Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Service brakes5
- Power train5
- Unknown or other3
- Wheels2
- Engine2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Visibility/wiper1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 4 2021 Transit Connect vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 2 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Ford Transit Connect failed the safety check 5.79% of the time — 512% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 46,995 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
701 new Ford Transit Connect cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Germany (647), Portugal (25), Austria (22).
- Average mass
- 1,720 kg
- Average CO₂
- 151 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 79 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
2,480 Ford Transit Connect cars first registered in Europe in 2021 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Diesel van versions use 6.4 l/100 km on the road against 5.6 in the WLTP test (+15%).
| Fuel | Vehicles | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 253 | 6.3 | 5.7 | +11% |
| Petrol van | 125 | 8.5 | 7.1 | +21% |
| Diesel van | 2,102 | 6.4 | 5.6 | +15% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 354 of these cars first registered in 2021 took their annual MOT test. 84% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2021 the figure was 91%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.8% | 3.3% |
| Brakes | 6.2% | 1.3% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.3% | 2.9% |
| Visibility | 2.3% | 1.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD | ★★★★☆ | 17.9 % |
| 2021 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | — | 0.0 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 8 variants: combined 9.2–12.6 L/100 km (about 19–26 mpg US), CO₂ 208–251 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB · Special purpose vehicle · Regular gasoline | 9.9 | 8.2 | 9.2 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV · Special purpose vehicle · Regular gasoline | 9.9 | 8.2 | 9.2 |
| Transit Connect Van · Special purpose vehicle · Regular gasoline | 9.8 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV · Special purpose vehicle · Regular gasoline | 9.8 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Transit Connect Van · Special purpose vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.0 | 8.8 | 10.6 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB · Special purpose vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.1 | 9.0 | 10.7 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV · Special purpose vehicle · E85 ethanol | 13.7 | 11.1 | 12.5 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV · Special purpose vehicle · E85 ethanol | 13.3 | 11.8 | 12.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
4 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect.
| 2025360 27 Jun 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian re… |
| 2022311 13 Jun 2022 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the shift cable may detach from the transmission. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. … |
| 2021481 4 Aug 2021 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat belt assembly may contain a defective automatic locking retractor (ALR). As a result, the seat belt may n… |
| 2021309 24 May 2021 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the shift cable may detach from the transmission. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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."
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11006862 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off. |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10253889 | This article supersedes TSB 22-2281 to update the Part List. Some 2019-2021 Transit Connect vehicles built on or before 20-Dec-2021 and equipped with the 8F35 transmission may exhibit transmission slipping concerns, harsh engagements and various clutch diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Some vehicles may also have torque converter clutch DTCs. This may be due to worn needle bearings in the output planet carrier assembly. |
| 10253552 | Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual recentlyupdated for diagnostics and repairs on SYNC generation 3 and later applications. When performingdiagnostics and repairs on SYNC Gen 3 or later, select the diagnostics tab and search for related symptoms,DTCs and keywords. The search results will be shown in the search results pane. Read and follow allTechnical Service Bulletins (TSB), Special Service Message (SSM)s or General Service Bulletin (GSB) first if abulletin specifically addresses the vehicle concern. If there are no messages, run the |
| 10251952 | For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbochar |
| 10250852 | Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass/LincolnWay app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below 50%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep due to one of these conditions, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 414-01 procedure to correct the concern. If the vehicle is going |
| 10244707 | Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the SYNC module (APIM) software. |
| 10240743 | The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information. |
| 10237977 | Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass/LincolnWay app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below 50%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep outside these conditions, this may be due to the telematics control unit (TCU) software. To correct this condition, follow the Service Proce |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10233738 | Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln SYNC3 equipped vehicles may experience an inaccurate notification in the FordPass/LincolnWay app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode. Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode message is expected if the vehicle has not been started for 14 consecutive days, battery voltage is at/below 9.5 volts or the body control module (BCM) 12 volt battery state of charge (SoC) drops below 50%. If the vehicle is going into deep sleep outside these conditions, this may be due to the telematics control unit (TCU) software. To correct this condition, follow the Service Proce |
| 10228846 | Some 2020-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) could not be displayed in the center display screen. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5-minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Perform a TCU provisioning and Program the TCU to the latest FDRS version level. If the concern is |
| 10226926 | Some 2019-2021 Transit Connect vehicles built on or before 20-Dec-2021 and equipped with the 8F35 transmission may exhibit transmission slipping concerns, harsh engagements and various clutch diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Some vehicles may also have torque converter clutch DTCs. This may be due to worn needle bearings in the output planet carrier assembly. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to overhaul the transmission and replace the planetary gearset. |
| 10224334 | Some 2020-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematic control unit (TCU) may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, and/or modem electronic serial number (ESN) could not be displayed in the center display screen. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU fuse for 5-minutes then reinstall. Delete all previous session files for the vehicle. Start a new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) session. Perform a TCU provisioning and Program the TCU to the latest FDRS version level. If the concern is |
| 10217839 | Some 2018-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the 8F35 transmission built on or before 16-Mar-2022 may exhibit transmission slip during acceleration from a stop when hot. This may be due damaged internal case half pump seals (7N265). To correct the condition, remove the transmission and replace the internal case half pump seals. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. |
| 10217830 | Some 2018-2022 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit one of the following if the customer is using a Magsafe iPhone (iPhone 12 or 13): slow charging, inoperative, notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen display is not showing. This may be due to a compatibility issue between the customer's phone and the wireless accessory charging module (WACM) that may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge these specific phones. The phone can still be charged usin |
| 10214878 | Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator, 2021 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. |
| 10214832 | Some 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing authorization, command and control, battery charging details or phone-as-a-key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App. This condition is due to an error within the FordPass or LincolnWay App and not due to a concern on the vehicle. Verify that the customers FordPass or LincolnWay App is at the latest version. Replacement or reprogramming of the telematics control unit (TCU)/gateway module (GWM)/remote function actuator (RFA) will not resolve this condition. If the condition persists, util |
| 10210850 | Some 2021 and 2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may experience a tire sidewall wavy/indentation appearance in the radial direction on one or both sidewalls. Sidewall wavy/indentation appearance is a common cosmetic characteristic of radial tire construction and will not affect the performance of the tire. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)