We are writing to formally escalate catastrophic and highly dangerous safety failure issues involving a Braun Millenium Lift, hydraulic oil explosion, failure of the emergency back up pump, severe structural defects, a sagging floor near wheelchair tie downs and the rear passenger seat and a four year pattern of negligence from the dealer that installed Braun Lift. We had the van into dealer about this issue many times. They adjusted something and would say every things ok. In August 2026 my husband took van in for maintenance and service manager told him she had 3 of her men stand on lift and it went up fine. It was a continuous issue. On 9/24/26 after leaving a restaurant our paralyzed daughter in her wheelchair got on lift to go home but lift would not budge. Her caregiver tried to use the emergency Back up pump. After stroking it 5 times it suddenly broke off throwing her to van floor. Fire and Rescue had to be called to lift our daughter and her W/C up into van. A few days later hydraulic oil exploded from the Modular Emergency Back Up Pump. It went all over van floor into drivers area,. I called Fire and Rescue and explained what happened. They advise me to shut off van and also turn the lever on Emergency Back UP System to off They said this is a huge fire risk. Our van is the only means of transportation to get her to doctor appointments. I tried calling different dealers to see if we could have it towed using a flat bed, but they all refused. We do not know what to do and are hoping you could help us. We do not trust the dealer who installed the Braun lift , I have a comprehensive timeline of these issues, pictures of the broken emergency back up part , hydraulic explosion,and sagging floor. Invoice from purchase of Braun Lift Installation and ,Fire and Rescue Incident Report. We are hoping you can help us because we do not know what to do.Thank you
The worst 2021 Ford Transit problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission6
- Wheels5
- Electrical3
- Suspension3
- Visibility3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission6
- Wheels5
- Electrical3
- Suspension3
- Visibility3
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Locks1
Recalls 4
Equipment adaptive/mobility: wheelchair restraints/securement: latch/anchor:
- What is wrong
- Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
- 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.
Recall number 25V876000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- 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.
Recall number 25V442000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Quality Vans (Quality Vans) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ford Transit vans equipped with Onan QG 2800i EVAP generators, part number 2.8HGLAA-8303A. The fuel hose between the inline fuel filter and the Injection Pump Module (IPM) may not be properly secured, which can cause a gas leak.
- 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.
Recall number 23V499000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: retractor
- What is wrong
- 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."
- 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.
Recall number 21V592000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Ford Transit 136
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2226
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2226
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2046
- Some 2020-2026 Transit vehicle customers may request vehicle speed to be limited
- For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test...
- Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may...
- Customer Satisfaction Program 25N12 Certain 2020-2025 Model Year Transit All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) Vehicles...
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines...
- For 2021-2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak...
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless...
2021 Ford Transit fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 19 | 16 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | AWD | 14 | 18 | 16 |
What 2021 Ford Transit owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while parked and having an oil change sticker applied to the top of the driver's side windshield, the glass detached half an inch and water had since entered the vehicle through the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
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. Â 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 and sustained a concussion. The vehicle was towed to Ricky's Towing, a local towing yard. The insurance company was contacted and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.Â
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 determined. The manufacturer and local tire dealer were notified of the failures. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unavailable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and requested the vehicle maintenance records. The failure mileage was approximately 79,469.
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 Progressive Insurance, and will be inspected on Aug 22nd. Tires will be replaced on Aug 12th at Discount Tire with Toyo Celsius tires. Tire is not available for inspection but multiple photos are available.
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 while driving, passengers (especially children or individuals with limited mobility) are vulnerable to falling out. Additionally, in an emergency situation, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or other first responders would not be able to easily access the van through the sliding door, delaying urgent medical treatment or evacuation. This could result in preventable injuries or fatalities. 3. Repair History and Reproduction of the Problem: This issue has already been addressed by a Ford-certified dealership approximately six months ago; however, the problem has recurred without warning. The dealership had previously claimed to have fixed the issue, but it is now presenting the same symptoms, suggesting the repair was either temporary or the root problem was not resolved. The problem can be reproduced and is ongoing. 4. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealership, but the repair has not held. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, but I am willing to make the vehicle available for any required inspection. 5. Warning Signs or Messages: There were no warning lamps, messages, or indicators prior to the recurrence of this malfunction. The door began to malfunction again without any notice, making it even more dangerous for driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
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
Compare the 2021 Ford Transit
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Ford Transit
Is the 2021 Ford Transit reliable?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2021 Ford Transit, fewer than a typical Transit model year.
What is the 2021 Ford Transit year score?
The 2021 Ford Transit scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Transit: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford Transit?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints. Next is wheels (5).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit have?
4 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility, back over prevention and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Ford Transit have bad transmission?
The Ford Transit model years with the most transmission complaints are 2015 (78 complaints), 2016 (60 complaints) and 2017 (40 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Transit get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Ford Transit range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 19 highway.
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