2021 FORD Transit Connect

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

4RecallsNHTSA Verified4ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โ„น๏ธAverage Safety Profile

This 2021 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 4 recalls affecting the power train system.

Key Factor:power train recalls

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Leak
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.8)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:
Critical Component: Leak

Safety & Reliability Score

63/100
Average

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

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

1 complaints (25% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 4 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
1(25%)
๐ŸŸขLow
3(75%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 80k-100k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 87,000 miles.

๐Ÿ“Š 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.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAINSEAT BELTSBACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 21V376000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 21V592000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 22V413000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Transit Connect.

INV-2021-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Transit Connect performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 20,342

Consumer Complaints

4 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Transit Connect.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Leak25%
Fire25%
Acceleration Issues25%
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต 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).

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V376000Recall #22V413000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 26, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต 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.

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V376000Recall #22V413000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Mar 13, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrainโš ๏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.

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #21V376000Recall #22V413000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Jan 8, 2023Resolved
Brakes๐Ÿ”ต 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.

Aug 14, 2022Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 FORD Transit Connect?

Yes, the 2021 FORD Transit Connect has 4 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE.

Is the 2021 FORD Transit Connect safe to drive?

The 2021 FORD Transit Connect has 4 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 FORD Transit Connect has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local FORD dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V37600022V413000
2

Seat belts

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm seat belts recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all seat belts recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V592000
3

Back over prevention

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:25V442000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat 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.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 4 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your FORD dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.
โš–๏ธ

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.