2021 Ford Transit Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2021 Ford Transit has 23 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 27, and 4 recalls, ranking 9th of 12 model years and earning a Good verdict. Suspension, wheels, and tires make up 39% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 27/100
- #9 of 12 Transit years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14.5 city / 18.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2021 Ford Transit problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (39%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (26%)
- Other4 (17%)
- Electrical System3 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (13%)
- Seat Belts2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report front or rear hub bolts shearing off, causing a wheel to separate from the axle while driving at low speed.
- Some describe tire belts shifting or separating, producing steering vibration before a blowout.
- Front drive axles have needed replacement more than once on the same van, with dealers unable to explain the cause.
- A driveline noise occurs during slow, tight turns, sometimes returning even after axle bearing and hub replacement.
- One owner found the rear door would not latch and sat with a visible gap between the door and frame at 10,000 miles.
- A rollover was reported at 25,000 miles with side curtain and front passenger air bags deploying but not the driver-side bags.
2021 Ford Transit recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V876000Dec 17, 2025Other86 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
- 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 23V499000Jul 19, 2023Fuel System10 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Quality Vans (Quality Vans) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ford Transit vans equipped with Onan QG 2800i EVAP generators, part number 2.8HGLAA-8303A. The fuel hose between the inline fuel filter and the Injection Pump Module (IPM) may not be properly secured, which can cause a gas leak.
Risk: A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel hose and clamps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Owners may contact Quality Vans customer service at 1-480-464-7007.
2021 Ford Transit fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14.5 MPG
- Highway
- 18.5 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford Transit reliable?
- Compared to other Transit model years, 2021 scores well: it has a complaint index of 27, ranks 9th out of 12 years, and carries a Good verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Transit?
- Suspension, wheels, and tires account for 39% of complaints, followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 26%. Median mileage at failure for suspension complaints was 90,107.5 miles.
- Does the 2021 Ford Transit have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Transit, including a front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor issue, a rearview camera software update, a fuel hose recall on Onan generator-equipped vans, and a wheelchair retractor recall by an upfitter.
- How does the 2021 Transit compare to other bad years?
- The 2015, 2016, and 2020 model years are rated Avoid with complaint indexes of 100, 91, and 82. The 2021 model's index of 27 is far lower.