VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,233 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median F-150 year — the 2021 model ranks #17 of 56 F-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (283), visibility & wipers (133), and electrical system (130), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,233

NHTSA complaints

28

Recalls

1

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other F-150 years?

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford F-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission28323%
Visibility & Wipers13311%
Electrical System13011%
Driver Assistance1069%
Lighting998%
Other978%
Engine968%
Brakes746%
Fuel System655%
Steering363%
Body & Structure353%
Tires & Wheels292%
Speed Control181%
Suspension131%
Latches & Locks81%
Seat Belts50%
Airbags50%
Seats10%

Does the 2021 Ford F-150 have recalls?

28 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V402000TransmissionJune 24, 2026 · 741,195 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

Consequence

Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

26V104000Electrical SystemFebruary 20, 2026 · 4,381,878 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

25V729000Visibility & WipersOctober 24, 2025 · 174,853 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.

25V455000Fuel SystemJuly 7, 2025 · 850,318 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

25V348000LightingMay 23, 2025 · 10 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V443. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.

Consequence

Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S57.

25V315000Driver AssistanceMay 9, 2025 · 1,076,138 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

25V169000TransmissionMarch 14, 2025 · 567 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Consequence

An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S24.

25V132000Electrical SystemFebruary 28, 2025 · 10,952 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-193. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.

Consequence

Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.

24V852000OtherNovember 8, 2024 · 27,678 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

24V635000EngineAugust 23, 2024 · 90,736 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

24V443000Electrical SystemJune 14, 2024 · 159 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.

Consequence

Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S38.

23V896000TransmissionDecember 22, 2023 · 112,965 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.

Consequence

Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.

23V509000BrakesJuly 21, 2023 · 870,701 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.

Consequence

Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.

23V163000Visibility & WipersMarch 10, 2023 · 222,454 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S10. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-250.

22V842000Visibility & WipersNovember 15, 2022 · 483,082 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2023. Remedy parts are expected in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S71. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-142.

22V623000Body & StructureAugust 12, 2022 · 58,203 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Consequence

A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S53.

22V414000Fuel SystemJune 10, 2022 · 1 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 F-150 vehicle. A single vehicle may have been assembled without a fuel tank front attachment resulting in an unsecured fuel tank attachment strap.

Consequence

An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair (if necessary) the fuel tank strap bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S42.

22V250000Visibility & WipersApril 14, 2022 · 652,996 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

22V188000TransmissionMarch 25, 2022 · 47,084 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Consequence

An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.

22V193000Electrical SystemMarch 25, 2022 · 391,836 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.

Consequence

Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S17.

22V142000Visibility & WipersMarch 11, 2022 · 157,306 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S12.

21V986000Body & StructureDecember 16, 2021 · 184,698 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Consequence

A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.

21V805000AirbagsOctober 15, 2021 · 777 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.

21V653000Seat BeltsAugust 23, 2021 · 16,430 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed.

Consequence

A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to perform a preliminary self-inspection of the front seatbelts. If the passenger-side seatbelt fails inspection, owners should not use the passenger seat until the repair is performed. If the driver-side seatbelt fails inspection, owners should not drive their vehicle until the repair is performed. Dealers will inspect the front seatbelts and, if the webbing is misrouted, will replace the seatbelt retractor and pretensioner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C20.

21V533000BrakesJuly 15, 2021 · 56 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance.

Consequence

Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S33.

21V407000SteeringMay 29, 2021 · 223 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The steering gear may have internal damage, which could result in difficulty steering, or the inability to rotate the steering wheel while driving.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until the repair is complete. Vehicles will be towed in for service, and dealers will remove and replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S28.

21V381000TransmissionMay 24, 2021 · 4,436 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.

Consequence

Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S25.

21V090000Visibility & WipersFebruary 18, 2021 · 79,017 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Last Monday, I was driving [XXX] near Jacksonville, Fl. While in an outer lane the truck pulled to the right during rain, not like a hydroplaning. I could not regain control and hit a barrier. Airbags deployed. After, I got out saw the rear passenger tire was somehow off. When PSA arrive they found…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 4, 2025 · crash

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving in the snow at 30-35 MPH, he crashed into an unknown vehicle. The driver of the unknown vehicle fled the scene. The front windshield seal detached. There were no reported injuries, fire or air bag deployment.  A police…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 15, 2024 · crash

While driving there were no warning indicator lights illuminated on the dash. He stated there were no mechanical defects, noises, or smells to be noted. Near Milepost [XXX] on [XXX] both occupants saw smoke begin to come from under the hood. The employee pulled the vehicle to the side of the road.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 15, 2024 · fire

This is a link to the Dashcam footage. Traveling 45mph in stop and go traffic. I braked (indicated by my hood dipping downwards) but failed to stop. Possible defect? Haven't had my truck back since the accident on 6/24/2022. https://youtu.be/HL7Iau0463I

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 24, 2022 · crash

Both daytime running lights, which also serve as part of the headlights have burnt out. First the drivers side vertical strip of the LED light went out, then the passenger side same vertical strip only. Recently, the horizontal top strip of the headlight went out too. Just happened around 30,000…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 1, 2024

2021 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,233 complaints put the 2021 model at #17 of 56 F-150 years. It is one of the F-150 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (283 complaints), visibility & wipers (133 complaints), electrical system (130 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.