Recall 21V592 covers 42,493 2021-2022 Ford Transit Connect and Transit vans for early-deactivating seat belt retractors. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 42,493 2021-2022 Transit and Transit Connect vehicles because the front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor can deactivate early, leaving a child restraint system unsecured. An unsecured child restraint raises the risk of injury in a crash, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger seat belt assembly includes a retractor, the spool that pulls belt webbing back into place and controls locking. The automatic locking retractor is the child-seat mode: after you pull the belt all the way out, it should click as it retracts and hold the child restraint tightly in the front passenger seat.
On affected 2021-2022 Ford Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles, certain retractors were built with parts that were outside the required dimensions. That lets the automatic locking function shut off too early. If it releases before the belt webbing is fully retracted, the belt does not keep the child restraint secured the way it was designed to.
What you notice is tied to the sound of the retractor. When installing a child restraint, the clicking noise that signals locking can stop well before the belt has pulled tight.
Who's affected?
Covers Transit Connect vans for 2021 and Transit vans for 2021 and 2022, all using the front passenger seat belt assembly.
| 2021 Ford Transit Connect | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Transit | seat belt |
| 2022 Ford Transit | seat belt |
| Units affected | 42,493 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. If the seat belt's automatic locking retractor stops clicking before the webbing is fully retracted, treat it as a warning sign and schedule inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Ford Transit Connect or Transit is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free front passenger seat belt inspection and ALR repair that keeps a child restraint secured properly.
- Avoid securing a child restraint in the front passenger seat until Ford completes the inspection and any needed repair.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V592 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the front passenger seat belt assembly, including the automatic locking retractor used to secure a child restraint. If the assembly does not pass inspection, the technician replaces it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 30, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 13, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 13, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V592?
Recall 21V592 covers 42,493 2021-2022 Ford Transit and 2021 Ford Transit Connect vehicles with a front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor that can deactivate early. That defect can leave a child restraint unsecured, increasing injury risk in a crash.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Ford Transit Connect or Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 21V592. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the seat belt inspection. The dealer will replace the front passenger seat belt assembly as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly and replace it as needed for free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Is it safe to use a child seat in the front passenger seat?
Use another seating position until the front passenger seat belt is inspected. NHTSA campaign 21V592 states that the automatic locking retractor can deactivate early, which can prevent a child restraint from securing properly and increase injury risk in a crash.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 21V592?
Ford mailed interim owner notification letters on September 14, 2021, and owner notification letters on December 30, 2021. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 21V592 when you call a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V592000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V592 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V592000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →