The 2021 Ford Transit Connect exhibits multiple recalls primarily focused on the powertrain, seat belts, and safety systems, which indicate areas of potential concern. These issues, especially in critical components like the automatic transmission and seat belt retractors, warrant attention from current owners and prospective buyers alike.
Key Factor:Several safety-related recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (4) than the average FORD vehicle (2.6). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
4 recalls for this vehicle2.6 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
๐Why This Matters
The presence of four recalls within a single model year highlights significant concerns that could undermine the overall safety and reliability of the Ford Transit Connect. Specifically, issues with the powertrain's gear position indication can lead to improper shifting behavior, while deficiencies in seat belt retractors compromise occupant safetyโboth critical factors in a vehicle aimed at commercial use. For a model designed to transport both cargo and passengers, these defects are especially troubling as they can have dire consequences in real-world scenarios.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Leak
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
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Summary: Year-over-year safety trends for Ford have shown a mix of reliability across various models. The Transit Connect's record for the 2021 year is concerning compared to segment expectations, particularly given its emphasis on utility and family-oriented design. This model may need additional scrutiny when evaluating overall risk profiles against competitors known for stronger safety records.
Safety & Reliability Score
63/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-0.2
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 FORD Transit Connect
Model Year2021
MakeFORD
ModelTransit Connect
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more โ
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug22
ISSUEFirst Report
Oct22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (25% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 4 consumer complaints by severity level.
๐ High
1(25%)
๐ขLow
3(75%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
โ๏ธEngineering Insight
With peak failure rates around 80k-100k miles indicating potential vulnerabilities as vehicles approach or exceed this threshold, current owners should be vigilant about maintenance. This range suggests that issues may not surface until after substantial use, highlighting the importance of routine inspections before reaching this mileage marker.
๐ Mileage data extracted from 1 of 4 complaints (25% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (100%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
POWER TRAINSEAT BELTSBACK OVER PREVENTION
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power Train
Issue: Gear position indication may fail due to bushing degradation.
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Have the transmission inspected regularly to ensure proper functionality.
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Request detailed inspection reports from previous ownership regarding transmission service history.
Campaigns:21V-45521V-446
2
Seat Belts
Issue: Front passenger seat belt retractor may deactivate prematurely.
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Verify that all seat belts function correctly before each use; consider having them serviced.
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Confirm that all recalls related to seat belts have been addressed prior to purchase.
Campaign:21V-455
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (4)
Campaign: 21V376000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V592000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly, and replace the assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 30, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C18.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V413000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause 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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V442000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Transit Connect.
INV-2021-1000๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Transit Connect performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 10,990
Consumer Complaints
4 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Transit Connect.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Leak25%
Fire25%
Acceleration Issues25%
Engine/Powertrain๐ต Low
POWER TRAIN
We have just passed 87,000 miles on our 2021 Ford Transit Connect and the transmission has had to be completely replaced. We were told at the transmission repair facility that ours was one of 4 2021 Ford Transit Connects in their shop alone with a whole transmission replacement within a 2 week time period. While our vehicle is outside of the mileage for the power train warranty from Ford, it is not outside of the time period. We feel that the significant amount of transmissions needing to be replaced on 2021 Ford Transit Connects is unreasonable expectation when you purchase your vehicle brand new from the manufacturer. Our vehicle has always been properly maintained to all dealer specs for the entire time we have owned it (and it was purchased with 6 miles on the odometer).
โจ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V376000Recall #22V413000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain๐ต Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
My windshield is leaking and has been leaking since manufacturing. The windshield is flexing and is missing the adhesive along the top. Caused electrical damage to the car.
โจ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V376000Recall #22V413000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainโ ๏ธ High
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This vehicle keeps flashing service engine soon light and malfunction indicator lamp. Dealer is keep saying that there are nothing to fix the issue. However, they have noted that it might be related to fueling hole and also fuel misfire. Dealer is not addressing the issue and on the manual page 99, it advises not to operate the vehicle when both lights flash together. However, dealer is not addressing the issue. Please help.
โจ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V376000Recall #22V413000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Brakes๐ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
july2, 2022 Saturday, 4pm 2021 Ford transit connect titanium -Sudden unintended acceleration I was making a very slow (2-3mph) U-turn in an empty, very small strip mall parking lot with the brake being lightly pushed as I went around tight left turn. 3/4 thru the turn the van suddenly accelerated while I believe the brake pedal was still being pushed, I pushed the brake pedal down hard but the van continued to accelerate..it wouldn't slow down. The van jumped the curb and ran into a 4' square cement planter on the sidewalk, sliding the planter about 3 ft. forward. The whole sudden acceleration happened within about 3-5 seconds and was stopped by the cement planter, cutting off the engine. All front airbags were deployed. A few cuts and bruises from the airbags required no medical attention. No citations were issued by the police. The vehicle damage has been estimated at 27,000 and the insurance company is deciding whether to total it or repair it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the safety recall history of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
'The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has four significant recalls concerning crucial systems such as powertrain performance and seat belt integrity. It's essential for potential buyers to check whether these recalls have been resolved, as they directly impact both safety standards and vehicle reliability.'
'How does the recall frequency of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect compare to similar vehicles?
'Compared to its rivals in the compact van segment, the frequency of recalls for the Transit Connect is above average. Many competitors manage fewer incidents related to critical systems such as transmission and occupant protection features. Owners should weigh this information heavily when considering long-term reliability.'
๐Year-over-Year Context
๐Improving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.
๐งญWhat This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified FORD service centerโrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.