2021 Ford TRANSIT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
23 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
79,469 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 23 complaints (21.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 13.0% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 4.3% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 4.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 4.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 4.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Power Train: 5; Unknown Or Other: 4; Wheels: 4; Suspension: 3; Electrical System: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Visibility/Wiper: 2; Air Bags: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 2
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 16 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2021: 2; 2022: 3; 2023: 3; 2024: 5; 2025: 7; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11443934 · 2021-12-15 (December 15, 2021)
Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to strip and come loose Dealer appears to have never inspected vehicle as per Pennsylvania law and the purchase contract. I have more phots and a video showing the extent of damage The r/f hub assembly worked loose and could have fallen off, seized or…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11443934 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11445233 · 2021-12-28 (December 28, 2021)
The Transit van has an optional "Front Overhead Shelf." This shelf is installed on the Ford assembly line, this is not an aftermarket install. This overhead shelf is designed to hold hats, gloves and other light items. The issue is this shelf bounces and vibrates when the van is in motion. Any items stored on the shelf, falls on the driver's head and face. Ford has addressed this issue with a center support. But is not addressing previously manufactured vehicles. Ford manufacturer part number is: BK3Z-61519A-AC Dealership recognizes the is…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11445233 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11460442 · 2022-04-11 (April 11, 2022)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11460442 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11476539 · 2022-07-29 (July 29, 2022)
Broken Valve Stem - While on vacation the warning light came on telling me I only had 15 pounds of pressure in my right inside rear tire (has dual tires.) I pumped it and took it to a tire store in Twin Falls Idaho. They could not find a leak and sent me on my way. When home in California I took it to La Mesa RV who found the broken valve stem. They said they had seen quite a few on this vehicle and recommended replacing all. They gave me the name of several close by tire shops. The one I picked recommended changing all the stems out beca…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11476539 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11498337 · 2022-12-20 (December 20, 2022)
I received a letter fromKIA that said a fire can occur in the area of the tow hitch harness module while driving or while the vehicle is parked with the ignition off.Debris and moisture contamination on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board ( PCB) which may cause an electrical short circuit , increasing the risk of a fire. A fire increases the risk of injury.I received a letter from KIA America Headquarters that a Recall Number 22V703 applies to my 2017 KIA Sportage which is equipped with a Genuine KIA tow hitch harness accessory.…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11498337 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11537364 · 2023-08-09 (August 9, 2023)
Per Mr. [XXX]: My daughter and members of our church’s high school youth group were on their way to a summer missions project in western Virginia/eastern Tennessee in an Enterprise rental van when the [DRIVERS' SIDE] rear tire started to separate from the vehicle as they were driving south on [XXX] near Staunton! Fortunately, the dad who was driving was able to safely steer the van to the side of the road, where the kids and their suitcases were re-distributed among the other vehicles in the caravan. They called Enterprise, but they had no ve…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11537364 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11553288 · 2023-11-02 (November 2, 2023)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the rear of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear door would not latch closed. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a gap between the door and frame of the vehicle, as well as the rear door protruding outward. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lock and unlock rod. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure b…
Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11553288 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11554309 · 2023-11-09 (November 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. My concerns are: The dealership cannot diagnose the problem and if the problem is related to the drive line it could lead to a failure at highway speeds which could be catastrophic.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11554309 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V592000 · Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
Reported: 2021-07-30 (July 30, 2021)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V499000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2023-07-19 (July 19, 2023)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2025-06-27 (June 27, 2025)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V876000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility:Wheelchair Restraints/Securement:Latch/Anchor:
Reported: 2025-12-17 (December 17, 2025)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗