2021 Ford Transit Connect Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
0/100
#14 most-complained of 14 Transit Connect years
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect ranks best (rank 1 of 14 model years) with a complaint index of 0, 8 complaints, and 4 recalls. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported to NHTSA for this year.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 24 city / 27 hwy
Top 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (50%)
- Brakes3 (38%)
- Engine2 (25%)
- Other2 (25%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (13%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (13%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration during slow-speed turns while lightly applying the brake.
- Some vehicles show a service engine soon light and malfunction indicator lamp with dealers citing possible fueling hole or fuel misfire issues.
- Owners describe transmission shifting incorrectly, lagging, stuttering, and eventually failing to move, sometimes tied to diagnostic code P0751.
- Reports of complete transmission replacement, in one case near 87,000 miles, with repair shops noting multiple similar 2021 Transit Connect transmission jobs at once.
- Brake complaints describe the ABS module failing mid-drive, causing tires to lock up with no warning lamps and leaving the vehicle immovable.
- One owner reported a windshield leaking since manufacturing, with flexing and missing adhesive causing electrical damage.
2021 Ford Transit Connect recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
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.
- NHTSA 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Transmission & Powertrain2,925,968 vehicles
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
- NHTSA 21V592000Jul 30, 2021Seat Belts42,493 vehicles
Seat belts:front:retractor
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.
2021 Ford Transit Connect fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Transit Connect years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
- Among the 14 model years with data, the 2021 Transit Connect has the best ranking, with a complaint index of 0 and only 8 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls.
- What are the main problem areas for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
- NHTSA complaints point to Transmission & Powertrain as the top problem area, accounting for half of complaints, followed by Brakes at 38% and Engine at 25%.
- Does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Transit Connect covering rearview camera software, a shifter cable bushing, another shifter cable bushing issue, and a front passenger seat belt retractor problem. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Transit Connect compare to other bad years like 2014 or 2016?
- The 2014 model year has a complaint index of 100 and 127 complaints, and 2016 has an index of 92 with 104 complaints, both far higher than the 2021 model's index of 0 and 8 complaints.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
- EPA rates the 2021 Transit Connect at 25 mpg combined (24 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.