Last updated: 2026-03-06
2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Reliability Report
The 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 5 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
5
Complaint Rate
1.9
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$775
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.
- Year 8 in the Second generation (2012) (2014–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation Transit-Connect-Wagon (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2014: Second generation (2012) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon?
The 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.
With 5 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train and power train (3). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2020 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Complaint rate in line with Van segment average (early data)
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 5 complaints reported
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: Transmission replacements (3 complaints)
- −Transmission replacements reported at 87,000 miles
Compare 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- POWER TRAIN (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.9
per 10k soldSegment avg: 1.9
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.
SEAT BELTS
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.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.9%
Safety Technologies
Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$775
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Door Lock Cylinder Replacement | $167 – $210 |
| Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement | $221 – $453 |
| Battery Cable Battery Terminal End Service | $37 – $54 |
| Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement | $137 – $178 |
| Engine Oil Filter Adapter Replacement | $443 – $520 |
| Brake System Inspect | $122 – $179 |
| AC Evaporator Replacement | $935 – $1,334 |
| Clutch Cable Replacement | $310 – $373 |
| Coolant Change | $249 – $278 |
| Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid Replacement | $533 – $739 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon.
Inspect transmission for signs of wear or previous replacement
Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially service engine soon and malfunction indicator lamp
Test brakes for any signs of locking or ABS module issues
Examine windshield for leaks or improper adhesive application
Verify that the vehicle has not experienced unintended acceleration incidents
Ensure all recalls have been addressed, particularly those related to power train and brakes
Buying a 2021 Transit-Connect-Wagon? Check Its History First
Every 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Common Problems by Component
5 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2021 Ford Transit Connect Wagon's power train, particularly involving transmission replacements. One complaint details a complete transmission replacement at 87,000 miles, noting that multiple vehicles of the same model were undergoing similar repairs at the same shop. Symptoms described include the vehicle's service engine soon light and malfunction indicator lamp frequently flashing, with potential links to fueling issues and misfires, though these have not been confirmed by dealers. While no direct safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are detailed, the unresolved warning lights and transmission replacements at relatively high mileage may be of interest to potential used car buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintTwo tires lock up gradually and then completely preventing the vehicle from being driven and causing damage to the other tires. The inability to drive the vehicle on the open road is very dangerous. There are no warning lamps. The vehicle may seem sluggish to accelerate. After towing to a service station, the ABS module failed and this caused damage to the brakes which had to be replaced.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintjuly2, 2022 Saturday, 4pm 2021 Ford transit connect titanium -Sudden unintended acceleration I was making a very slow (2-3mph) U-turn in an empty, very small strip mall parking lot with the brake being lightly pushed as I went around tight left turn. 3/4 thru the turn the van suddenly accelerated while I believe the brake pedal was still being pushed, I pushed the brake pedal down hard but the van continued to accelerate..it wouldn't slow down. The van jumped the curb and ran into a 4' square cement planter on the sidewalk, sliding the planter about 3 ft. forward. The whole sudden acceleration happened within about 3-5 seconds and was stopped by the cement planter, cutting off the engine. All front airbags were deployed. A few cuts and bruises from the airbags required no medical attention. No citations were issued by the police. The vehicle damage has been estimated at 27,000 and the insurance company is deciding whether to total it or repair it.
When Do 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon year is 2023 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (72/100) and 2021 (69/100).
2023
2022
2021
(Current Model)
Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Years to Avoid
No Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Reliability Score Trend
Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 73/100 compared to 67/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Reliability Compared to Other Years
2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon Common Questions
10 questions from 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon owners.
Charging
My very dead battery is on charger and the parking lights are flashing quickly - why?
Heater wont turn off
Heater wont turn off/display blank Started today
Oil on the spark plugs underneath the boot
I went to change my spark plugs and there was oil on them when I removed the boot! 1 no oil 2 a little oil 3 more oil & 4 had about half full?! From left to rightist i First time I looked Started today
Antifreeze leak
My antifreeze keeps leaking out after buying the car 30 day Antifreeze A few days
2019 ford Explorer
Rough idle when stopping at light More than a month
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon?
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon have?
Is the 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Look Up a VIN →How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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