2021 Ford Transit Connect Safety Report
2021 Ford Transit Connect Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (5) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2018 | Compare against the 2018 Ford Transit Connect with 21 complaints and 6 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Ford Transit Connect before buying across this generation. |
Ford Transit Connect Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Transit Connect years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Transit Connect | 27 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ford Transit Connect | 47 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ford Transit Connect | 21 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Ford Transit Connect | 27 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Ford Transit Connect | 102 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Ford Transit Connect | 65 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Ford Transit Connect Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ford onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyPower Train,Engine,Visibility/Wiper
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine,Visibility/Wiper issues Ford onlyPower Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
Reliability Score
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes Tires may lock up, causing damage and preventing vehicle operation. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Gear position indication issues leading to transmission replacements. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Windshield Leaks Windshields are leaking due to improper adhesive, causing electrical issues. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Engine Soon Light Frequent flashing of service engine soon light and malfunction indicator lamp, unresolved by dealers. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Transit Connect:
Issues with service brakes have been reported.
Automatic transmission problems have been reported.
Windshield leaks have been reported.
Frequent service engine soon light issues have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
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.
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 1-866-436-73...
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Two tires lock up gradually and then completely preventing the vehicle from being driven and causing damage to the other tires. The inability to drive the vehicle on the open road is very dangerous. There are no warning lamps. The vehicle may seem sluggish to accelerate. After towing to a service station, the ABS module failed and this caused damage to the brakes which had to be replaced.
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 no...
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.
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 addres...
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 ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
Has the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT have?
The 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
The 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT involve service brakes (1 complaints), power train (1 complaints), power train,engine,visibility/wiper (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train,engine,fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT.
Should I buy a 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT is acceptable with caveats. It has 5 complaints, 4 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
Be cautious of service brakes, automatic transmission, windshield leaks, and service engine soon light issues. These problems have been reported and can lead to significant issues. The 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT has 5 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
The 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 5 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes and Automatic Transmission.
What are the known issues with the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT?
Known issues with the 2021 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT include: Service Brakes, Automatic Transmission, Windshield Leaks, Service Engine Soon Light. These are based on patterns found across 5 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Can service brakes lock up on the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
Yes, service brakes can lock up, causing damage to other tires and preventing the vehicle from being driven.
What transmission issues have been reported for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
Automatic transmission issues, particularly gear position indication problems, have led to transmission replacements.
Are there any known windshield issues with the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
Yes, windshield leaks due to improper adhesive application have caused electrical issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of service brakes, automatic transmission, windshield leaks, and service engine soon light issues. These problems have been reported and can lead to significant issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Transit Connect
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Ford Transit Connect an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16