NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Transit Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Transit scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 3-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 23 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Transit achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100, landing it in the Average band. This score marks a meaningful improvement over the prior model year, driven by a complete crash-test suite from NHTSA. However, a low rollover rating tempers the overall assessment. While not a standout, the 2021 Transit presents a reasonable safety profile.
The 2021 Ford Transit High Roof 15 Passenger Wagon AWD received a 3-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
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 ranks 3 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 | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 3 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 2 stars |
| Rollover risk | 35.6% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 23 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 3 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Transit?
The 2021 model year marks a notable recovery for the Transit in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index climbed to 73/100, an Average band result, up 9 full points from the 2020 model year's 64/100 Below Average score. That gap is driven partly by a perfect avoidance technology score of 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment on this configuration. Crash protection contributed 48 out of a possible 70 points, a figure shaped directly by the mixed star results: the 5-star side rating pulls the score upward while the 2-star rollover result and 36 percent rollover risk probability pull it back. The defect record component came in at 14.5 out of 20, consistent with four active recall campaigns that span seat belt hardware, software, fuel delivery components, and third-party conversion equipment. For a high-roof 15-passenger AWD wagon, the rollover vulnerability is the single most safety-relevant data point shoppers should internalize before purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Transit perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Transit received an overall safety rating of 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is a clear strength, earning a full 5-star rating. Frontal crash performance aligns with the overall assessment, also at 3 stars. The rollover resistance, however, is a notable concern, rated at just 2 stars. This low score is underpinned by NHTSA's calculated 36 percent rollover risk, despite the dynamic tip test not recording an actual vehicle tip.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Transit have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. They address a front passenger seat belt retractor, a back-over prevention software flaw, fuel system hoses and fittings on units fitted with Onan generators, and wheelchair restraint latch anchors on certain converted vans. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Transit?
NHTSA has received 23 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports tied to 2 crashes and 2 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain with 6 reports, wheels with 5, and the electrical system and suspension each drawing 3 reported allegations. All complaints remain unverified consumer allegations.
23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Transit?
Any shopper considering this 5-year-old Transit should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All four recall campaigns may still have open remedies depending on vehicle history. Confirm in writing that each campaign has been completed, particularly the seat belt retractor and back-over prevention software recalls.
- The 2021 Transit's Safety Index of 73/100 represents a 9-point jump from the 2020 model year's 64/100, the largest single-year improvement visible in the prior-year comparison provided.
- The rollover star rating of 2 out of 5 is the weakest result in the crash-test suite, paired with a 36 percent rollover risk probability calculated by NHTSA, a figure that is especially relevant for a tall, high-roof passenger wagon configuration.
- One of the four recalls, the front passenger seat belt retractor campaign issued by Ford, applies specifically to 2021-2022 Transit vehicles and directly affects occupant restraint in a crash, making remedy verification a priority.
- The avoidance technology subscore of 10 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on this configuration, contributing meaningfully to the year's improved overall Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Transit places
The 2021 Ford Transit qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Transit safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Transit crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Transit, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Transit crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Transit earned 3 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 2 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 35.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Transit. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Transit?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 23 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Transit. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Transit 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 Connect | 87/100 | 4 of 5 | 4 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15445), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Transit 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 3 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.