DecodedCars2012 Ford Transit Connect
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Transit-Connect Electric, Transit-Connect Wagon Xlt/Xlt Premium, Transit-Connect Xlt Cargo
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 22 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 181.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,391–3,984 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2012 Ford Transit Connect is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,984 lb (Transit-Connect Electric).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (22 city / 27 highway), for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Transit Connect — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Transit Connect →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit-Connect Electric | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 79.1 in | 115 in | 59.1 / 61.4 in | 3,984 lb | 55/45 |
| Transit-Connect Wagon Xlt/Xlt Premium | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 79.1 in | 115 in | 59.1 / 61.4 in | 3,503 lb | 55/45 |
| Transit-Connect Xlt Cargo | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 79.1 in | 115 in | 59.1 / 61.4 in | 3,391 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Van | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | – | $2,900 | 386 |
| Transit Connect Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 26 / 23 | – | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect.
Similar 2012 special purpose vehicles
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Transit Connect (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Azure Dynamics Transit Connect Electric Van/Wagon | 56 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer · Aug 2, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V374000 · 16,330 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2012 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Visibility/Wiper — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 92,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ford Transit Connect. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Transit Connect years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2021 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 12 |
| 2020 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 32 |
| 2019 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 51 |
| 2018 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 22 |
| 2017 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 28 |
| 2016 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 104 |
| 2015 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 66 |
| 2014 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 15 | 124 |
| 2013 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2011 Transit Connect | 22 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →