One of the better F-150 years
Owners filed about 37% fewer complaints than a typical F-150 year. The area owners reported most is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 58,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other F-150 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,043 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-150. The most reported problem area is the transmission and drivetrain (323, 31% of complaints), followed by the lights, wipers and visibility and the electrical system. That ranks 9th of 13 F-150 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 29 recalls.
11 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
Get recall alerts for your 2021 F‑150
Add it to My Garage, free. We email you when a new recall is issued for it, plus service reminders and what it is worth each month.
Add it to My GarageStart a free car search
Tell us what you want in a 2021 F-150 and your budget. We review every request and show you how we can help you find a good one and skip the bad years.
Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2021 Ford F-150 before you buy.
Transmission and drivetrain
323 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Transmission had very violent downshift out of nowhere when coming to a stop. This has happened multiple times and it sounds like I’m not the only person who is experiencing this.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The cdf is outdated and the truck would get stuck in the wrong gear and not work. I was only 3,800 miles over the 60k mile warranty and having to pay out of pocket for a updated cdf drum that ford has created because they know the old ones are faultyOwner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
245 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 49,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Daytime running LED quad headlight system. the vertical led on the front passenger front headlights is out. Dealer said cost is $2000.00 to fix. have to replace whole assembly.Owner complaint, filed 2026
My daytime running light has burned out. I also see a lot of other f150 around town with the same exact problem. I also don’t want to get stopped from the police for having a bulb burned out. I have researched this problem and you can’t fix it unless you buy a whole brand new headlight assembly for $1500.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
132 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 25,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle suddenly locked the steering wheel at approximatelyn20-25 MPH dash displayed a front camera failure and the motor stopped. I had to put the vehicle in park and restart. It happened again with in a minute. Then a third time after driving apron. 120 miles. As I slowed to a stop light the same thing happen a third time. This…Owner complaint, filed 2026
In the winter the two front doors freeze. I had my twelve year old daughter in the car and turned a corner and the door opened at 25 miles and hour and she had to hold on. We have bungy corded the doors shut during the winter. Ford does not have a safety recall and stated to let the car heat up for 30 mins before use. From online forums…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Engine and cooling
102 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
I had an oil change performed earlier in the day. Drove 90 miles on the oil change when I lost complete oil pressure and than had my engine lock up. After the truck was towed back to the dealership and some surface investigation was done they told me it would be 2K to take the oil pan off to get a definitive answer to the issue. For them…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and a alert was received through the mobile application. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic inspection revealed that the knock sensor failed and required replacement. The dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 64,900 miles
Fuel system
94 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 51,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Upon receiving a text message from the dealer to bring the vehicle in for recall repair, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the service…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The contact pulled over and had…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 135,000 miles
Driver assist systems
88 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 35,000 miles. Parts named most: Warnings (21), Automatic emergency braking (20), Adaptive cruise control (15).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle Information 2021 Ford F-150 XL Supercrew approximately 35,000 miles. While traveling southbound on [XXX] near [XXX], Ok, I was operating my 2021 Ford F-150 XL at approximately 75 mph with the cruise control engaged. As I approached slower traffic ahead, I attempted to disengage the cruise control by pressing the cruise control…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Adaptive cruise control, truck keeps trying to change from lane swerves left and right outnof control sometimes. Automatic Braking Rear camera did a reset after changing the battery and the 360 cameras alignment misaligned and truck send a message When placed on reverse , cameras are misaligned on the screen.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
77 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
ABS Control module and brake booster assembly failed. Vehicle would not crank or start. Disconnected battery negative pole for one minute to reset PCM. Vehicle started. Drove immediately to independent service center without difficulty. Service center confirmed vehicle no start the next morning. Found several DTC codes including U3001…Owner complaint, filed 2026
When I'm driving my truck, usually when I have come to a stop on an incline, the parking/emergency brake will engage on its own. For example, most recently I was pulling out of a driveway with an incline. I was stopped at the bottom of the driveway to wait for the roadway to clear before I pulled out. When I hit the gas to go, the rear…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
43 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 64,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am getting a Steering Assist Fault message on my dash as well as code C1B00:49-2F. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealership and the deemed I have a faulty steering rack. I noticed there was also a recall out for other 2021 F-150's experiencing similar issues. My VIN was not included.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Subject: Steering Rack Failure Reimbursement Request, VIN [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting review and reimbursement for an electronic steering rack replacement on my 2021 Ford truck, VIN [XXX]. The electronic steering fault first appeared at start-up and when turning the wheel to full lock. Initially, I could pull over, shut…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Body, doors and structure
42 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 44,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (21).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Astro white exterior paint is chipping on the roof of the vehicle in multiple locations. See pictures attached of sever chipping above windshield and wear the roof meets. Also chipping occurring above both rear doors on roof. This was not due to an accident or normal wear and tear.Owner complaint, filed 2026
My 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat has a door latch defect that occurs in freezing or near-freezing temperatures. The failure occurs without warning in cold conditions, causing the door latch to freeze and not fully engage. When this happens, the door is able to freely swing open while the vehicle is in motion and also freely open when the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Wheels and tires
29 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Took my 2021 Ford F 150 in for recall 23s65 and oil change and was told vehicle was unsafe to drive and even though parts according to ford where available the dealer said they were on back order with no ETA of when they would be available and they would put me in a rental for the time being. I’ve been told 3 times now by Ford parts are…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The manufacturer is unwilling or unable to perform recall 23V896 in a timely manner. I have submitted my truck for inspection at an authorized dealer, Gullo Ford of Conroe, TX, on October 6, 2025 per manufacturer requirements. As of this writing, January 14, 2026 I have not been advised of availability of parts to remedy the defect. I am…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Cruise control and acceleration
21 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
On [XXX], I was driving westbound from Missouri into Oklahoma in my 2021 Ford F-150 XL. While traveling approximately 75 mph on the highway, I moved into the passing lane to overtake another vehicle. As I accelerated and applied additional throttle to pass, the transmission downshifted into passing gear. After completing the pass, the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
This report is being made within 1 1/2 hours after the incident. It has not been inspected by a dealer, service center, nor any other agency. I was stopped at a local fast food restaurant waiting to pay for my purchase. The 2021 Ford F-150 was in drive with my foot on the brake. No warning lights or other indication were present. Without…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Suspension
13 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The leaf spring on the rear driver side is not lined up and off centered. Other trucks of this model year have also been reported on numerous forums.Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for tire rotation services, the dealer informed his wife that the rear passenger's side axle bolt was fractured and was stuck inside the hub of the wheel. The dealer determined that the rear passenger's side axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 79,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
6 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact was cut off by another vehicle that had pulled out in front of the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal with force to keep from crashing into the vehicle. The contact stated that the seat belt pretensioner held firmly in…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 46,000 miles
After driving the vehicle for 14,000 miles I was traveling out of state when my wife and I discovered that the passenger seat belt was not anchored to the floor. When we arrived home there was a recall notification in our mail. I immediately went to Serramonte Ford in Colma, CA and scheduled the required inspection for November 1. They…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Air bags
5 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was stopped, a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 reversed at approximately 55 MPH, causing the rear to crash into the front of her husband's front of vehicle. No air bags deployed. The contact's husband and grandfather, who was a passenger in the vehicle, were injured. The…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 59,000 miles
Confirmed through dealership that the Clock Spring in the steering column needs to be replaced as it is defective. Ford has indicated that my vehicle vin is not a part of the current clock spring recall.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Ford F-150 complaints by year
Compare the 2021 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2021 full-size trucks
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-150 | One of the better years | 29 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | About average | 8 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | One of the better years | 15 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | Worse than most years | 7 |
2021 Ford F-150 recalls
Backup camera Display function
- Risk
- An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Transmission and drivetrain
- Risk
- Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system Integrated trailer brake control
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
Windows, mirrors and wipers Sun / moon roof assembly
- Risk
- A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Fuel system Fuel pump
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Lights Back up lights
- Risk
- Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Backup camera
- Risk
- A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system Integrated trailer brake control
- Risk
- Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Equipment Labels
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
Engine and cooling Hard parts internal / mechanical
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system Body control module
- Risk
- Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Axle hubs
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Parking brake
- Risk
- Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Linkages
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Motor
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Fuel system Storage
- Risk
- An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair (if necessary) the fuel tank strap bracket, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Linkages
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system Integrated trailer brake control
- Risk
- Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Motor
- Risk
- Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Transmission and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Side impact
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
Seat belts WebbingDo not drive until fixed
- Risk
- A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to perform a preliminary self-inspection of the front seatbelts.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed.
Brakes
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Steering Gear box
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until the repair is complete.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Critical fasteners
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
2021 Ford F-150 questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-150?
The most reported problem areas on the 2021 Ford F-150 are the transmission and drivetrain (323 complaints), the lights, wipers and visibility (245 complaints) and the electrical system (132 complaints).
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a good year to buy?
One of the better F-150 years. Owners filed about 37% fewer complaints than a typical F-150 year. The area owners reported most is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 58,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other F-150 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 29 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-150. The most recent, from Jul 2026, covers the display function. One of them tells owners to park outside or not drive the car until it is fixed. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 58,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 49,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford F-150 years should I avoid?
The F-150 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2013. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2021 Ford F-150?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model