NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
This page covers 4 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect.
22–25 mpg combined
9.4–10.7 L/100km
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, as was performance in the side pole test. Rollover resistance received a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the Transit Connect through its current generation.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has 4 recalls, the most serious being a shifter cable bushing that can degrade or fall off, leaving the driver unable to select the intended gear and causing the vehicle to roll or move in an unexpected direction.
On the occupant safety side, the front passenger seatbelt's automatic locking retractor can release its lock earlier than it should, which means a child safety seat clipped into that belt position may not stay firmly secured during a crash. The retractor is supposed to hold the child restraint tight against the seat, and if it lets go prematurely, the seat can shift or tip in a collision, raising the risk of injury to a young passenger. There is also a rearview camera software issue: under certain conditions the camera can display a blank screen while the vehicle is in reverse, cutting off the driver's view of what is directly behind the van and making it harder to spot a person or obstacle.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting shift control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the worn bushing and install a protective cap over the cable bushing at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat belt's automatic locking retractor may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured correctly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly and replace it if needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber bushing connecting the shifter cable to the transmission can wear down or come loose, potentially affecting gear selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing and install a protective cap at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.