NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Transit Connect Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects solid crash-test performance and full marks for its avoidance technology. The vehicle’s safety profile is genuinely competitive for a used wagon in this class, particularly given its modest record of four recalls.
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a 5-star side-impact rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Hatchback/Wagons from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Transit Connect ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 3 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect represents a meaningful safety-profile shift from the prior model year. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed 13 points, from 74/100 in 2020 to 87/100 in 2021, moving the vehicle out of the Average band and into Strong. That jump is driven by a perfect avoidance-technology score of 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning and lane departure warning both being standard equipment in this model year, alongside a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70. The 5-star side-impact result is the headline crash figure for this specific year, and the rollover dynamic tip test returned No Tip. What tempers the picture is the recall record: four campaigns, two of which target the automatic transmission gear-position indication system. One of those campaigns spans a wide range of Transit Connect model years back to 2013, but the 2021 year is explicitly included. The seat belt retractor recall is specific to 2021 and 2022 Transit and Transit Connect vehicles, making it a year-defining defect event. The back-over prevention software recall, issued later, adds a fourth open item that used buyers must track.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Transit Connect perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD demonstrates a strong side-impact performance, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in that category from NHTSA. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance are rated at 4 stars. The vehicle exhibits an 18 percent rollover risk, with its dynamic tip-test result recorded as "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15408
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Transit Connect. Two address automatic transmission gear-position indication, one involving a bushing on 2.5L-equipped vehicles and a broader multi-model campaign. A third covers the front passenger seat belt retractor. A fourth, issued in 2025, targets back-over prevention software across multiple Ford and Lincoln models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but used buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-06-27
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)22V413000
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.
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.
Reported 2022-06-10
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR21V592000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-07-30
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)21V376000
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.
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.
Reported 2021-05-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
Eight owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Transit Connect, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain, cited in four reports, followed by service brakes with three. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported among these allegations.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
The 2021 Transit Connect has been the subject of at least four recall campaigns, a notable figure for a single model year. Prospective owners should verify that all recall remedies have been performed, especially for the transmission and a seat belt retractor issue unique to 2021 production. The NHTSA VIN lookup tool is essential for confirming recall completion before any purchase.
- The Safety Index rose 13 points from the 2020 model year to 87/100 in 2021, a band change from Average to Strong, driven largely by a perfect 10/10 avoidance-technology score reflecting standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
- A seat belt retractor recall issued in 2021 is specific to 2021 and 2022 Transit Connect vehicles, making it a year-defining safety event that used buyers must verify as resolved on any individual unit.
- Two separate recall campaigns address automatic transmission gear-position indication on this model year, one targeting 2.5L-engine vehicles specifically and a broader multi-model campaign, meaning transmission-related defect remedies deserve particular scrutiny at the VIN level.
- The side-impact crash test produced a perfect 5 stars for this model year, the strongest single result in the NHTSA rating set, while frontal and rollover protection both returned 4 stars and the dynamic tip test recorded No Tip.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Transit Connect places
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Transit Connect safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Transit Connect crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Transit Connect crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Transit Connect earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Transit Connect?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Transit Connect years
Rivals in Hatchback/Wagon (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Transit | 73/100 | 3 of 5 | 4 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15408), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Transit Connect 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 2 of 3 in the Hatchback/Wagon class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.