Recall 21V978 affects 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vehicles with AWD for loose rear driveshaft bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 4,548 2020 Transit vans with All Wheel Drive because the rear driveshaft bolts can loosen or become damaged, letting the driveshaft separate from the transfer case. Separation can cause loss of drive power or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, and Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The driveshaft on a 2020 Ford Transit AWD van carries engine power from the transfer case toward the rear axle. The transfer case is the drivetrain housing that sends power to the wheels, and the rear driveshaft has to stay tightly bolted to it so torque moves through the driveline instead of shaking the connection loose.
In this recall, the bolts that attach the rear driveshaft to the transfer case lose clamp load or become damaged. Clamp load is the squeezing force that keeps the bolted joint tight. Once that force drops, the joint loosens, the driveshaft moves out of position, and it can separate from the transfer case. Ford's filing did not identify the cause of the reduced clamp load.
Owners can hear and feel the warning sign while driving. A loose driveshaft creates driveline noise and vibration from underneath the vehicle that occupants notice inside the van.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford Transit | driveline |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,548 |
Not every 2020 Ford Transit van is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Driveshaft separation can cause loss of drive power or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing crash risk. Noise or vibration from underneath the vehicle while driving is a warning sign. Drive cautiously, use the parking brake when parked, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Transit equipped with All Wheel Drive is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free driveshaft-bolt inspection and repair that secures the rear driveshaft to the transfer case.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V978 when you call.
- Engage the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driveshaft bolts that attach the rear driveshaft to the transfer case and replaces the bolts covered by the recall. If loose bolts are found, the technician also replaces the driveshaft, attachment hardware, transfer case flange kit, and seal. The recall repair is free. Ford has no 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
| December 16, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 4, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V978?
Recall 21V978 covers 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive. Rear driveshaft bolts can loosen or become damaged, which can let the driveshaft separate from the transfer case. Ford dealers inspect and replace the driveshaft bolts for free, with related parts replaced when loose bolts are found.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit is included in recall 21V978. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the driveshaft bolt inspection and repair. Reference recall number 21V978 or Ford recall number 21S54 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will perform this repair free of charge. The inspection, bolt replacement, and related driveshaft or transfer case parts are covered when the recall applies.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of drive power or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Ford's filing for recall 21V978 says driveshaft separation increases crash risk. Until the repair is complete, use the parking brake every time you park.
What if I bought my Ford Transit used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2020 Ford Transit is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 21V978 or Ford recall number 21S54.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V978000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V978 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V978000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →