2021 Ford Transit Connect

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Ford Transit Connect
Pictured: Ford Transit Connect (3rd generation) IMG 3395. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Van Xl/Xlt, Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
26 combined · 24 city / 29 hwy
Length
189.4 in
Curb weight
3,580–3,977 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 special purpose vehicle (21 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect is a special purpose vehicle offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb (Van Xl/Xlt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 29 highway), 24% better than the 2021 special purpose vehicle average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2021

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Transit Connect →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Van Xl/Xlt189.4 in72.4 in70.5 in120.5 in61.4 / 62.2 in3,580 lb55/45
Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium189.4 in72.4 in70.5 in120.5 in61.4 / 62.2 in3,977 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+24%$2,600344
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+24%$2,600344
Transit Connect Van FWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 27 / 25+19%$2,700350
Transit Connect Van FFV FFV2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 27 / 25+19%$2,700350
Transit Connect Van FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22+5%$3,050397
Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+5%$3,050404
Transit Connect USPS2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22+5%$3,050397
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21 MPG2021 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2021 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWDNot rated★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD
Side crash test — 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 special purpose vehicles

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Ford Transit Connect (this car)26 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Ram Promaster City24 MPGNot rated10
2021 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van25 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (4)

Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jun 10, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V413000 · 2,925,968 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Jul 30, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V592000 · 42,493 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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 › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · May 24, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V376000 · 192,080 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

12Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Service Brakes6
Power Train5
Unknown Or Other3
Engine2
Wheels2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Visibility/Wiper1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/08: 123/01: 124/03: 124/11: 126/01: 126/04: 126/05: 226/09: 126/10: 322/0824/0326/0126/0526/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Transit Connect years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated01
2022 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated16
2020 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated832
2019 Transit Connect26189.4 inNot rated851
2018 Transit Connect23189.4 in★★★★★622
2017 Transit Connect23189.4 inNot rated628
2016 Transit Connect25189.4 inNot rated10104
2015 Transit Connect25189.4 inNot rated1166
2014 Transit Connect25189.4 inNot rated15124
2013 Transit Connect23181.1 inNot rated425
2012 Transit Connect23181.1 inNot rated115
2011 Transit Connect22181.1 inNot rated112

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →