2021 Ford F-150 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,269 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford F-150, filed between 2021-01-26 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the power train (437, 34%), electrical system (170, 13%) and exterior lighting (114, 9%). Owners reported 18 crashes, 7 fires, 13 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 29 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Ford F-150 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 437 | 34% | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 170 | 13% | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 122 | 10% | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Exterior lighting | 114 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 108 | 9% | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility | 83 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 66 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 64 | 5% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 64 | 5% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 54 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 50 | 4% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 47 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 47 | 4% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 44 | 3% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 40 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 437 complaints
- 437 complaints of 1,269 (34%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 32 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 7 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford F-150; the latest, campaign 26V402000, says: “The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.”
Electrical system: 170 complaints
- 170 complaints of 1,269 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 20 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injury and 1 death in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford F-150; the latest, campaign 26V104000, says: “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.”
Exterior lighting: 114 complaints
- 114 complaints of 1,269 (9%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 17 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford F-150; the recall, campaign 25V348000, says: “An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.”
Engine: 108 complaints
- 108 complaints of 1,269 (9%) name the engine.
- 32 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Ford F-150; the recall, campaign 24V635000, says: “The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.”
Visibility: 83 complaints
- 83 complaints of 1,269 (7%) name the visibility — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 4 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- 6 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford F-150; the latest, campaign 25V729000, says: “The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.”
Visibility/wiper: 66 complaints
- 66 complaints of 1,269 (5%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 6 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Ford F-150; the latest, campaign 25V729000, says: “The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 66 |
| 2022 | 176 |
| 2023 | 244 |
| 2024 | 174 |
| 2025 | 325 |
| 2026 | 284 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names F-150, F-150 REGULAR CAB, F-150 SUPER CAB, F-150 SUPER CAB DIESEL, F-150 SUPER CREW, F-150 SUPER CREW DIESEL, F-150 SUPER CREW HEV, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Ford F-150 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-150?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Ford F-150's most common problem areas are the power train (437 of 1,269 complaints), electrical system (170 of 1,269 complaints) and exterior lighting (114 of 1,269 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA has 1,269 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford F-150, including 18 reported crashes and 7 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford F-150's problems?
NHTSA lists 29 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-150; 6 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.