NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2021 Ford Transit recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit and 24 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (6), unknown or other (5), wheels (5). EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2021 ranks #2 of 11 Transit model years for fewest complaints (2015–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (71). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 13.6 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 4

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Ford Transit. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Equipment adaptive/mobility · wheelchair restraints/securement · latch/anchor · NHTSA #25V876000 · 12/17/2025

Problem: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

Back over prevention · softwareNHTSA #25V442000 · 06/27/2025

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.

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNHTSA #23V499000 · 07/19/2023

Problem: Quality Vans (Quality Vans) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ford Transit vans equipped with Onan QG 2800i EVAP generators, part number 2.8HGLAA-8303A. The fuel hose between the inline fuel filter and the Injection Pump Module (IPM) may not be properly secured, which can cause a gas leak.

Risk: A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel hose and clamps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Owners may contact Quality Vans customer service at 1-480-464-7007.

Seat belts · front · retractorNHTSA #21V592000 · 07/30/2021

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.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Power train6
Unknown or other5
Wheels5
Electrical system3
Suspension3
Seat belts2
Tires2
Visibility/wiper2

By the numbers

24owner complaints filed
2involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported

Recent owner reports

10/11/2026 · Unknown or other,equipment adaptive/mobility

We are writing to formally escalate catastrophic and highly dangerous safety failure issues involving a Braun Millenium Lift, hydraulic oil explosion, failure of the emergency back up pump, severe structural defects, a sagging floor near wheelchair tie downs and the rear passenger seat and a four year pattern of negligence from the dealer that installed Braun Lift. We had the…

06/03/2026 · Seat belts

The passenger side seat belt locks up at unusual times. Passenger can’t reach anything because they are locked in their seat. The seatbelt has locked up numerous times however the mechanic can’t repeat the problem in the shop. Yes is has been reported and investigated by TASCA Ford, 1300 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI. No indications before the seatbelt locks up.

04/13/2026 · Visibility

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while parked and having an oil change sticker applied to the top of the driver's side windshield, the glass detached half an inch and water had since entered the vehicle through the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Safety ratings

2021 Ford Transit Van VAN AWD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crashNot rated
RolloverNot rated

2021 Ford Transit Van VAN RWD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crashNot rated
RolloverNot rated

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Ford Transit.

Transit Connect USPS

Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L

20city
27hwy
22combined

Regular

Transit Connect Van FFV

Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L

24city
27hwy
25combined

Gasoline or E85

Other model years

Compare every Ford Transit year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit, most recently for equipment adaptive/mobility · wheelchair restraints/securement · latch/anchor · (12/17/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

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

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (6), unknown or other (5), wheels (5).

Is the 2021 Ford Transit safe?

NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2021 Ford Transit.

Is the 2021 a good year for the Ford Transit?

The 2021 ranks #2 of 11 Transit model years for fewest complaints (2015–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (71). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 13.6 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Transit get?

EPA ratings for the 2021 Ford Transit range from 22 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2021 Ford Transit in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TRANSIT VAN, TRANSIT LOW ROOF 15 PASS, TRANSIT HIGH ROOF 15 PASS, Transit.

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