VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford Transit problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Ford Transit sits mid-pack among Transit years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 48, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (7), transmission (6), and other (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

32

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Transit years?

Transit NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted267 complaints2001: 1 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 267 complaints2016: 208 complaints2017: 130 complaints2018: 74 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 105 complaints2021: 32 complaints2022: 52 complaints2023: 74 complaints2024: 35 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Transit NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Transit years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford Transit problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels722%
Transmission619%
Other413%
Suspension39%
Visibility & Wipers39%
Electrical System39%
Seat Belts26%
Body & Structure13%
Airbags13%
Latches & Locks13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2021 Ford Transit have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V876000OtherDecember 17, 2025 · 86 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

25V442000Driver AssistanceJune 27, 2025 · 200,237 units

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.

23V499000Fuel SystemJuly 19, 2023 · 10 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

21V592000Seat BeltsJuly 30, 2021 · 42,493 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Noise in the rear of the vehicle during low speed tight turns (parking lot speed). Vehicle has had axle bearing/hub replaced along with 7585W oil. The problem never went away even after this repair and has become worse. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks and cannot find the problem.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 9, 2023

“Noise in the rear of the vehicle during low speed tight turns (parking lot speed). Vehicle has had axle bearing/hub replaced along with 7585W oil. The problem never went away even after this repair and has become worse. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks and cannot find the problem.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 9, 2023

“U-Haul rented me this vehicle and didn't notify me if the outstanding recall also tires. This was a replacement for a worse truck and now they are saying I stole both trucks. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 16, 2022 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2026

“Noise in the rear of the vehicle during low speed tight turns (parking lot speed). Vehicle has had axle bearing/hub replaced along with 7585W oil. The problem never went away even after this repair and has become worse. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks and cannot find the problem.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 9, 2023

2021 Ford Transit — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Transit reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 32 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Transit year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Transit problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (7 complaints), transmission (6 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford Transit have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Ford Transit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Transit years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Transit years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2018, 2023. The cleanest record among Transit years belongs to 2001.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.