Most common 2021 Ford Transit problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Transit complaints by model year
Best Transit years: 2014, 2021, 2025. Years to avoid: 2023, 2020, 2015. Compare all years →
2021 Ford Transit recalls (4)
Equipment adaptive/mobility › Wheelchair restraints/securement › Latch/anchor
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Quality Vans (Quality Vans) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ford Transit vans equipped with Onan QG 2800i EVAP generators, part number 2.8HGLAA-8303A. The fuel hose between the inline fuel filter and the Injection Pump Module (IPM) may not be properly secured, which can cause a gas leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel hose and clamps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Owners may contact Quality Vans customer service at 1-480-464-7007.
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.
What 2021 Ford Transit owners say
Wheels & tires
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit 250 equipped with Sentury Lionheart Tires, Tire Line: Lionclaw, Tire Size: 235/65/R16, DOT Number: [redacted] . The tires were replacement tires. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed a blowout of the front driver's side tire. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger's side tire was cracked by the side wall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local tire dealer were notified of the failures. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Broken Valve Stem - While on vacation the warning light came on telling me I only had 15 pounds of pressure in my right inside rear tire (has dual tires.) I pumped it and took it to a tire store in Twin Falls Idaho. They could not find a leak and sent me on my way. When home in California I took it to La Mesa RV who found the broken valve stem. They said they had seen quite a few on this vehicle and recommended replacing all. They gave me the name of several close by tire shops. The one I picked recommended changing all the stems out because they had seen a number of failures with the 2021 Transits. I did this but now don't have a TPMS since I didn't want to get another one that was likely to fail. Ford should do a recall and put in long stem valve stems that don't brake and also making adding air easier than the OEM ones. I am picking safety over having a TPMS. …
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle lost motive power with the "WRENCH" warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off, and was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. Two days later, the "WRENCH" light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Subsequently, the vehicle was taken to a transmission center, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and requested the vehicle maintenance records. The failure mileage was approximately 79,469.
Per Mr. [redacted]: My daughter and members of our church's high school youth group were on their way to a summer missions project in western Virginia/eastern Tennessee in an Enterprise rental van when the [DRIVERS' SIDE] rear tire started to separate from the vehicle as they were driving south on [redacted] near Staunton! Fortunately, the dad who was driving was able to safely steer the van to the side of the road, where the kids and their suitcases were re-distributed among the other vehicles in the caravan. They called Enterprise, but they had no vehicles to spare, so they told the driver to leave the van by the side of the road and they would dispatch a wrecker to pick it up. Have you seen this happen before with Ford Transit axles? But for the driver's alertness, this could have been a headline-making event!
Suspension
The contact's business owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated while an employee was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the rear passenger's side tire detached from the axle and landed into a front yard. The vehicle was stopped immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bolts sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,215.
Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to strip and come loose Dealer appears to have never inspected vehicle as per Pennsylvania law and the purchase contract. I have more phots and a video showing the extent of damage The r/f hub assembly worked loose and could have fallen off, seized or collapsed to the ground pulling the vehicle severely to the right and causing an accident. The heat generated by the failure is evident by the discoloring of the bearing and race.
2021 Ford Transit 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 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford Transit a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Transit rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Transit at the same age. It is one of the best Transit 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?
The wheels & tires — 7 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hub. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (6) and suspension (3).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit, the most recent from December 17, 2025 (latch/anchor). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2021 and 2025. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2020 and 2015. See the full Ford Transit years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford Transit problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.