repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
2021 Ford Transit ConnectProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-376 the manufacturer reports only 53% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ford Transit Connect has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
5Power train
2Wheels2 crash/fire/injury
2Engine
1Forward collision avoidance
1Visibility/wiper
1Fuel/propulsion system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 6 | 3 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 Ford Transit Connect recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)
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.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Front: retractor
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Transit Connect year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Transit Connect median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Ford Transit Connect safety ratings
2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Transit Connect owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Was driving on the highway. Thought there was a smell of something burning. Stopped didn't see anything. When I arrived at my location the smell was much stronger. When I stopped I saw smoke and fire coming from the left front tire. Fire Department was called because the vehicle was parked next to…
My husband was driving the vehicle and I was the passenger. We got on the highway and were going 67 mph when we smelled something burning. The vehicle speed dropped from 67 mph to 30 mph. No warning lights on the dashboard alerted to anything. We got off the highway and to a place of safety. We got…
While driving down the road the ABS brakes (front driver and passenger rear) started tightening up then they temporarily released for a few miles. Then started tightening up again it continued to tighted and not release until it was completely locked down. Immediately pulled off road and brakes…
Own a 2021 Transit Connect?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.