2021 Ford Transit Connect Problems
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. The part named most often is brakes, with 6 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (5) and other or unknown (3). Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 56 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 12 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes6 50%
- Other or unknown3 25%
- Engine2 17%
- Wheels2 17%
- Fuel system1 8.3%
Example complaints
Brakes: “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 out of the vehicle and both front rotors were glowing red and flames were coming out from behind the driver's side wheel. We had to use an ABC fire extinguisher (which we had in the vehicle) on both front wheels. Once we let everything cool down, we tried to start the vehicle again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11772029, filed 2026-10Transmission and drivetrain: “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 not outside of the time period. …”
NHTSA complaint #11627527, filed 2024-11Other or unknown: “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 van continued to accelerate..it wouldn't slow down. The van jumped the curb and ran into a 4' square cement planter on the sidewalk, sliding the planter about 3 ft. forward. …”
NHTSA complaint #11479256, filed 2022-08Engine: “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 addressing the issue. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11500742, filed 2023-01Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect · wagon FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Transit Connect · VAN FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Ford Transit Connect version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect USPS FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Back over prevention › SoftwareCovers: Ford Transit Connect 2018–2022, Ranger 2019–2023, Mustang 2019–2023 +18 more
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…
- 22V413000Jun 10, 2022Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rodCovers: Ford Transit Connect 2013–2021, Escape 2013–2019, C-MAX 2013–2018 +2 more
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.
- 21V592000Jul 30, 2021Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Ford Transit Connect 2021, Transit 2021–2022
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…
- 21V376000May 24, 2021Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rodCovers: Ford Transit Connect 2013–2021
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.
Recall details for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 56 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11030282Mar 25, 2026Other or unknown, Back-over prevention (rear camera), Lane…. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- 11030924Mar 7, 2026Electrical system. Certain 2021-2023 Model Year Transit Connect Equipped with 2.0L Engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that might not control…
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 11029595Feb 17, 2026Electrical system. Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt…
- 11027604Jan 8, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This article supersedes TSB 24-2092 to update model years. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Transmission slipping …
- 11027038Dec 18, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Certain 2021-2023 Model Year Transit Connect Equipped with 2.0L Engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
- 11026928Dec 2, 2025Other or unknown. Special Field Action 25L02 Certain 2017-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles Transmission Control Assembly Reimbursement
- 11025611Nov 12, 2025Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025…
- 11021803Aug 7, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect…
- 11019259May 10, 2025Other or unknown. Certain 2018-2024 model year various vehicles — update sync software
Other model years of the Ford Transit Connect
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | — | 1 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 12 | — | 4 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 32 | 17,000 | 8 | — | 25 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 51 | 30,000 | 8 | — | 25 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 22 | 46,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | — | Stable |
| 2017 | 28 | 50,000 | 6 | 5 | 22 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 104 | 59,000 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 66 | 80,000 | 11 | 5 | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 127 | 60,000 | 15 | 5 | 24 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 32 | 35,350 | 4 | 2 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 26 | 35,003 | 1 | 2 | 23 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 24 | 48,668 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 42 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 23 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
All Ford Transit Connect model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 6 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 5.
Has the 2021 Ford Transit Connect been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Ford Transit Connect do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Ford Transit Connect 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Transit Connect (Transit Connect Van FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 24 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.