FordTransit Connect2021Overview/ford/transit-connect/2021/base/

2021 Ford Transit Connect

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Transit Connect.

Transmission Automatic (S6)

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect operates with an S6 automatic transmission and a powertrain system requiring 4.8 quarts of 5W-20 oil, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined with a 20 city and 27 highway split. In the broader context of the model's complaint history from 2011 to 2021, this year represents a significant positive shift, recording the lowest number of owner complaints at just eight—a stark contrast to the 127 complaints logged for the 2014 model. However, despite this statistical improvement, the powertrain remains the top complaint area and is accompanied by four recalls, meaning that while the 2021 model stands as the most reliable year in the lineup's history, it still warrants a thorough mechanical review.

Model year202320222021202020192018201720162015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torqueM12 Bolts: 100.0 ft-lbs, M14 Bolts: 150.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy20/27/22 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 40R · 590 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 40R · 590 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size215/55R16/XL 97HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189.4 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height70.5 in
Wheelbase120.5 in
Curb weight3580 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined20 / 27 / 22 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Transit Connect of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.7–10.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.70 sec — 2014 XLT EcoBoost LWB Cargo Van
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2019Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.0L I-410.50 sec17.80 sec162 hpFWD
2017Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.5L I-410.10 sec17.60 sec169 hpFWD
2014XLT EcoBoost LWB Cargo Van 1.6L Turbo I-48.70 sec16.50 sec178 hpFWD
2014Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.5L I-410.00 sec17.50 sec169 hpFWD
2014Titanium LWB Wagon (Passenger) 2.5L I-410.20 sec17.60 sec169 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, Dot 4 brake fluid.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6F35
Brake FluidDot 4
Brake FluidDot 4
Engine Coolant Capacity15.8 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity4.8 qt

Engine torques

Torque Converter Bolts30.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.818 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity5.9 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.818 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)72.5
RPM50.8-72.5 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum50.8 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum72.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum50.8 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum72.5 psi
RPM50.8-72.5 rpm
Engine Oil Pressure29.0-60.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque21.0
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 81.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.3
Minimum Pad Thickness0.118 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .906; Rear: .354
Maximum Rotor Runout.002"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0, 60°

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect sits at the tail end of a generation that peaked in complaints and recalls around 2014–2016, when annual complaints hit 127 and recalls reached 15. By 2021, complaints dropped to just 8—the lowest in the entire 2011–2021 record—and recalls fell to 4, also a generation low. The number of technical service bulletins (TSBs) also declined from a high of 109 in 2019 to 56 in 2021, suggesting Ford addressed many recurring issues over time. Notably, the 2021 model had zero crash or fire complaints, and the top complaint area (Powertrain) accounted for only 2 reports, indicating no widespread safety or drivability concerns. While the data doesn't specify root causes, the clear downward trend in complaints and recalls makes the 2021 a strong buy for a used Transit Connect, as it benefits from years of incremental fixes without introducing a new generation's unknowns.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
56
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
8
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 8 complaints on record, top 7 components.

Power Train2
Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance1
Unknown Or Other1
Service Brakes1
Power Train,Engine,Visibility/Wiper1
Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V376000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)Reported 24/05/2021

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. Remedy: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact…

21V592000Seat Belts:Front:RetractorReported 30/07/2021

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 56 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
25E062026-03-06Electrical SystemCertain 2021-2023 Model Year Transit Connect Equipped with 2.0L Engine Powertrain Control…
SSM 546012026-02-23Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
SSM 545892026-02-17Electrical SystemSome 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various…
TSB 25-25502026-01-08Power TrainThis article supersedes TSB 24-2092 to update model years. Some of the vehicles listed in…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Transit Connect. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Transit Connect take?

4.8 qt of Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Transit Connect have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Transit Connect get?

EPA figures are 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined mpg.