Is the 2021 Ford TRANSIT reliable?

The 2021 Ford TRANSIT has 32 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford TRANSIT?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (6 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (5 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford TRANSIT?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ford TRANSIT?

The 2021 Ford TRANSIT gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ford TRANSIT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ford TRANSIT is approximately $1,687/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Ford TRANSIT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ford TRANSIT has 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 74. The most common issue is transmission problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly the vehicle was driven from the manufacture in forest city iowa to the dealer in west chester pa a mounting bolt for the hub sheared. the bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to str. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

6 complaints

19%

• Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to str
• Per Mr. [XXX]: My daughter and members of our church’s high school youth group were on their way to a summer missions project in western Virginia/eastern Tennessee in an Enterprise rental van when the [DRIVERS' SIDE] rear tire started to separate from the vehicle as they were driving south on [XXX]
• Noise in the rear of the vehicle during low speed tight turns (parking lot speed). Vehicle has had axle bearing/hub replaced along with 7585W oil. The problem never went away even after this repair and has become worse. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks and cannot find the proble

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to str”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR30/07/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Ford TRANSIT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ford TRANSIT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,687

Full coverage / month

$141

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

+1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1687

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford TRANSIT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2021 TRANSIT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 32 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to str
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: Broken Valve Stem - While on vacation the warning light came on telling me I only had 15 pounds of pressure in my right inside rear tire (has dual tires.) I pumped it and took it to a tire store in Twin Falls Idaho. They could not find a leak and sent me on my way. When home in California I took
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The Transit van has an optional "Front Overhead Shelf." This shelf is installed on the Ford assembly line, this is not an aftermarket install. This overhead shelf is designed to hold hats, gloves and other light items. The issue is this shelf bounces and vibrates when the van is in motion. Any it
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: Picked up vehicle and heard several bangs from the right front wheel assembly The vehicle was driven from The manufacture in Forest City Iowa to the dealer in West Chester PA A mounting bolt for the hub sheared. The bolt part hit the rotor and punctured same thus causing the remaining bolts to str
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)