2021 Ford Transit Connect
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 4 of 8 complaints (50%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 32 in 2020 to 8 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,400–2,850 | 2,400–2,850 | 2,400–2,850 | 2,400–2,850 | 2,400–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–26 | 22–26 | 22–26 | 22–26 | 25–26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 20–24 / 26–29 | 20–24 / 26–29 | 20–24 / 26–29 | 20–24 / 26–28 | 24 / 26–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 344–404 | 344–404 | 344–404 | 347–404 | 348–355 | |
| Complaints filed | 51 | 32 | 8 | 6 | 1 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 4 of 8 NHTSA complaints (50%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect get?
EPA rates it 22–26 MPG combined across 7 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
EPA estimates $2,400–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg (low) | 27 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 397 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg (low) | 27 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 397 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 24 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 350 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 24 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 350 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 24 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $2,400 (low) | 344 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 24 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $2,400 (low) | 344 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V442000 · Jun 30, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD · Campaign 22V413000 · Jun 13, 2022
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · Campaign 21V592000 · Aug 2, 2021
Defect: 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."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL); POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD · Campaign 21V376000 · May 24, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.