2021 Ford Transit Connect Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 fires.

The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (6 reports).

4Recalls
12Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Transit Connect?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2021 Ford Transit Connect recalls

Rearview Camera May Show Blank or Stuck Image

Recall 25V442Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehicles affected

A software error can cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or to keep showing the camera image after the vehicle has left reverse.

Shifter Bushing May Fail, Causing Unexpected Movement

Recall 22V413Jun 10, 20222,925,968 vehicles affected

A bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or detach on certain 2013-2021 Ford vehicles.

Passenger seat belt may not secure child seats in a crash

Recall 21V592Jul 30, 202142,493 vehicles affected

The front passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, so a child restraint system may not stay properly secured.

Shifter Bushing May Fail, Allowing Unintended Vehicle Movement

Recall 21V376May 24, 2021192,080 vehicles affected

The bushing that connects the shifter cable to the transmission can degrade or come loose.

Most common 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems

Problem areas named in the 12 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes6
Power Train5
Unknown Or Other3
Engine2
Wheels2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Visibility/Wiper1
Forward Collision Avoidance1

What owners report

2026-10-22, Service 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 progra
2026-10-19, Service 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 fir
2026-10-14, Service 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 tak
2026-09-30, Power 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 thi
2026-05-22, Service 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.

2021 Ford Transit Connect questions

Does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect: Rearview Camera May Show Blank or Stuck Image; Shifter Bushing May Fail, Causing Unexpected Movement; Passenger seat belt may not secure child seats in a crash; Shifter Bushing May Fail, Allowing Unintended Vehicle Movement. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (6), Power Train (5), Unknown Or Other (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Ford Transit Connect has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Transit Connect years

Other 2021 Ford models