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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Xl/Xlt | 189.4 in | 72.4 in | 70.5 in | 120.5 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,580 lb | 55/45 |
| Wagon Xl/Xlt/Titanium | 189.4 in | 72.4 in | 70.5 in | 120.5 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,977 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +24% | $2,600 | 344 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +24% | $2,600 | 344 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 27 / 25 | +19% | $2,700 | 350 |
| Transit Connect Van FFV FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 27 / 25 | +19% | $2,700 | 350 |
| Transit Connect Van FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 397 |
| Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Transit Connect USPS | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 397 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Transit Connect WAGON FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2021 Ford Transit Connect VAN FWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Not rated | – |


Similar 2021 special purpose vehicles
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Transit Connect (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Ram Promaster City | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2021 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
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.
Not every 2021 Ford Transit Connect is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Ford Transit Connect buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2020 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 32 |
| 2019 Transit Connect | 26 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 51 |
| 2018 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 22 |
| 2017 Transit Connect | 23 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 28 |
| 2016 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 104 |
| 2015 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 66 |
| 2014 Transit Connect | 25 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 15 | 124 |
| 2013 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2012 Transit Connect | 23 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2011 Transit Connect | 22 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →