Most common 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Transit Connect complaints by model year
Best Transit Connect years: 2022, 2021, 2012. Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2019, 2015. Compare all years →
2021 Ford Transit Connect recalls (4)
Back over prevention › Software
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…
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.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
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.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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.
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.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
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.
What 2021 Ford Transit Connect owners say
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. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and flames shot out again from behind the driver's side wheel. The fire extinguisher was used once again to put out the flames. We then had it towed to the closest car repair business that was opened on a Saturday. …
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 taken to the dealership where they confirmed and repaired the issue. Vehicle was also inspected for an insurance claim. Dealership stated that it was the ABS system.
Transmission & 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. We feel that the significant amount of transmissions needing to be replaced on 2021 Ford Transit Connects is unreasonable expectation when you purchase your vehicle brand new from the manufacturer. Our vehicle has always been properly maintained to all dealer specs for the entire time we have owned it (and it was purchased with 6 miles on the odometer).
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 transmission. NHTSA ID# 10253889 and NHTSA ID# 10200744
2021 Ford Transit Connect engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 29 / 26 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: —.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Transit Connect rates better than average: 60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Transit Connect at the same age. It is one of the best Transit Connect years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
The brakes — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, the most recent from June 27, 2025 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Transit Connect?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2015. See the full Ford Transit Connect years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.