2021 Ford Transit connect problems
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact panel van sold by Ford since 2002. Developed by Ford of Europe, the model line replaced sedan-based vans (Ford Escort and Ford Courier vans) with a dedicated commercial vehicle platform. The model line is the second-smallest vehicle of the Ford Transit range, slotted between the Ford Transit Courier LAV and the Ford Transit Custom LCV/MPV. In line with other Ford Transit variants, passenger-oriented models (in Europe) are marketed as the Ford Tourneo Connect with side windows and rear seats.
The first and second-generation Transit Connect has been imported to North America from the 2010 model year. To circumvent the 25% "chicken tax" on imported light trucks, all examples have been imported as passenger vans, with cargo vans converted to the intended configuration after their importation. In the region, the Transit Connect does not have a direct predecessor; the closest vehicle to its size was the standard-length Ford Aerostar cargo van, which ceased production in 1997.
The first-generation Transit Connect was assembled by Ford Otosan (Kocaeli, Turkey) along with Ford Romania (Craiova, Romania). For the second generation, Ford of Europe shifted production to its Ford Valencia Body and Assembly facility (Almussafes, Valencia, Spain). For 2022, a third generation of the Tourneo Connect was released; based on the Volkswagen Caddy, the model line is assembled by Volkswagen in Poland.
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Common 2021 Ford Transit connect problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ford Transit Connect 2021, some common problems include issues with the power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication, shift linkage/cable/rod, and front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:
- Power Train Issues: Owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission, gear position indication, and shift linkage/cable/rod. This issue can lead to degraded or detached bushings that attach the shifter cable to the transmission, affecting the vehicle's shifting capabilities.
- Automatic Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission in the 2021 Ford Transit Connect has been a concern for owners, with reports of issues related to gear shifting and power train functionality. These problems can impact the overall drivability and performance of the vehicle.
- Gear Position Indication: Complaints have surfaced regarding the gear position indication system in the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Malfunctions in this system can lead to incorrect gear readings, potentially causing confusion for the driver and affecting the vehicle's operation.
- Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod: Issues with the shift linkage, cable, or rod have been reported by owners. These components are crucial for the proper operation of the transmission system, and any degradation or detachment can result in difficulties with shifting gears effectively.
- Front Passenger Seat Belt Automatic Locking Retractor: Problems with the front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor have been highlighted. Early deactivation of this safety feature can prevent the proper securing of child restraint systems, posing a safety risk for passengers.
These issues with the Ford Transit Connect 2021 can impact the vehicle's safety, performance, and overall driving experience. Owners experiencing any of these problems are advised to contact Ford customer service for assistance and to address these issues promptly to ensure the continued reliability and safety of their vehicles.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Transit Connect?
One of the most common problems with the Ford Transit Connect is transmission issues. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels and any problem with it can result in significant performance issues.
What is the transmission problem on the 2021 Ford Transit?
Issue: Some 2019-2021 Transit Connect vehicles built on or before 20-Dec-2021 and equipped with the 8F35 transmission may exhibit transmission slipping concerns, harsh engagements and various clutch diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Some vehicles may also have torque converter clutch DTCs.
What year did Ford Transit Connect avoid?
Among the Ford Transit Van years to avoid, as noted by MotorBiscuit, the 2015 model year stands out as the most problematic. Known for significant issues in its engine, transmission, and electronic systems, the 2015 Ford Transit Van has faced several recalls and numerous owner complaints.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Transit Connect engine?
What is Ford Transit Connect lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Ford Transit Connect is 157,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
What goes wrong with Ford Transit Connect?
The main Ford Transit Connect van problems are the Cambelt shredding its teeth. This results in the same effect as the Cambelt snapping, causing the piston valve damage resulting in head removal for investigation or a replacement engine being needed. Other common faults known are turbo failure.
What is the transmission problem on the 2021 Ford Transit?
Issue: Some 2019-2021 Transit Connect vehicles built on or before 20-Dec-2021 and equipped with the 8F35 transmission may exhibit transmission slipping concerns, harsh engagements and various clutch diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Some vehicles may also have torque converter clutch DTCs.
Why is Ford discontinuing the Transit Connect?
Automakers continued to ditch the small-van market in 2023. Ford ended Transit Connect sales in the U.S. "to reduce global manufacturing cost and complexity, alongside decreased demand for the compact van segment." Ram, General Motors, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz have also abandoned the segment.
What year did Ford Transit Connect avoid?
Among the Ford Transit Van years to avoid, as noted by MotorBiscuit, the 2015 model year stands out as the most problematic. Known for significant issues in its engine, transmission, and electronic systems, the 2015 Ford Transit Van has faced several recalls and numerous owner complaints.
2021 Ford Transit connect car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Transit connect problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Ford Transit connect vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Ford Transit connect complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Ford Transit connect.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-11
- VIN: NM0GE9F27M1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: My windshield is leaking and has been leaking since manufacturing. The windshield is flexing and is missing the adhesive along the top. Caused electrical damage to the car.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-06
- VIN: NM0LS7E25M1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This vehicle keeps flashing service engine soon light and malfunction indicator lamp. Dealer is keep saying that there are nothing to fix the issue. However, they have noted that it might be related to fueling hole and also fuel misfire. Dealer is not addressing the issue and on the manual page 99, it advises not to operate the vehicle when both lights flash together. However, dealer is not addressing the issue. Please help.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-02
- VIN: Nm0ge9g22m1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: july2, 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.
2021 Ford Transit connect recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2021 Ford Transit connect.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2021 Ford Transit connect car reviews
Positive 2021 Ford Transit connect car reviews
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Plenty of room for cargo and overall runs smooth. However, I noticed that the vehicle sometimes hesitates before taking off from a complete stop. Additionally, the review camera often has an unclear picture. I was told by the dealer that this is normal because it does eventually clear up. I found this confusing, but overall I am satisfied with the vehicle.
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I've owned this van for 5 years now and it has been a great ride. Recently, it was in a dealership for the first time due to a 'shift cable bushing' recall replacement, which only took them 30 minutes. Although I have 3 vehicles, including a Toyota truck and a Lexus GS350, I find myself driving the van the most because it's just so much fun to drive. It's very nimble with quick steering, and although it's a 4 banger, it still boogies when you keep your foot in it. I've driven it consistently at 80-85 mph on freeways here in NorCal and it has no issues keeping up. Admittedly, it can be a bit noisy, especially since I'm about half deaf from playing in rock bands most of my life, but it's not a big deal. I originally purchased it to haul music gear to gigs and it has been stellar for me. I have no real complaints about it and I find that the Nissan and Ram equivalents don't even compare. If someone made a turbo or supercharger for it, I would definitely pay big money for that. It would be one insane ride!
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I have owned this vehicle for four years as of February 2021, and it is still working well for my needs. It is easy to handle and takes up very little space in the garage. I had the windows tinted to help with the A/C, which has been a great addition. Recently, I installed aftermarket roof rhino-racks and aero-bars for a Thule pod, which has been incredibly helpful when my in-laws visit and we go camping. We are planning to install a receiver hitch for bicycles this summer. During a recent 2500 mile trip to Moab with 4 adults and 2 kids, we averaged 26 MPG despite varied elevation. The aftermarket racks can hold more than the stock Ford rack, but it was a bit of a pain to install the rails. If you decide to install them yourself, make sure to use cold quenched drill-bits as the steel will dull anything else. We just returned from camping below MT Adams, and the van handled unpaved roads well. The washboard was a little hard, but not too bad. The kid laughed at the water in the bottles bouncing around. While I think Ford should offer camping improvements like 1
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This car gets great gas mileage, with 20 miles per gallon around town and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. It also has plenty of seating and cargo space, as well as ample headroom. Despite being a 4-cylinder, it has a peppy performance.
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Looking for a family car that won't break the bank? Look no further than this amazing family hauler! While it may not have all the bells and whistles of other traditional minivans, it more than makes up for it with its versatility. With dual sliding doors and rear bucket seats, it's the perfect car to get the job done. Plus, the Titanium line comes with some impressive safety features like lane assist, blind spot monitors, and frontal crash assist/auto braking. And let's not forget about the technology - with a wireless phone charger, SYNC tech, and plenty of USB ports, you'll be connected wherever you go. Not only is it practical, but it's stylish too - I've received tons of compliments on its Euro style, and my kids love it too! And for a van, the handling around turns and corners is beyond impressive. The only downsides are that it can be a tad noisy with the radio off, and conversations don't always travel well due to the high ceilings. Overall, I absolutely love this Euro machine!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Ford Transit connect problems:
Ford Transit Connect Recalls and Problems | 2nd Generation, 2014 ...
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Feb 26, 2024 ... Some common Ford Transit Connect problems include transmission failure, engine failure, and a loose panoramic roof panel. Contents hide. Is the ...
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Apr 4, 2019 ... Ford Transit Connect Transmission Problems - (What's the problem?) - I explain an issue I am having with my Ford Transit Connect.
View topic - Ford Transit Connect 2009 ECU problems
Ford Transit Connect 2009 ECU problems ... Post by scootsman » Fri Mar 19, 2021 6:23 ... I'm not saying that they're not right, just that it would be an unusual cause, for what seems to be a fairly common problem on the Connect.
Top 5 Problems Ford Transit Connect Van 2010-2013 1st ...
Jul 19, 2022 ... ... Ford Transit Connect, which you can find in model years 2010 to 2013! In this video, Sue points out some of the common problems with this ...
Other years of Ford Transit connect
Are you having problems with your 2021 Ford Transit connect?
Fredrick Turner 2025-06-14
The backup camera is currently experiencing issues with clarity and functionality, and the reverse occasionally fails to engage. Despite these challenges, I have enjoyed my 2019 van since purchasing it with zero miles a few months ago. However, I am considering trading it in soon to avoid potential future problems.
Zander Beatty 2024-11-07
The power ratio of this vehicle is quite low, so it may struggle to maintain speeds of over 55mph on uphill grades when fully loaded. The interior feels quite basic, even with seats, and may remind you of a handyman's van. The suspension is not the best, so it's not recommended to take sharp turns as it may not hold the line without jerking. Due to the low set oversized windows, some passengers, especially kids, may feel a bit uneasy as they may end up in your lap in case of a collision. However, the vehicle has six seats, and the back row is a bit weird, which results in very little cargo space when the seats are set up. It's worth noting that some safety features that are common in most cars, such as a blindside warning system, are missing. Lastly, the slide doors are a bit awkward and may be difficult to use, so be careful when closing them to avoid any injuries.
Damon Trantow 2024-09-08
This vehicle can be a bit challenging to drive, especially on the highway. The transmission can feel a bit sluggish at times, but with some practice, it can be managed. One thing to note is that the AC turns off when you cut the vehicle off, so you may need to switch it off and on again to get it to blow. The windshield is quite large, which can be a bit overwhelming when facing the sun, but the sun visors do help to some extent. Overall, I understand that this vehicle may not be everyone's cup of tea, but with some adjustments, it can be a decent ride.
Carroll Stoltenberg 2024-07-23
Overall, this vehicle has performed below expectations. However, the fuel economy is particularly disappointing.
Selmer Friesen 2024-06-19
My company has provided me with this vehicle, but I would not recommend getting the vinyl seats. Regardless of which seats you choose, if you're 5'11