Recall 21V631 covers 30 2015-2020 Ford Transit vehicles with a parking brake cable clearance defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 30 2015-2020 Transit vans because an incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit was installed, allowing the damper shield to contact the parking brake cable. Parking brake failure can let the vehicle move unintentionally and increase crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake cable on a 2015-2020 Ford Transit is the mechanical link between the parking brake lever and the brake hardware that holds the van still when parked. When you pull the lever, the cable moves under tension and applies the parking brake. The cable needs a clear path so it can move without rubbing against nearby driveline parts.
On affected dual rear wheel Transit vans, a dealer repair used a driveshaft torsional damper service kit meant for single rear wheel Transit vehicles. The torsional damper helps absorb twisting vibration in the driveshaft. With the wrong kit installed, the damper shield sits too close to the passenger-side parking brake cable. That contact can wear or damage the cable and lead to parking brake failure.
If the cable begins to fail, the parking brake lever can feel easier to pull through its full travel than normal. That reduced effort is the warning sign Ford identifies for this problem.
Who's affected?
Covers 6 Transit model years using the same parking brake linkage and cable component.
| 2015 Ford Transit | Linkage and cable |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Transit | Linkage and cable |
| 2016 Ford Transit | Linkage and cable |
| 2018 Ford Transit | Linkage and cable |
| 2019 Ford Transit | Linkage and cable |
| 2020 Ford Transit | Linkage and cable |
| Units affected | 30 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific van.
What's the safety risk?
Parking brake failure can let the vehicle move when it is supposed to stay parked, increasing the risk of a crash. If the parking brake lever suddenly takes less effort to pull through its full travel, stop using the parking brake as a safety backstop and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2020 Ford Transit is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free passenger-side parking brake cable replacement, which restores clearance from the damper shield and protects parking brake function.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V631 when you call.
- Use extra care when parking until the repair is complete. Choose level ground and do not rely on the parking brake alone to hold the van.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the passenger side parking brake cable with one that gives the damper shield enough clearance. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford provided its standard reimbursement plan for owners who paid for this repair before the recall notice. Reimbursement eligibility ended on October 1, 2021. If you have paperwork for a related parking brake cable repair, contact Ford customer service or ask the dealer service desk how the plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 11, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 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) |
| March 14, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V631?
Recall 21V631 covers 30 2015-2020 Ford Transit vehicles with an incorrect driveshaft torsional damper service kit. The damper shield can contact the parking brake cable and lead to parking brake failure. Ford dealers will replace the passenger-side parking brake cable for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2020 Ford Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit is included in recall 21V631. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the passenger-side parking brake cable replacement. Reference recall 21V631 and Ford recall number 21S39 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford will replace the affected passenger-side parking brake cable free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake fails. Ford reported that the damper shield can contact the parking brake cable, which can lead to parking brake failure and raise crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the cable clearance problem.
What if I bought my Ford Transit used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Transit is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 21V631.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V631000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V631 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V631000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →