NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Transit Connect Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon achieves an 86/100 Safety Index, placing it within the Strong band, despite a three-point decrease from the 2022 model's 89. This model year carries a four-star overall NHTSA crash rating. The record shows zero recalls and zero owner complaints on file, indicating a remarkably clean safety profile based on available data.
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon earned an 86/100 NHTSA Safety Index and a four-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Hatchback/Wagons from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Transit Connect ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 3 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Transit Connect?
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon arrives with a perfect 20 out of 20 for its defect record, reflecting a complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year. This contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index score of 86 out of 100. Its crash protection earned 61 out of a possible 70 points, a strong structural performance supported by a 5-out-of-5-star side impact rating and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover result. The overall federal government crash-test rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's avoidance technology subscore is 5 out of 10. This score reflects varied equipment availability; forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on the specific configuration. Lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard across all trims. This 5-point avoidance tech score marks a three-point decline from the 2022 model year's overall Safety Index score of 89, suggesting the shift is primarily due to the technology offering rather than any structural or defect issues. For a passenger wagon in its class, the 2023 Transit Connect Wagon demonstrates a strong safety posture based on its clean recall history and crash-test performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Transit Connect perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon achieved a five-star rating in side-impact protection, a notable result in its federal crash testing. The overall rating for the vehicle is four stars, with frontal crash protection also rated at four stars. Rollover protection received four stars, correlating with an 18 percent risk of rollover. Dynamic tip testing for this model year returned a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17337
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories exist for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check at NHTSA.gov before purchase, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Transit Connect?
NHTSA has zero owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon. No top components have been flagged, and no reports of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been submitted. Any future allegations would represent unverified consumer reports, not established facts.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Transit Connect?
Before purchasing a used 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon, run the specific VIN through NHTSA.gov to confirm no recalls have been added since this vehicle was sold new. Confirm any future-issued recall remedies have been completed by an authorized dealer prior to finalizing the transaction.
- The 2023 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns and a perfect defect record subscore of 20/20, distinguishing it from prior years that may have carried open campaigns.
- The five-star side-crash rating is the strongest individual result in the 2023 NHTSA test suite for this vehicle, paired with a No Tip outcome in dynamic rollover testing and an 18 percent rollover risk figure.
- The Safety Index declined three points from the 2022 model year score of 89 to 86, with the avoidance technology subscore of 5 out of 10 being the primary area separating this year from a higher band.
- Forward collision warning availability varies by configuration on the 2023 model, listed as both standard and optional, meaning buyers should verify which safety tech is actually equipped on any specific unit being considered.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Transit Connect places
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Transit Connect safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Transit Connect crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford Transit Connect, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ford Transit Connect crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford Transit Connect earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Transit Connect have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Transit Connect?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Transit Connect years
Rivals in Hatchback/Wagon (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | 87/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17337), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Transit Connect 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 3 of 3 in the Hatchback/Wagon class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.