2021 Ford Transit Connect recalls

4 safety recalls, 12 owner complaints and a 4-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

4Recalls
12Complaints
3Crashes & fires reported
4/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Ford Transit Connect is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

Check my VIN

2021 Ford Transit Connect recall list

Back Over Prevention recall

25V-442
June 27, 2025 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety 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.

Power Train recall

22V-413
June 10, 2022 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety 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. 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 Belts recall

21V-592
July 30, 2021 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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."
Safety risk
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.

Power Train recall

21V-376
May 24, 2021 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety 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. 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.

2021 Ford Transit Connect owner complaints

12 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Service Brakes6
Power Train5
Unknown or Other3
Wheels2
Engine2
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Visibility/Wiper1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Recent complaints

October 22, 2026Service BrakesFire

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 a building. I used three fire extinguishers to put the fire out. The fire department arrived and put water on the area to lower the heat. It turns out the ABS system malfunctioned locking up the right rear and left front brakes. Turns out to be a common issue with the Transit Connects. Ford dealership said the issue is a faulty ABS controller that would cost a minimum of $3000 to replace and progra

October 19, 2026WheelsUnknown or OtherService BrakesFire

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. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and flames shot out again from behind the driver's side wheel. The fir

October 14, 2026WheelsService BrakesFire

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 visibly caught on fire and damaged all components in the wheels. This could have been a dangerous situation for myself or others on the road if it hadnt occured at a lower speed. This scenario has also occurred in 2 identical fleet vehicles purchased on the same date and the incidents occurred 3 months apart. There were no warning lights on at the time of the incidents. The vehicle was immediately tak

September 30, 2026Power Train

On going problem that's getting worse and have totally stopped driving the van. Transmission Severe Slipping, harsh and hard shifting, abrupt Highway deceleration & violent downshift while on the Hwy. Pauses sometimes to accelerate from a stop and sometimes lunges forward. Occasional "thumping" sound when driving at a consistent speed. Has not been inspected yet at the Ford dealership as we are trying to make an appointment. No warning lights or messages have come on ever. Have discovered that the 2019-2021 Transit Connections with the 8 speed transmission have had this problem documented and Ford has issued internal bulletins to their service departments about this common problem with this

May 22, 2026Power Train

The transmission hasn't been working correctly for the last 2 years. It was constantly shifting incorrectly, lagging, stuttering, and making driving difficult. It finally just stopped in the middle of traffic and would not move. It threw a diagnostic code of P0751, which we learned was related to a known issue with the vehicle, TSB 25-2550. The vehicle is now not drivable and had to be towed back home.

2021 Ford Transit Connect crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWDNot rated★★★★★★★★★★Not rated

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Ford Transit Connect: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 17.9%.

2021 Ford Transit Connect recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. The most recent, filed June 27, 2025, concerns the back over prevention.

What are the most common 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is service brakes (6 reports), followed by power train.

Is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect safe?

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect earned up to a 4-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

Contact any authorized Ford dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.