2021 Ford Transit Connect: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Ford Transit Connect: 4 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V376000 · 2021 · 192,080 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V592000 · 2021 · 42,493 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V413000 · 2022 · 2,925,968 vehicles
What's wrong: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission May degrade or detach.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Brakes (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 9 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 14 Transit Connect model years for complaints (well below the 41 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old. Neighboring years: 2020 (32 complaints, 8 recalls), 2022 (6 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 27 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 27 | 25 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Transit Connect problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (5), brakes (3), other / unknown (2).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Ford Transit Connect repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.