Verdict
2021 Ford Transit Connect: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Not enough federal data to rank this one yet.
Complaint data for this model year is still being compiled. Power Train leads the reports (50%). 4 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 vehicles, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
8
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
4
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
25
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Peer ranking not yet available for this model year.
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (50% of 8 reports), followed by service brakes (25%).
Share of all 8 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11739453, ODI 11627527, ODI 11577242, ODI 11500742.
Recalls(4)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainOct 2022 · 22V413000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Power Train · 21V376000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Seat Belts · 21V592000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: 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.
Back Over Prevention · 25V442000Details +Close −
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, 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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
- Not rated
2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 24 | 29 | 26 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 24 | 29 | 26 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 24 | 27 | 25 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 24 | 27 | 25 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 27 | 22 |
| Transit Connect USPS | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 27 | 22 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Ford Transit Connect: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
Owners filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Among the 14 model years of this Transit Connect, that ranks #3 by complaint volume, where #1 has the fewest.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (50% of complaints) and service brakes (25%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
4 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Transit Connect between 22 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.