Total Complaints
30 filings
FORD TRANSIT · model year
30 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021FORDTRANSIT carries 30 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 TRANSIT is power train with 5 filings, followed by unknown or other (4) and wheels (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2021 TRANSIT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
30 filings
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| WHEELS | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 3 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| WHEELS:HUB | 1 |
| STRUCTURE | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 1 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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, 2021-2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
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 restraint
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Ford Transit. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 33,000; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 320,000.
Mileage: 320,000
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving the 2021 Thor Gemini at 65 MPH in the wind, the wind veered the vehicle off the road. The vehicle rolled over and down an embankment when it came to a stop. Â No warning lights were illuminated. The side curtain air bag and front passenger-side air bags deployed. However, the driver-side air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact and his wife were taken to the hospital via ambulance. The contact sustained a concussion, while the contact's wife was severely injured in the right eye due to the air bag and sustained a concussion. The vehicle was towed to Ricky's Towing, a local towing yard. The insurance company was contacted and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.Â
Mileage: 25,000
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit 250 equipped with Sentury Lionheart Tires, Tire Line: Lionclaw, Tire Size: 235/65/R16, DOT Number: [XXX] . The tires were replacement tires. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed a blowout of the front driver's side tire. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passengerâs side tire was cracked by the side wall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local tire dealer were notified of the failures. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unavailable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mileage: 20,000
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle lost motive power with the âWRENCHâ warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off, and was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. Two days later, the âWRENCHâ light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Subsequently, the vehicle was taken to a transmission center, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and requested the vehicle maintenance records. The failure mileage was approximately 79,469.
Mileage: 79,469
Issue is with Hankook tires. Mileage on original OEM tires on my campervan from Ford. 44,600 miles. Good tread, air pressure checked daily on trips. Date code of manufacture of tires: 41st week, 2020. Took ownership of campervan on Dec 6th, 2021. Travel west on I-696 at 70 mph. Driverâs left front tire exploded. I did not hit anything in the road way. In the second lane from right side of freeway. Was able to safely move to the shoulder of the freeway. Tread completely came off the tire. Broke bumper, damages sensors, bent floor pan, and cracked driver side step. Insurance claim filed with Progressive Insurance, and will be inspected on Aug 22nd. Tires will be replaced on Aug 12th at Discount Tire with Toyo Celsius tires. Tire is not available for inspection but multiple photos are available.
Vehicle Make/Model/Year: Ford Transit Passenger Van, 2021 VIN: [XXX] 1. Component/System That Failed: The automatic sliding door on the passenger side of the van has malfunctioned repeatedly. The door does not open properly, often stopping at approximately 6 inches, and frequently fails to close fully. In multiple instances, the door has opened while the vehicle was in motion, which presents a serious safety hazard. The affected component is still available and can be inspected upon request. 2. Safety Risk Description: This malfunction puts occupantsâ safety at serious risk. If the door opens while driving, passengers (especially children or individuals with limited mobility) are vulnerable to falling out. Additionally, in an emergency situation, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or other first responders would not be able to easily access the van through the sliding door, delaying urgent medical treatment or evacuation. This could result in preventable injuries or fatalities. 3
The vehicle constantly has issues shifting gears. This could lead to a potential accident. This is a common problem with this vehicle. Please recall the transmission
NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. We have had this same issue with a 2021 Ford Transit thats not included in the recall. Total loss of all HVAC controls found to be caused by a faulty control module.
NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. We have had this same issue with a 2021 Ford Transit thats not included in the recall. Total loss of all HVAC controls found to be caused by a faulty control module.
Sun visors become exceptionally stiff and cannot no be dropped to protect from glaring sun. This creates a driving distraction. The visors reach a point where they are so tightly frozen that an effort to lower them causes the sun visor mount to sheer off. Now I have no working sun visors. Ford says it's not a reported issue, but that's not true at all. See this string from Ford Transit USA Forum. [XXX] There are many other reports of the problem. Ford dealers say it's not a warranty or recall issue. Some people have had the sun visors replaced, but the defect shows up again. There is definitely a design and manufacturing issue that creates a very serious safety issue. Try driving into the sun without a visor! It's blinding and extremely dangerous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The belts were shifting/separating from the trade of my tire. I noticed an increasing vibration in the steering which lead me to take it to a tire shop to check it out. Fortunately I had read about this issue on a forum and caught the problem before a catastrophic failure, I took the van to a Ford dealership to replace the two front tyres, and the remaining four tyres are on order in due to be replaced in the next few days. Unfortunately, I did not think to keep the tire or take any photographs. But he wasnât noticeable bulge in the tire. The tire was manufactured in the 44th week of 2000. The van was delivered to Forest River and built out as an RV in 2002.
The contact's business owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated while an employee was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the rear passengerâs side tire detached from the axle and landed into a front yard. The vehicle was stopped immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bolts sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,215.
Mileage: 160,215
On my 2021 Transit 250, Ford has warrantied 2 front drive axles, the 1st was at 42.4k and second was at 50k. Service writer and tech could not explain why this is occurring. Called Ford customer service line, no tsb or ssm out there, no recall(same as dealer advised). I am aware this is not an isolated incident to me as have found online other instances. If front axle seizes due to lack of fluid due to this issue sudden loss of power or control would be possible. To my understanding and dealers understanding there is no warring light for low diff oil. tried to upload service writeup but would not take
Vehicle delivered with 5-hole spare wheel. Vehicle requires 6-hole wheel. Discovered discrepancy when a tire separated and required a spare to replace it.
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.
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.
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.
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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Mileage: 10,000
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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Mileage: 10,000
Per Mr. [XXX]: My daughter and members of our churchâs 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 vehicles to spare, so they told the driver to leave the van by the side of the road and they would dispatch a wrecker to pick it up. Have you seen this happen before with Ford Transit axles? But for the driverâs alertness, this could have been a headline-making event! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.