2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 317 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median F-150 Hybrid year — the 2021 model ranks #1 of 5 F-150 Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 115 reports (36% of the total).
317
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
8
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2021 compare to other F-150 Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 115 | 36% | new |
| Electrical System | 39 | 12% | new |
| Other | 31 | 10% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 27 | 9% | new |
| Engine | 23 | 7% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 15 | 5% | new |
| Brakes | 13 | 4% | new |
| Driver Assistance | 12 | 4% | new |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 7 | 2% | new |
| Suspension | 6 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 6 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 5 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 3 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“The axle retaining bolt that retains the floating axle to the hub failed and resulted in the floating axle splines at the hub failing. This is a known issue (see Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 22B34) but the recall only applies to vehicles manufactured from May 1st, 2021 to September 30th,…”
“UNKNOWN MY 2021 FORD F-150 POWERBOOST HYBRID CAUGHT ON FIRE ON FEBRUARY 03, 2023. THE TRUCK WAS NOT RUNNING AND FORTUNATELY I HAD IT IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I WAS HEADING OUT OF TOWN FOR THE WEEKEND. IT STARTED UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE FIRE WAS SO INTENSE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE CALLED TO…”
“When slowing down the truck lurches forward when going back into electric and/or gas mode, and has nearly caused my truck to collide with the vehicle in front of me. The truck will pick up speed when slowing down, as when downshifting and switching out/in electric to gas mode it propels the truck…”
“The driver's side rear axle bolt sheared off over the course of normal driving. Ford is aware of this problem, advises to not use/drive the vehicle, yet no recall has been issued. Without a recall, getting this issue fixed will take weeks/months and Ford should pay for a rental vehicle since this…”
“Vehicle suddenly overheated affecting ability to drive in traffic. Discovered coolant leak. The very issue determined by the dealership is the exact issue of a current recall. They say itâs not associated with my vin despite being the exact issue for the exact make and model. [XXX] INFORMATION…”
2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 317 complaints put the 2021 model at #1 of 5 F-150 Hybrid years. It is one of the F-150 Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2021 F-150 Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (115 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints), other (31 complaints).
Does the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid.
Which Ford F-150 Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 Hybrid years to avoid are 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among F-150 Hybrid years belongs to 2025.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.