NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Transit
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Ford Transit is a full-size commercial van positioned squarely at small businesses, fleet operators, and tradespeople who need serious cargo and passenger capacity. Sold in cargo, passenger, and crew configurations, it dominates its segment by sheer versatility. But buyers who prioritize safety data alongside utility will want to look closely before signing, because the Transit's federal safety profile is a genuinely mixed bag.
The 2021 Ford Transit earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Ford Transit for its exceptional configurability, strong cargo capacity, and broad powertrain options that make it adaptable across commercial and personal use cases. Most acknowledge it as a segment benchmark for utility and availability. Criticism tends to center on the driving dynamics and refinement expected of a large van rather than outright safety concerns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15445
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V876000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Reported 2025-12-17
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS23V499000
Risk: A gasoline leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel hose and clamps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2023. Owners may contact Quality Vans customer service at 1-480-464-7007.
Reported 2023-07-19
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.