2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s and front passenger’s seat belts were damp following a rainstorm. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the door seals on both front doors were allowing water to enter the vehicle, causing the seat belts to become damp. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,838.

Mileage: 116,838

1. The heat shielding around the exhaust system failed to protect the fuel tank from exhaust heat. Heat from the exhaust system melted holes in the fuel tank, causing fuel to leak from the tank. The parts are at the Ford dealer with the vehicle. 2. The fuel tank developed leaks when it melted, causing a risk of fire or explosion. 3. The dealer confirmed that the fuel tank melted and leaked due to heat from the exhaust system. In diagnosing the issue, they refilled the fuel tank and it continued to leak. 4. To my knowledge, the vehicle or components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. My insurance chose not to be involved since it does not fall under "comprehensive" coverage, as there was no theft, vandalism, storm, or animal damage. 5. The vehicle waring lamps did not indicate the melting of the fuel tank or the leak. I was not aware that there was damage to the fuel tank or a fuel leak at the time. The vehicle simply ceased to

1. The heat shielding around the exhaust system failed to protect the fuel tank from exhaust heat. Heat from the exhaust system melted holes in the fuel tank, causing fuel to leak from the tank. The parts are at the Ford dealer with the vehicle. 2. The fuel tank developed leaks when it melted, causing a risk of fire or explosion. 3. The dealer confirmed that the fuel tank melted and leaked due to heat from the exhaust system. In diagnosing the issue, they refilled the fuel tank and it continued to leak. 4. To my knowledge, the vehicle or components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. My insurance chose not to be involved since it does not fall under "comprehensive" coverage, as there was no theft, vandalism, storm, or animal damage. 5. The vehicle waring lamps did not indicate the melting of the fuel tank or the leak. I was not aware that there was damage to the fuel tank or a fuel leak at the time. The vehicle simply ceased to

The seat belt buckle/latch in the backseat is a dangerous defective design that can cause injury. It is available for inspection, see photos provided. Merely taking a seat can result in a bruised or broken coccyx. The car was parked when the incident occurred. No, the problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. No, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance reps or others. No, there are no warnings or messages. The danger is inherent in the design.

The seat belt buckle/latch in the backseat is a dangerous defective design that can cause injury. It is available for inspection, see photos provided. Merely taking a seat can result in a bruised or broken coccyx. The car was parked when the incident occurred. No, the problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. No, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance reps or others. No, there are no warnings or messages. The danger is inherent in the design.

The contact's boyfriend owns a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving 25 MPH, the windshield wiper arms failed to operate. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V374000 (Visibility) which she linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

I noticed the 2 rear P205/65R15 (with approximately 4,500 mi) had a small dip in the sidewall. Typically evident of belt breaks or some other defect. About four weeks later, the front 2 p205/65R15 (with approximately 2,500 mi) also display this same dip in the sidewall. I’ve not had a problem with any 4 tires to date, all tires are still installed in my vehicle and available for inspection. I have not had these examined by a service center yet.

COULD NOT DRIVE IN SLUSHY SNOW, VEHICLE SELF CUT POWER IN MIDDLE OF ROAD, THERE IS NO WAY TO DISABLE TRACTION CONTROL SO VEHICLE CAN SPIN TO GAIN FORWARD MOVEMENT. THIS SITUATION ALMOST CAUSED HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ONCOMING VEHICLE. I HAD TO KEEP BACKING UP TO TRY TO GAIN FORWARD MOTION. IF I HAD BEEN ABLE TO DISABLE TRACTION CONTROL SO THE VEHICLE COULD SPIN JUST A LITTLE, I WOULD HAVE HAD NO INCIDENT. THIS SITUATION IS VERY UNSAFE IN THE SNOWY CONDITIONS. IN READING ABOUT THIS, OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. TO DISABLE THIS SYSTEM PEOPLE ARE PULLING THE FUSE ON THESE VEHICLES TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. FORD NEEDS TO INSTALL AN TEMPORARY INTERRUPT TO SOLVE THIS VERY UNSAFE CONDITION.

Mileage: 92,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DRIVER'S VIEW WAS OBSTRUCTED WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. LUTHER FAMILY FORD (3302 36TH STREET SOUTH, FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA 58104, (701) 282-2350) DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIVETS ON THE WIPERS WERE TOO SHORT AND THE PIVOT PIN WAS FAULTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIVETS ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V374000 (VISIBILITY) AS A POTENTIAL CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, THE REAR WINDOW FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY SAFELITE AUTO GLASS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. 2ND TIME IT BROKE *TT

Mileage: 67,000

TWICE IN 113,214 MILES THE THROTTLE BODY HAS FAILED AT SPEED. THIS IS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ANYWHERE, ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT--JUST OUT OF POWER AND SCRAMBLING FOR A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS WITH 36,366 MILES IN A SNOW STORM. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS IN TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY. NO NOTIFICATION FROM FORD THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING. THE REPLACEMENT PART FORD INSTALLED THE FIRST TIME WAS ALSO BAD AND HAS FAILED AT 113,214 MILES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS FAILURE, GOING FROM 65 MPH TO 5 MPH IN MOMENTS. THERE'S CONFUSION, PANIC TO GET THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON, AND A STRUGGLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY.

Mileage: 113,214

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE STOP, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND FINALLY THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I HAVE ALMOST RUN INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AFTER TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. I HAVE TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WE PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM NEW AND THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.

Mileage: 3,000

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON EXPRESSWAY. LOSE OF POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LITE CAME ON. IDLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AND HAD TOWED TO BREDEMANN FORD IN GLENVIEW, IL. THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED UNDER THE 3 YEAR/36K MILE WARRANTY. *JS

Mileage: 32,734

DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. STOPPED AT LITE. CHECK ENGINE LITE CAME ON. NO POWER. HAD TO IDLE HOME. OBDII CODES P0122, P0222, P2111. P2135. TPS READING STUCK AT 82%. DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY. *JS

Mileage: 367,272

THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING NORMAL IN SUBURBAN TRAFFIC. STOP & GO WITH SPEEDS UP TO 40 MPH. DURING STOP AT LIGHT THE CHECK ENGINE LITE CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LITE IS ON. THE VEHICLE IS IN LIMP MODE. OBDII CODES: P0122, P0222, P2111, P2135. THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. *JS

Mileage: 37,272

AS YOU ARE SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE PART OF THE VAN'S BODY THAT CONNECTS THE FRONT WINDOW TO THE DOOR JAM IS SO WIDE THAT IT BLOCKS YOUR (THE DRIVER'S) VIEW. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT AND/OR IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE DRIVER TO SEE SIGNAGE THAT'S ON A MEDIAN AND/OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR PEDESTRIANS. MIRRORS DO NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY TELL YOU WHAT IS IN BACK OF YOU AND THE VIEW THAT IS BLOCKED IS IN FRONT OF YOU. I HAVE GOTTEN A TICKET FOR MAKING A U-TURN IN A NO-U-TURN ZONE AND HAVE NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT (ON-COMING BIKER) DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DETERIORATED, WARPED AND THE FRAMEWORK WAS VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS OVER THREE TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED THE PRESENCE OF A LEAK. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SEAMS NEAR THE WINDSHIELD HAD BECOME LOOSE, CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER USED AN EPOXY SEAL TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE REPAIR CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD WHICH BECAME CRACKED. ADDITIONALLY, AN UNKNOWN GRAY SUBSTANCE WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD AREA. THE DEALER THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148.

Mileage: 148

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DETERIORATED, WARPED AND THE FRAMEWORK WAS VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS OVER THREE TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED THE PRESENCE OF A LEAK. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE SEAMS NEAR THE WINDSHIELD HAD BECOME LOOSE, CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER USED AN EPOXY SEAL TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE REPAIR CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD WHICH BECAME CRACKED. ADDITIONALLY, AN UNKNOWN GRAY SUBSTANCE WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD AREA. THE DEALER THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148.

Mileage: 148

2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MISLEADING GAS MILEAGE, RADIO PROBLEMS, VEHICLE LOCKING ITSELF WITH KEY IN THE IGNITION WHILE ENGINE RUNNING AND SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE WIPERS WERE NOT CLEARLY THE SNOW AND RAIN FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS WERE COMING OFF THE WINDSHIELDS SURFACE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WAS FREEZING AND THE AMOUNT OF HEAT COMING FROM THE DEFROSTER WASN'T ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE FREEZING WINDSHIELD, WHICH CAUSED THE OBSTRUCTION AND LOSS OF VISION. *JB

2012 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MISLEADING GAS MILEAGE, RADIO PROBLEMS, VEHICLE LOCKING ITSELF WITH KEY IN THE IGNITION WHILE ENGINE RUNNING AND SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE WIPERS WERE NOT CLEARLY THE SNOW AND RAIN FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS WERE COMING OFF THE WINDSHIELDS SURFACE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WAS FREEZING AND THE AMOUNT OF HEAT COMING FROM THE DEFROSTER WASN'T ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE FREEZING WINDSHIELD, WHICH CAUSED THE OBSTRUCTION AND LOSS OF VISION. *JB