The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·21V592000·Announced 2021-07-30

Ford Transit vehicles recalled for defective seat belt locking system

Ford is recalling 2021-2022 Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles because the front passenger seat belt locking retractor may deactivate, preventing child restraint securement. Unsecured child restraints increase crash injury risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: This scoring applies the rubric's 'structural vehicle defect' criterion for Severe severity. The seat belt automatic locking retractor malfunction is a critical structural defect in a child safety system that prevents child restraints from functioning properly.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ford Transit vehicles and 2021 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, preventing the child restraint system from securing properly. These vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, which requires proper occupant crash protection.

The recall affects an estimated 42,493 vehicles. Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly and replace it as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified with interim notification letters sent on September 14, 2021, and final notification letters sent on December 30, 2021.

Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 21C18) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.nhtsa.gov for additional information.

The recalled product

Product
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT, TRANSIT
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Seat Belt Assembly / Child Safety
Hazard
Affected units
42,493

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • TRANSIT CONNECT
  • TRANSIT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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