Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Ford Transit Connect
With an overall Carivo score of 6.5/10, the 2021 Ford Transit Connect earns a Good rating among the vans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Performance at 5.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional van — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $28,055–$34,417, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Transit Connect sits in the mid-market bracket of the van segment. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Vans
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect ranks #1 of 21 vans in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 6.5/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 6.2/10. Its $28,055 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $29,905 by about 6%.
$0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Transit Connect Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ford Transit Connect scores 6.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Ford Transit Connect (4 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 24/05/2021 · 21V376000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Seat belts / Front / Retractor 30/07/2021 · 21V592000
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.…
Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 10/06/2022 · 22V413000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Back over prevention / Software 27/06/2025 · 25V442000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Ford Transit Connect that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Ford Transit Connect
Is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect reliable?
We rate the 2021 Ford Transit Connect's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Ford Transit Connect worth buying?
It scores 6.5/10 overall, ranking #1 of 21 vans in our database (better than 100% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect cost?
The 2021 Ford Transit Connect starts at $28,055 and ranges up to $34,417 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Transit Connect years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Transit Connect years we've rated are 2015 (6.1/10), 2017 (6.2/10), 2016 (6.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Ford Transit Connect have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Power train, Seat belts, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford Transit Connect
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Similar Van to Consider
Other vans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year