Recall 12V374 affects 16,330 2011-2012 Ford Transit Connect vehicles for loose wiper arms. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 16,330 2011-2012 Transit Connect vehicles under recall 12V374 because the wiper arms were not adequately riveted and can detach. If a wiper arm comes loose, the windshield wiper fails, driver visibility drops, and the risk of a crash increases; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield wiper arms on the 2011-2012 Ford Transit Connect are the metal arms that hold the wiper blades against the glass. When the wiper motor turns, each arm sweeps its blade across the windshield so the driver can keep a clear forward view in rain, washer fluid, and road spray.
In NHTSA campaign 12V374, the problem is the way the wiper arms were riveted. A rivet is the small fastener that holds the arm tightly to its mounting point. If that connection is not secure, the arm does not press or move the blade consistently across the glass. The result is incomplete or uneven clearing of the windshield, and the wiper arm can detach.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the defect shows up, the driver sees part of the windshield left uncleared or a wiper arm that no longer stays attached.
Who's affected?
The scope is split only by model year; both listed years use the same wiper system component.
| 2011 Ford Transit Connect | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Transit Connect | wiper system |
| Units affected | 16,330 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached wiper arm leaves the windshield wiper unable to clear the glass. That reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. If the wiper stops clearing the windshield, pull over safely and call a Ford dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Ford Transit Connect is included in this recall.
- Watch for a Ford owner letter if you have not received one, then contact Ford customer service for repair guidance.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free wiper-arm and blade assembly replacement that restores consistent windshield clearing.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V374 when you call.
- Avoid driving in heavy rain until the repair is complete if the wipers clear the windshield inconsistently or a wiper arm feels loose.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Ford technician will replace the driver and passenger side wiper arm and blade assemblies. Those are the parts that press the blades against the windshield and keep the glass clear while the wipers run. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The work is meant to restore consistent windshield clearing and prevent a loose wiper arm from detaching.
Timeline
| August 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V374?
Recall 12V374 covers 16,330 2011-2012 Ford Transit Connect vans with wiper arms that were not adequately riveted. The arms can clear the windshield inconsistently or detach, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. Ford dealers replace both wiper arm and blade assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Ford Transit Connect is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit Connect is included in recall 12V374. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule replacement of the driver and passenger side wiper arm and blade assemblies. Reference recall 12V374 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford's remedy states that dealers replace the affected wiper arm and blade assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2012, so the dealer repair is available.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced visibility from a failing windshield wiper arm. If the arm detaches, the wiper stops working and the driver has less clear view through the windshield, increasing crash risk. Ford's free repair replaces both wiper arm and blade assemblies.
What if I bought my Ford Transit Connect used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Transit Connect is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 12V374.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V374000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V374 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V374000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →