The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 4 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (6 complaints).
Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints12filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 3reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
2021 Ford Transit Connect in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Back over prevention › Software
NHTSA recall 25V442000 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
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.
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.
Fix: 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 › Shift linkage/cable/rod
NHTSA recall 22V413000 · Jun 10, 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Components: Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod; Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
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."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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 › Shift linkage/cable/rod
NHTSA recall 21V376000 · May 24, 2021 · 192,080 vehicles
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Components: Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod; Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.9%
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
2021 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
26mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV
26mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
Transit Connect Van FWD
25mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel
Transit Connect Van FFV FFV
25mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel
Transit Connect Van FWD
22mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD
22mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Transit Connect USPS
22mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 13, 2026 · fireService brakes 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…
Oct 17, 2026 · fireService 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…
Jul 23, 2026 · fireService brakes 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…
Sep 22, 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…
Apr 16, 2026Service brakes 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 symptoms before failure.
May 19, 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.
Apr 3, 2026Unknown or other Rear window in hatch door spontaneously shattered while I was driving to work this morning.
Jan 14, 2026Service brakes 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 towing to a service station, the ABS module failed and this caused damage to the brakes which had to be replaced.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
