Recalls (4)
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
- 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.
Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable
- 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
- 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.
Unintentional Rollaway Due to Detached Shift Cable
- 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.
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Owner complaints (9)
9 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 5 | 55.6% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 33.3% |
| Engine | 2 | 22.2% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 22.2% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 11.1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 11.1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 11.1% |
How 2021 compares with other Transit Connect years
Best and worst Transit Connect years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 127 | 15 |
| 2015 | 66 | 10 |
| 2016 | 104 | 10 |
| 2017 | 28 | 6 |
| 2018 | 22 | 6 |
| 2019 | 51 | 8 |
| 2020 | 32 | 8 |
| 2021 | 9 | 4 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 Ford Transit Connect wagon fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 26 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,600
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 344 g/mi
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicle
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 26 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | $2,600 | 344 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | $2,600 | 344 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 27 / 25 | $2,700 | 350 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 27 / 25 | $2,700 | 350 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 | 397 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 | 397 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2021 Transit Connect for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2021 Ford Transit Connect FAQ
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 25V442000 (rear camera), 22V413000 (power train), 21V592000 (seat belt), 21V376000 (power train). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (5), Service brakes (3), Engine (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 24 city, 29 highway and 26 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2021 Ford Transit Connect get?
NHTSA rated the 2021 Ford Transit Connect wagon fwd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (17.9% rollover risk).
How does the 2021 Transit Connect compare with other years?
Among the 2014–2021 Ford Transit Connect model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (9) and the 2014 the most (127). The 2021 drew 9. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.