLED BUT OURS WAS NOT. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DEFECT AND FORD WILL NOT PAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10787166
“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I-95 ON A RAINY NIGHT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WENT OFF THE WINDSHIELD AND GOT STUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR. EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY! LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. WAS IN FAMILIAR TERRITORY, SO I PULLED OFF INTO HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10596783

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Throttle and cruise control speed fluctuation

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2015-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE WRENCH SYMBOL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10747600
“IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. I SET THE CURSE CONTROL AT APPROX. 60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE AND SOMETIME WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, OCCASIONALLY THE SPEED WILL DROP DRAMATICALLY BELOW THE SET SPEED AND THEN START TO SPEED UP AGAIN BUT WAY PASTED THE 60 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10502752

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission gear engagement failure

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2020-03

“TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED AND IS BURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11219797
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BECAME WORSE OVER TIME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10763825
“NO 3RD GEAR! THE VAN HAS BEEN IN 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10544399

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2019-04

“MULTIPLE TIMES, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SEEMS TO JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. WITH NO WARNING ALL THE LIGHTS AND DASH INDICATORS WILL FLASH AND ALL GO OUT. ENGINE WILL BRIEFLY RUN, THEN QUIT. SEVERAL TIMES BEEN VERY LUCKY TO GET OFF ROAD OR FREEWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. FORD DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193946
“DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY AT 80 MPH AND CAR STALLS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED TO THE SIDE RESTARTED CAR EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AGAIN. A FEW DAYS LATER STARTED DOING AGAIN AND MORE OFTEN. I AM AFRAID TO RIDE MY CAR IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I PUT A SCANNER ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809362
“PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND DID A BASIC TUNEUP, OIL CHANGE AND SPARK PLUGS. I ORDERED A AFTER MARKET FILTER FROM K&N AND HAD TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE IT ARRIVED. AIR FILTER WAS NOT REPLACED YET BUT HOPING IT WOULD HELP WITH ACCELERATING. THE A/C WORKED WELL AS LONG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11110070

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear brake adjustment and fluid leak

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2019-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO DECELERATE. ALSO, BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183981
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10532673

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Traction control shutdown on inclines

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2013-02

“TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE WAS ADAPTED FOR WHEELCHAIR USE. THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE. VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN IN MIDDLE OF ROAD ON ANY KIND OF INCLINE WHEN VEHICLE FEELS ANY KIND OF WHEEL SPINNING. OTHERWISE WOULD OF DRIVEN UP VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. SEVERAL NEIGHBORS HELPED PUSH AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10496907
“THE ADVANCETRACK RSC, OR TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE, ON THE 2011 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT CAN NOT BE MANUALLY TURNED OFF. THIS HAS RESULTED IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WERE THE CAR BECAME INOPERABLE IN TRAFFIC IN INTERSECTIONS, PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, AND DRIVING UP ANY DEGREE OF INCLINE ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10449561

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

18 crashes 1990–2024

How the 18 occupant deaths break down

14

driver deaths

4

passenger deaths

18

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2011 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Ford Transit Connect reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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