Is the 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT reliable?

The 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 38 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (7 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (5 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL). Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

The 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT is approximately $1,597/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT has 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 38. The most common issue is transmission problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford transit connect. the contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the automatic transmission failed. the contact stated that the transmission failure caused the vehicle to move from the drive gear to neutral without the shift interlock button being depressed. the veh. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

2/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

7 complaints

18%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FROM THE DRIVE GEAR TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT THE SHIFT INTERLOCK BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEH
• I PURCHASED A 2013 TRANSIT CONNECT FROM A FORD DEALER THIS FALL. STILL UNDER FORD WARRANTY AND PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH FORD. TODAY WE GOT OUR FIRST SNOW AND WHILE DRIVING THE TCS KICKED IN AND BASICALLY DISABLED THE VEHICLE. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE, SO WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FROM THE DRIVE GEAR TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT THE SHIFT INTERLOCK BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Based on 24 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 34K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)24/05/2021

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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Ford TRANSIT CONNECT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,597

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$659

vs US avg

-5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.08x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1597

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford TRANSIT CONNECT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2013 TRANSIT CONNECT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 38 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FROM THE DRIVE GEAR TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT THE SHIFT INTERLOCK BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEATER ON AND IT BLEW COOL AIR. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE ENG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: AS A BUSINESS WE OWN (2) FORD TRANSIT 2013 VEHICLES. BOTH THESE VEHICLES HAD LARGE CRACKS TO APPEAR IN WINDSHIELDS WITH NO REASON. WHEN THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THEY HAD EXPERIENCED COMPLAINTS OF THIS TYPE BUT HAD NO RECALL ON FILE AND THEREFORE HAD NO OTHER RESPONSE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 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. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)