2021 Ford Transit Connect: common problems and reliability
One of the best Transit Connect years.
The best Ford Transit Connect year. All Transit Connect years
8 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 8 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Ford Transit Connect vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Transit Connect years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Transit Connect?
Across the 14 Transit Connect model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2023) to 259 (2016). With 8 complaints, the 2021 Transit Connect sits below the model's median of 79.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Transit Connect
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 21V376000Ford 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.
seat belts:front:retractor
Campaign 21V592000Ford 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."
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 22V413000Ford 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.
back over prevention:software
Campaign 25V442000Ford 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation model (approximately 2010-2013) is frequently criticized for significant transmission reliability issues, poor driving dynamics, and a cheap, unrefined feel, particularly on long journeys.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Transit Connect. See the full Transit Connect owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Transit Connect listings typically run $13,599–$20,795 across 2014 to 2023 model years.
Other Transit Connect model years
Compare every Transit Connect year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Transit Connect against its rivals
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