The Lemon Index

All cars · Ford Transit · 2021

2021 Ford Transit. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index12100 = average car
Complaints13NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold99,745U.S. model year
Per 100K sold13complaints
Complaint rank#2 of 8among the 8 scored Ford Transit model years (2015–2022); #1 = fewest complaints per car sold, not the YouTube rank

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Transmission & drivetrain31%
Wheels31%
Suspension23%
Brakes8%
Seat belts8%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1310003

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 25V876000 Dec 2025 Equipment Adaptive/Mobility / Wheelchair Restraints/Securement / Latch/Anchor /

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 25V442000 Jun 2025 Back Over Prevention / Software

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • 23V499000 Jul 2023 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 21V592000 Jul 2021 Seat Belts / Front / Retractor

    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."

    Risk. 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.

Manufacturer communications 136

Ford filed 136 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Some 2015-2021 Transit vehicles equipped with rear wheel drive (RWD), single rear wheel (SRW),…
  • Harsh engagement into drive
  • Harsh engagement into drive

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Ford Transit Medium Roof (8,10,12) Pass WAGON AWDnot rated★★★☆☆★★★★★not rated
Ford Transit Medium Roof (8,10,12) Pass WAGON RWD★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ford Transit Connect VAN FWDnot rated★★★★☆★★★★★not rated

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cylAuto (S8)FWD24 / 27 / 25Regular$2,500
2.5L 4-cylAuto (S6)FWD20 / 27 / 22Regular$2,850
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S10)RWD15 / 19 / 16Regular$3,900
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S10)AWD14 / 18 / 16Regular$3,900

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

YouTube repair topics

200 videos about the 2015–2025 Ford Transit, 35.8M views.

TopicVideosViews
Infotainment, battery & electrical6710K
Oil changes & service5669K
Brakes & ABS5451K
Starter, alternator & belts1378K
Gauges, lights & wiring3336K
Transmission & shifter4277K
Windows, doors & mirrors2159K
Fuel pump, filter & tank2134K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20181521137,794Body structure
20191015153,868Speed control
20204253131,557Seats
2021121399,745Transmission & drivetrain
2022243099,382Backup camera
20233859129,009Electrical
20242128152,738Body structure

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data

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