2021 Ford F-150 Unexpected Neutral Recall 25V-169
Ford has issued a recall (NHTSA ID 25V-169) for certain 2021 F-150 vehicles due to a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software issue that can cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral, leading to a loss of drive power.
Why this matters
An unexpected shift into neutral while driving is a serious safety concern. If your 2021 Ford F-150 unexpectedly shifts into neutral, it results in an immediate loss of drive power, which can significantly increase the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at higher speeds.
What's being recalled
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. This recall specifically addresses vehicles that were previously repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall, 22V-188. The issue stems from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, which may falsely activate a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure.
Symptoms
The primary symptom owners might experience is the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral. This condition is triggered by a false activation of the "DTC for low transmission fluid pressure" within the vehicle's system.
Manufacturer's remedy
Ford dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software on affected vehicles. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on April 22, 2025.
Owner action
If you own a 2021 Ford F-150, you should contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. Ford's internal number for this recall is 25S24. You may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA ID: 25V169000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the problem with the 2021 Ford F-150 transmission?
- The 2021 Ford F-150 may experience an unexpected shift into neutral due to a software issue in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that falsely activates a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure.
- What is the recall number for the Ford F-150 unexpected neutral issue?
- The NHTSA recall identification number for this issue is 25V-169000. Ford's internal recall number is 25S24. This recall also relates to previous recall 22V-188.
- How will Ford fix the unexpected neutral problem in my F-150?
- Ford dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software on affected 2021 F-150 vehicles. This software update will be provided free of charge to resolve the issue causing the Ford F-150 unexpected neutral condition.
- When will I be notified about the 2021 Ford F-150 recall?
- Owner notification letters regarding this recall (25V-169000) are scheduled to be mailed by Ford on April 22, 2025.
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.
Power Train, the system this article covers, accounts for 9,483 of 39,812 complaints (24%), including 447 for 2021.
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 about power train
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 →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 faulty
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.
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