2021 Ford Transit Connect Problems

Good Record

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has a low number of NHTSA complaints and recalls, but the data is limited to one model year. Based on 8 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.

20206 years2022

Before you buy

This 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 8 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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8
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Fatalities
4
Recalls

2021 Ford Transit Connect Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2021 Ford Transit Connect trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

24
MPG City
2024 range
27
MPG Hwy
2729 range
25
MPG Combined
2226 range
350
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $1,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.

2021 Ford Transit Connect Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

17.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

17.9% probability

Stability Control: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 2021 has 8 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Top complaints involve Transmission/Drivetrain (4) and Brake System (3). No crash-related complaints were reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2021 Ford Transit Connect — key reliability facts
Make
Ford
Model
Transit Connect
Model year
2021
NHTSA owner complaints
8
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Transmission / Drivetrain
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPG combined
25
EPA MPG city / highway
24 / 27
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
4
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#2
3
complaints

Brake System

#3
2
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

With only 8 complaints and 4 recalls across one model year, the 2021 Transit Connect shows no alarming patterns, but the low sample size means conclusions are uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection.

Transmission and brake issues are costly to repair and can affect safety, so even a few complaints warrant attention before purchase.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who need a compact cargo van and are willing to perform thorough due diligence due to limited data.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers seeking a proven, high-confidence used vehicle may want to avoid this year due to the low complaint count and uncertainty.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2021 Ford Transit Connect

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect transmission for slipping, harsh shifting, or leaks.
  • Check brake pads, rotors, and fluid condition.
  • Verify all 4 recall repairs have been completed.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and brake repairs.
  • Test drive to check for transmission hesitation or brake noise.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2021 Ford Transit Connect, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 8 complaints and 4 recalls. The top complaint components are Transmission/Drivetrain (4 complaints) and Brake System (3 complaints). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: No other model years are provided for comparison, so this year's data stands alone.

Recall context: Four recalls indicate that several safety or compliance issues were identified, so verifying all recall repairs is essential.

Key Findings
  • Transmission/Drivetrain accounts for 4 of 8 total complaints.
  • Brake System accounts for 3 of 8 total complaints.
  • There are 0 crash-related complaints among the 8 total.
Top Concerns
  • Transmission/Drivetrain issues reported in 4 complaints.
  • Brake System issues reported in 3 complaints.
  • Engine Problems reported in 2 complaints.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Only 8 complaints exist for this single model year, providing low statistical confidence.

Full breakdown

All 2021 Ford Transit Connect complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain4
Brake System3
Uncategorized Issues2
Engine Problems2
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1
Visibility/Wiper1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 8 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 22, 2026

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 le…

Brake SystemMay 22, 2026

Automatic braking system module System went out mid drive and Locked up the front right and back left brakes making vehicle immovable in the middle of the highway. Towed to a dealership where they had to remove and replace ABS module no warning lamps were present. No prior sympt…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 3, 2026

Rear window in hatch door spontaneously shattered while I was driving to work this morning.

Brake SystemJan 27, 2026

Two tires lock up gradually and then completely preventing the vehicle from being driven and causing damage to the other tires. The inability to drive the vehicle on the open road is very dangerous. There are no warning lamps. The vehicle may seem sluggish to accelerate. After to…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 26, 2024

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 w…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 13, 2024

My windshield is leaking and has been leaking since manufacturing. The windshield is flexing and is missing the adhesive along the top. Caused electrical damage to the car.

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 8, 2023

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 …

Uncategorized IssuesAug 14, 2022

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 …

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect.

Safety recalls

2021 Ford Transit Connect recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Four recalls indicate that several safety or compliance issues were identified, so verifying all recall repairs is essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

#21V376000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)24/05/2021
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

#21V592000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR30/07/2021
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

#22V413000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)Oct 6, 2022
Safety recall

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

#25V442000BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE27/06/2025

Across model years

Compare Ford Transit Connect model years

No other model years are provided for comparison, so this year's data stands alone.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2021 Ford Transit Connect buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect reliable?

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 8 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. With only 8 complaints and 4 recalls across one model year, the 2021 Transit Connect shows no alarming patterns, but the low sample size means conclusions are uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints). #2: Brake System (3 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (2 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 8 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL). Four recalls indicate that several safety or compliance issues were identified, so verifying all recall repairs is essential. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

With only 8 complaints and 4 recalls across one model year, the 2021 Transit Connect shows no alarming patterns, but the low sample size means conclusions are uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection. Transmission and brake issues are costly to repair and can affect safety, so even a few complaints warrant attention before purchase. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Ford Transit Connect reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2021 Ford Transit Connect based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.