2021 Ford F-150 Problems: Recalls, Complaints & Service Bulletins
The 2021 Ford F-150 has faced 19 safety recalls addressing critical issues like unexpected transmission shifts, driveshaft failures, wiper malfunctions, and steering gear damage. While no owner complaints or federal investigations are currently active, owners should check for open recalls to…
The 2021 Ford F-150 has been the subject of a significant number of safety recalls, indicating various potential issues that owners should be aware of. These recalls address critical components ranging from the powertrain and braking system to visibility and occupant safety. Understanding these potential 2021 Ford F-150 problems is crucial for both current owners and prospective buyers. This comprehensive reliability profile details all reported recalls, complaints, and investigations for this model year.
At a glance
The 2021 Ford F-150 has a notable record of 19 safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These recalls primarily involve components related to visibility, powertrain, and braking systems. There are currently no owner complaints or federal investigations reported for the 2021 Ford F-150, making the recalls the primary source of information regarding potential vehicle issues.
Recalls
The 2021 Ford F-150 has been involved in numerous recalls, many of which address serious safety concerns. These recalls highlight several key areas of potential 2021 Ford F-150 problems.
Visibility Issues
Several recalls have targeted components affecting driver visibility. Ford issued a recall, NHTSA ID 23V163000, for certain 2021 F-150 vehicles where windshield wiper arms could break, leading to wiper failure and reduced visibility. Another recall, NHTSA ID 22V250000, also addressed breaking windshield wiper arms in 2020-2021 F-150 models. Separately, two recalls, NHTSA ID 22V842000 and 22V142000, concerned front windshield wiper motors that could become inoperative, causing wiper failure.
Reverse lights have also been a recurring issue. An over-the-air software update inadvertently disabled both reverse lights in certain vehicles, leading to recalls NHTSA ID 25V348000 and 24V443000. Additionally, a recall, NHTSA ID 21V090000, was issued for certain 2021 F-150 vehicles due to improperly bonded windshields that could detach in a crash.
Powertrain and Driveline Issues
Several recalls address critical powertrain and driveline components. A significant concern involves the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral, leading to a loss of drive power. This was addressed by recalls NHTSA ID 25V169000 and 22V188000, both related to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software issues.
Driveshaft integrity has also been a problem. Recall NHTSA ID 22V623000 concerned underbody insulators damaging the aluminum driveshaft, while recall NHTSA ID 21V381000 addressed improperly assembled two-piece driveshafts that could separate. Furthermore, certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled under NHTSA ID 23V896000 due to a rear axle hub bolt that could fatigue and break, risking vehicle rollaway or loss of drive power.
Braking and Steering Issues
Steering and braking systems have also prompted recalls. A critical
What Ford F-150 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 46 model years.
- 39,812
- Owner complaints
- 226
- Recalls
- 2,759
- Service bulletins
- 1,679
- Crashes reported
- 2,104
- Fires reported
- 1,496
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
1,308 complaints, the 13th most of 46 model years on file. Owners reported 18 crashes, 7 fires and 13 injuries for this year, which also has 29 recalls on file.
Complaints by model year
| 1997 | 2,758 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2,029 | |
| 2011 | 2,194 | |
| 2012 | 1,784 | |
| 2013 | 2,994 | |
| 2014 | 1,539 | |
| 2015 | 1,746 | |
| 2016 | 2,093 | |
| 2018 | 2,327 | |
| 2021 | 1,308 |
Most-reported systems
- Power Train — 9,483
- Engine — 4,618
- Electrical System — 4,362
- Service Brakes — 3,838
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2,924
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V489000 — Back Over Prevention (Jul 2026)
- 26V402000 — Power Train (Jun 2026)
- 26V104000 — Electrical System (Feb 2026)
Recent owner reports
My 2021 F-150 PowerBoost hybrid repeatedly lost propulsion while traveling on the highway in early October 2026, including four incidents on one trip around October 3.
Read owner complaints →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.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.