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2021 Ford Transit problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Ford Transit has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 24owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 14%fail the UK MOT
24 complaints, against an average of 63 for the other 12 Ford Transit model years.
Every Ford Transit model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2021 Ford Transit? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2021 Ford Transit?
The components named most often in the 24 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2021 Ford Transit been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit as of November 2, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2021 Ford Transit recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA26C15 Transit - Instrument Panel Cluster Configuration Update
Risk: According to Ford’s records certain Transit vehicles may not have the remedy for Compliance Recall 21C32 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct configuration update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition may still exist therefore these vehicles may still have the incorrect configuration loaded onto the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). On affected vehicles an incorrect Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configuration may have disabled the Advanced Emergency Braking System warning messages. Although the system remains functional the instrument cluster may not display the required warning message and no chime may sound which could result in the vehicle not complying with applicable regulations. Dealers will update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configuration to the latest available level.
Fix: Dealers will update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configuration to the latest available level.
UK DVSAFrozen Rearview Camera Screen
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended.
Fix: Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSAThe SYNC screen may display a blue or black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the 360 degree view is selected and…The SYNC screen may display a blue or black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the 360 degree view is selected and available (during low-speed operation).
Risk: The SYNC screen may display a blue or black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the 360 degree view is selected and available (during low-speed operation).
Fix: Replace rear camera and update software
UK DVSAOn certain vehicles during conversion a hole was drilled near a seat fixing point which did not meet the 300mm regulation.
Risk: On certain vehicles during conversion a hole was drilled near a seat fixing point which did not meet the 300mm regulation.
Fix: Move pipes 300mm away from the seat mounting fixing and weld the incorrect hole located under the seat.
UK DVSADue to an instrument panel cluster misconfiguration the advanced emergency braking system warning messages have been disabled
Risk: Due to an Instrument Panel Cluster misconfiguration the Advanced Emergency Braking System warning messages have been disabled.
Fix: Update the Instrument cluster configuration.
UK DVSAThe fuel injector fuel return line connection may not be fully secure
Risk: There is a possibility that the fuel injector fuel return line connection/s may not be fully secured.
Fix: Inspect the fuel injector fuel return line connections to ensure that the connections are fully secured and the locking tags are engaged.
UK DVSASome vehicles may have been built with an additional bolt that may be loose within the electric power assisted steering
Risk: Some vehicles may have been built with an additional bolt that may be loose within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS).
Fix: Replace the steering gear on all vehicles affected.
UK DVSAA rear driveshaft bearing support bracket has not been fitted with the intended internal bushes
Risk: On affected vehicles the rear driveshaft bearing support bracket has not been fitted with the intended internal bushes.
Fix: Fit a new driveshaft bearing support bracket.
UK DVSAWeld penertration on left lower control arm might not meet specification
Risk: The left-hand lower control arm may be fitted to vehicles where the weld penetration does not meet specification.
Fix: Inspect the left-hand lower control arm and replace if within the affected date range.
UK DVSAThe lower control arms may be fitted with missing or partial welds
Risk: The lower control arms may have missing or partial welds
Fix: Inspect the lower control arms and replace if required.
EU Safety GateExcessive gas emission has been identified in the affected 12V batteries.In the absence of a vent tube, hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulphide may enter the driver compartment from under the front seat, posing a risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connections to the injection valve’s fuel-return line may not be fully secured and could become loose, which may cause the…The connections to the injection valve’s fuel-return line may not be fully secured and could become loose, which may cause the fuel-return-line to detach from the fuel-injection nozzle.As a result, fuel may leak and come in to contact with hot surfaces, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to an error in the assembly process, there might be a single, loose screw in the steering support.The loose screw could cause a sudden, temporary blocking of the steering while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe rear driveshaft bearing support bracket may not been fitted with the intended internal bushes.As a result, the driveshaft could potentially detach from its position and make contact with the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/12/2020
EU Safety GateThe weld penetration on the left-hand lower control arm does not meet specification.As a result, cracks can be formed on the control arm, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/09/2020
EU Safety GateThe lower control arms fitted to vehicles may have missing or partial welds.As a result, the control arms could break, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/08/2020
How often does the 2021 Ford Transit fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2021, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2021 Ford Transit owners report?
12 of the 24 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The passenger side seat belt locks up at unusual times. Passenger can’t reach anything because they are locked in their seat. The seatbelt has locked up numerous times however the mechanic can’t repeat the problem in the shop. Yes is has been reported and investigated by TASCA Ford, 1300 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI. No indications before the seatbelt locks up.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Ford Transit. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 33,000; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 320,000.
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving the 2021 Thor Gemini at 65 MPH in the wind, the wind veered the vehicle off the road. The vehicle rolled over and down an embankment when it came to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The side curtain air bag and front passenger-side air bags deployed. However, the driver-side air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact and his wife were taken to the hospital via ambulance. The contact sustained a concussion, while the contact's wife was severely injured in the right eye due to the air bag…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit 250 equipped with Sentury Lionheart Tires, Tire Line: Lionclaw, Tire Size: 235/65/R16, DOT Number: [XXX] . The tires were replacement tires. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed a blowout of the front driver's side tire. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire was cracked by the side wall. The cause of the failure was not yet…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle lost motive power with the “WRENCH” warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off, and was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. Two days later, the “WRENCH” light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Subsequently, the vehicle was taken to a transmission center, and it was determined that the transmission needed…
Issue is with Hankook tires. Mileage on original OEM tires on my campervan from Ford. 44,600 miles. Good tread, air pressure checked daily on trips. Date code of manufacture of tires: 41st week, 2020. Took ownership of campervan on Dec 6th, 2021. Travel west on I-696 at 70 mph. Driver’s left front tire exploded. I did not hit anything in the road way. In the second lane from right side of freeway. Was able to safely move to the shoulder of the freeway. Tread completely came off the tire. Broke bumper, damages sensors, bent floor pan, and cracked driver side step. Insurance claim filed with…
Vehicle Make/Model/Year: Ford Transit Passenger Van, 2021 VIN: [XXX] 1. Component/System That Failed: The automatic sliding door on the passenger side of the van has malfunctioned repeatedly. The door does not open properly, often stopping at approximately 6 inches, and frequently fails to close fully. In multiple instances, the door has opened while the vehicle was in motion, which presents a serious safety hazard. The affected component is still available and can be inspected upon request. 2. Safety Risk Description: This malfunction puts occupants’ safety at serious risk. If the door opens…
The vehicle constantly has issues shifting gears. This could lead to a potential accident. This is a common problem with this vehicle. Please recall the transmission
NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. We have had this same issue with a 2021 Ford…
The contact's business owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated while an employee was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the rear passenger’s side tire detached from the axle and landed into a front yard. The vehicle was stopped immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bolts sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,215.
Vehicle delivered with 5-hole spare wheel. Vehicle requires 6-hole wheel. Discovered discrepancy when a tire separated and required a spare to replace it.
Noise in the rear of the vehicle during low speed tight turns (parking lot speed). Vehicle has had axle bearing/hub replaced along with 7585W oil. The problem never went away even after this repair and has become worse. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks and cannot find the problem. My concerns are: The dealership cannot diagnose the problem and if the problem is related to the drive line it could lead to a failure at highway speeds which could be catastrophic.
2021 Ford Transit: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Ford Transit reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Transit; the most common categories were power train (6, 25%), wheels (5, 20.8%), electrical system (3, 12.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Transit?
Across 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (25% of complaints), wheels (20.8% of complaints), electrical system (12.5% of complaints), suspension (12.5% of complaints), seat belts (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Ford Transit have any recalls?
As of November 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Transit. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Transit
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for TRANSIT HIGH ROOF (8,10,12) PASS, TRANSIT HIGH ROOF 15 PASS, TRANSIT LOW ROOF (8,10,12) PASS, TRANSIT LOW ROOF 15 PASS, TRANSIT MEDIUM ROOF 15 PASS and TRANSIT VAN. How these reports are made.