The Used Car Index

2021 Ford F-150 problems

NHTSA lists 1,019 complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150, 13 of them mention a crash and 4 mention a fire. 6 complaints mention an injury, with 8 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as FORD F-150.

At a glance

Complaints
1,019
With crash
13
With fire
4
With injury (complaints)
6
Injuries
8
Deaths
0
Recalls
29
Do not drive recalls
1
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
4,381,878
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
640

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. The available sales group does not match this vehicle variant.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
POWER TRAIN31631.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12912.7%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING11211.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER959.3%
ENGINE838.1%
VISIBILITY787.7%
VISIBILITY/WIPER565.5%
SERVICE BRAKES535.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM515.0%
BACK OVER PREVENTION424.1%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY22
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING20
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEWARNINGS17
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL14
BACK OVER PREVENTIONSENSING SYSTEM10
LANE DEPARTUREBLIND SPOT DETECTION7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMINTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL6
EQUIPMENTAPPLIANCE6
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGHEADLIGHTS6
VISIBILITYWINDSHIELD6

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
mechanical failure33032.4%0.84
visibility or lighting22221.8%0.90
electrical electronic16716.4%0.84
loss of control14514.2%0.78
unclear949.2%0.90
noise or comfort202.0%0.76
fluid or fuel leak161.6%0.69
structural or corrosion131.3%0.80
fire or overheating80.8%0.79
restraint or airbag40.4%0.97
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate61260.1%0.81
low35835.1%0.71
high343.3%0.76
none121.2%0.81
critical30.3%0.70

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 1,019 tagged complaints of 1,019 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

29 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 29.

26V489000

Date: 2026-07-28. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: 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) n (excerpt)

Consequence: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this r (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

26V402000

Date: 2026-06-24. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

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. (excerpt)

Consequence: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

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, were mailed July 10, 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 th (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

26V104000

Date: 2026-02-20. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the drivera s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V729000

Date: 2025-10-24. Systems: VISIBILITY.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V455000

Date: 2025-07-07. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V348000

Date: 2025-05-23. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V315000

Date: 2025-05-09. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

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 ve (excerpt)

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

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 avail (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V169000

Date: 2025-03-14. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

25V132000

Date: 2025-02-28. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

24V852000

Date: 2024-11-08. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

EA23002

Opened: 2023-09-29. Closed: 2024-10-31.

Loss of Motive Power

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the abilit

Systems: ENGINE.

Linked campaign numbers: 24V635.

Manufacturer communications

640 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM240
UNKNOWN OR OTHER131
POWER TRAIN124
EQUIPMENT106
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING52
BACK OVER PREVENTION42
ENGINE25
STRUCTURE21

11037678

Date: 2026-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco Sport were also added to the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a headliner rat

11037291

Date: 2026-09-09. Type: Over The Air. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function

11037310

Date: 2026-09-09. Type: Over The Air. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

26C37 Recall remedy Prevents a potential rearview camera image obstruction caused by a menu displaying on top of it

11037297

Date: 2026-09-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This bulletin updates 26-2206. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to revise Steps 19-21, adding Step 22, and adding Figure 15-16 to clarify connector C316 location. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C1001:31, U3000:89, a

11036595

Date: 2026-08-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following condi

11036530

Date: 2026-08-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially a

11036301

Date: 2026-08-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE, VISIBILITY/WIPER.

Some 2021-2026 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a concern of the windshield wipers not parking in the correct position on the windshield and/or over-traveling. This may be due to incorrect alignment of the wiper pivot arm on the wiper linkage assembly. Wiper pivot arms may or may not be equipped with an a

11035556

Date: 2026-08-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnosti

11035635

Date: 2026-07-28. Type: Other. Systems: ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01 Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Evaluation Reference: Emissions Recalls 22E02, 22E04, 23E01, and 25E09

11035258

Date: 2026-07-24. Type: Over The Air. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

25S75 Recall remedy -Powertrain Control Module update to introduce logic to prevent low pressure fuel pump binding and maintain fuel flow to the engine.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
F-1501,019

Same model, other years

All model years | All Ford models

Other Ford models, 2021

Sources

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