2021 Ford Transit Owner Complaints

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 strip and come loose Dealer appears to have never inspected vehicle as per Pennsylvania law and the purchase contract. I have more phots and a video showing the extent of damage The r/f hub assembly worked loose and could have fallen off, seized or collapsed to the ground pulling the vehicle severely to the right and causing an accident. The heat generated by the failure is evident by the discoloring of the bearing and race.

12/15/2021

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 problem. My concerns are: The dealership cannot diagnose the problem and if the problem is related to the drive line it could lead to a failure at highway speeds which could be catastrophic.

11/9/2023

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 items stored on the shelf, falls on the driver's head and face. Ford has addressed this issue with a center support. But is not addressing previously manufactured vehicles. Ford manufacturer part number is: BK3Z-61519A-AC Dealership recognizes the issue and estimates $1,000 fee to correct. Ford warranty and support is not addressing this issue and offers no guidance. The Ford Transit Forum has multiple owners experiencing the same issue. https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/search/467794/?q=Front+overhead+shelf&o=relevance Ford would correct this issue on passenger configurations and ignore cargo configurations.

12/28/2021

U-Haul rented me this vehicle and didn't notify me if the outstanding recall also tires. This was a replacement for a worse truck and now they are saying I stole both trucks.

4/11/2022

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 it to La Mesa RV who found the broken valve stem. They said they had seen quite a few on this vehicle and recommended replacing all. They gave me the name of several close by tire shops. The one I picked recommended changing all the stems out because they had seen a number of failures with the 2021 Transits. I did this but now don't have a TPMS since I didn't want to get another one that was likely to fail. Ford should do a recall and put in long stem valve stems that don't brake and also making adding air easier than the OEM ones. I am picking safety over having a TPMS. I wish I could have both. Picture will show removed stems with the one that broke off.

7/29/2022

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 problem. My concerns are: The dealership cannot diagnose the problem and if the problem is related to the drive line it could lead to a failure at highway speeds which could be catastrophic.

11/9/2023

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 strip and come loose Dealer appears to have never inspected vehicle as per Pennsylvania law and the purchase contract. I have more phots and a video showing the extent of damage The r/f hub assembly worked loose and could have fallen off, seized or collapsed to the ground pulling the vehicle severely to the right and causing an accident. The heat generated by the failure is evident by the discoloring of the bearing and race.

12/15/2021

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 problem. My concerns are: The dealership cannot diagnose the problem and if the problem is related to the drive line it could lead to a failure at highway speeds which could be catastrophic.

11/9/2023

Sun visors become exceptionally stiff and cannot no be dropped to protect from glaring sun. This creates a driving distraction. The visors reach a point where they are so tightly frozen that an effort to lower them causes the sun visor mount to sheer off. Now I have no working sun visors. Ford says it's not a reported issue, but that's not true at all. See this string from Ford Transit USA Forum. [XXX] There are many other reports of the problem. Ford dealers say it's not a warranty or recall issue. Some people have had the sun visors replaced, but the defect shows up again. There is definitely a design and manufacturing issue that creates a very serious safety issue. Try driving into the sun without a visor! It's blinding and extremely dangerous. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

12/30/2024

NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. We have had this same issue with a 2021 Ford Transit thats not included in the recall. Total loss of all HVAC controls found to be caused by a faulty control module.

4/1/2025

NHTSA has already made a recall for some Ford transit models with this issue. See Campaign #25V168000 Summary Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 transit vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22v-791. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (hvac) system's controls, including those for defog and defrost, may become inoperative. Safety Risk Loss of the ability to control the defrost or defog function decreases the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. We have had this same issue with a 2021 Ford Transit thats not included in the recall. Total loss of all HVAC controls found to be caused by a faulty control module.

4/1/2025

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),

5/29/2025

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 strip and come loose Dealer appears to have never inspected vehicle as per Pennsylvania law and the purchase contract. I have more phots and a video showing the extent of damage The r/f hub assembly worked loose and could have fallen off, seized or collapsed to the ground pulling the vehicle severely to the right and causing an accident. The heat generated by the failure is evident by the discoloring of the bearing and race.

12/15/2021

U-Haul rented me this vehicle and didn't notify me if the outstanding recall also tires. This was a replacement for a worse truck and now they are saying I stole both trucks.

4/11/2022

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] near Staunton! Fortunately, the dad who was driving was able to safely steer the van to the side of the road, where the kids and their suitcases were re-distributed among the other vehicles in the caravan. They called Enterprise, but they had no vehicles to spare, so they told the driver to leave the van by the side of the road and they would dispatch a wrecker to pick it up. Have you seen this happen before with Ford Transit axles? But for the driver’s alertness, this could have been a headline-making event! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

8/9/2023

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] near Staunton! Fortunately, the dad who was driving was able to safely steer the van to the side of the road, where the kids and their suitcases were re-distributed among the other vehicles in the caravan. They called Enterprise, but they had no vehicles to spare, so they told the driver to leave the van by the side of the road and they would dispatch a wrecker to pick it up. Have you seen this happen before with Ford Transit axles? But for the driver’s alertness, this could have been a headline-making event! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

8/9/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the rear of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear door would not latch closed. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a gap between the door and frame of the vehicle, as well as the rear door protruding outward. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lock and unlock rod. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000.

11/2/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the rear of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear door would not latch closed. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a gap between the door and frame of the vehicle, as well as the rear door protruding outward. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lock and unlock rod. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000.

11/2/2023

The belts were shifting/separating from the trade of my tire. I noticed an increasing vibration in the steering which lead me to take it to a tire shop to check it out. Fortunately I had read about this issue on a forum and caught the problem before a catastrophic failure, I took the van to a Ford dealership to replace the two front tyres, and the remaining four tyres are on order in due to be replaced in the next few days. Unfortunately, I did not think to keep the tire or take any photographs. But he wasn’t noticeable bulge in the tire. The tire was manufactured in the 44th week of 2000. The van was delivered to Forest River and built out as an RV in 2002.

10/31/2024

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)

11/24/2025

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.  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. 

12/4/2025