Ford · NHTSA safety record

2021 Ford F-150

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 1,018 safety complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 with the US government. Of those, 13 describe a crash, 4 mention a fire, 8 people were injured and no death is recorded. 29 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 315 complaints, 31% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 45,500 miles, the median across the 220 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2021 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

1,018 complaints on file

1,018

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints rose by half year on year: 341 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 201 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

POWER TRAIN 315 · 31% 315 31%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 129 · 13% 129 13%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 112 · 11% 112 11%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 95 · 9% 95 9%

ENGINE 83 · 8% 83 8%

VISIBILITY 78 · 8% 78 8%

VISIBILITY/WIPER 56 · 6% 56 6%

SERVICE BRAKES 53 · 5% 53 5%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 51 · 5% 51 5%

BACK OVER PREVENTION 42 · 4% 42 4%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 42 · 4% 42 4%

STEERING 41 · 4% 41 4%

0 127 254

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 1,018.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 303.

320 240 160 80

21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2021 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2021 Ford F-150. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

29 on file

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

26V489000 · July 28, 2026

The 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) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 31, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 47,587 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

26V402000 · June 24, 2026

The 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.
The risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 741,195 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

26V104000 · February 20, 2026

The 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 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."
The 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.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 4,381,878 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

25V729000 · October 24, 2025

The 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.
The risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 174,853 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

25V455000 · July 7, 2025

The 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.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 850,318 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

25V348000 · May 23, 2025

The 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.
The risk: Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 10 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

25V315000 · May 9, 2025

The 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 vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,076,138 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

25V169000 · March 14, 2025

The 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.
The risk: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 567 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

25V132000 · February 28, 2025

The 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.
The risk: Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 10,952 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

24V852000 · November 8, 2024

The 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."
The 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.
The 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.

Ford Motor Company · up to 27,678 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

24V635000 · August 23, 2024

The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Ford Motor Company · up to 90,736 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

24V443000 · June 14, 2024

The defect: 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.
The risk: Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S38.

Ford Motor Company · up to 159 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

23V896000 · December 22, 2023

The defect: 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.
The 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. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.

Ford Motor Company · up to 112,965 vehicles across all model years covered

PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL

23V509000 · July 21, 2023

The defect: 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.
The risk: Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.

Ford Motor Company · up to 870,701 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

23V163000 · March 10, 2023

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S10. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-250.

Ford Motor Company · up to 222,454 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

22V842000 · November 15, 2022

The defect: 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.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2023. Remedy parts are expected in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S71. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-142.

Ford Motor Company · up to 483,082 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

22V623000 · August 12, 2022

The defect: 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.
The risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S53.

Ford Motor Company · up to 58,203 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

22V414000 · June 10, 2022

The defect: 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.
The risk: An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair (if necessary) the fuel tank strap bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S42.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1 vehicle across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

22V250000 · April 14, 2022

The defect: 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.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

Ford Motor Company · up to 652,996 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

22V193000 · March 25, 2022

The 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. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
The risk: Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S17.

Ford Motor Company · up to 391,836 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

22V188000 · March 25, 2022

The defect: 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.
The risk: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.

Ford Motor Company · up to 47,084 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

22V142000 · March 11, 2022

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S12.

Ford Motor Company · up to 157,306 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

21V986000 · December 16, 2021

The defect: 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.
The risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.

Ford Motor Company · up to 184,698 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

21V805000 · October 15, 2021

The defect: 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."
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.

Ford Motor Company · up to 777 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

21V653000 · August 23, 2021

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed.
The risk: A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Owners are advised to perform a preliminary self-inspection of the front seatbelts. If the passenger-side seatbelt fails inspection, owners should not use the passenger seat until the repair is performed. If the driver-side seatbelt fails inspection, owners should not drive their vehicle until the repair is performed. Dealers will inspect the front seatbelts and, if the webbing is misrouted, will replace the seatbelt retractor and pretensioner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C20.

Ford Motor Company · up to 16,430 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

21V533000 · July 15, 2021

The defect: 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.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S33.

Ford Motor Company · up to 56 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

21V407000 · May 29, 2021

Do not drive until repaired

The defect: 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.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until the repair is complete. Vehicles will be towed in for service, and dealers will remove and replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S28.

Ford Motor Company · up to 223 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

21V381000 · May 24, 2021

The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S25.

Ford Motor Company · up to 4,436 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS

21V090000 · February 18, 2021

The defect: 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."
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

Ford Motor Company · up to 79,017 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of Motive Power

EA23002

Closed engineering analysis · opened September 29, 2023 · closed October 31, 2024 · led to recall 24V635

the engine

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 ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all MY 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, referred to as the “Nano” engine family. If an intake valve fractures in the subject engines, it may drop into the cylinder and contact the piston, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage. On September 29, 2023, PE22007 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23002) to further investigate the subject defect across the full scope of affected vehicles. During EA23002, ODI visited Ford facilities to review technical information related to intake valve fracture in “Nano” engines, coordinated with NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC), and analyzed updated field data relating the subject defect. Forensic analysis of fractured intake valves demonstrated that the defective components exhibited “grinding burn” or out of specification hardness in the area of the keeper grooves. The presence of grinding burn is evidence that during the groove grinding phase of production, the temperature of the valve became sufficiently high to alter the microstructure of the material and is indicative that the valve supplier’s manufacturing processes were not within control specifications. Grinding burn results in a hard, brittle microstructure and high residual stresses toward the surface of the valve. Through normal engine loading, a valve with grinding burn will likely fracture at the area of highest vulnerability, which is the third keeper groove. In its response to the EA23002 Information Request (IR) letter, Ford provided evidence of 396 customer complaints (including field reports), 825 warranty claims, and 936 engine exchanges. When considering both ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there have been reports representing 1066 unique vehicles within the subject vehicle population. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that vehicles equipped with potentially defective intake valves were built within a production “spike period” of May 2021 – October 2021. The beginning of the spike period corresponds to a ramp up in production at the valve supplier manufacturing facility, and the end of the spike period aligns with the implementation of several mid-production process improvements and the decision to change the metal alloy used to produce intake valves from “Silchrome Lite” to “Silchrome 1”. Ford began investigating the subject defect in July 2021, determined the root cause, and took corrective measures for the new production vehicles. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that these corrective actions were successful in eliminating the risk of intake valve fracture for subject vehicles produced after October 2021. However, Ford did not take any field action to address vehicles produced during the spike period, and in the several months following the implementation of the production changes, a significant number of field failures continued to occur. It is Ford’s assessment that not all valves produced during the spike period are defective, and that failures associated with the subject defect occur at low time in service. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that the vast majority of failures have occurred before 20,000 miles with over half of all reported failures occurring before 5,000 miles. The rate of reported failures related to the subject defect has steadily decreased since November 2021. ODI coordinated with NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) to conduct statistical analysis and predict the number of future failures associated with the subject defect. The results of this analysis, and the trends identified through the failure report data are generally consistent with Ford’s assessment that defective intake valves will likely fail at a low time in service and indicate that the majority of subject vehicles equipped with defective valves have already experienced a failure. On August 23, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V635 for subject vehicles equipped with “Nano” engines and built within the production spike period identified above (total population 90,736 vehicles). The remedy includes an inspection at a Ford/Lincoln dealership where the lifetime engine cycles of the vehicle will be determined. If a vehicle does not meet a threshold for lifetime engine cycles, the dealership will conduct a high RPM engine cycle accumulation procedure, which aims to identify if the vehicle is equipped with defective intake valves. Any vehicle that fails the accumulation procedure will receive an engine replacement under the recall. In addition to recall 24V635, Ford has stated that it will launch customer satisfaction campaign 24N12, which will provide extended warranty coverage to the subject vehicles through the earlier of 10 years or 150,000 miles. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS Filed August 26, 2025

2 injured · crash · towed · 59,000 miles

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 grandfather sustained neck and facial injuries, primarily around the neck and chin area. The husband suffered injuries to his hands. Medical attention was required for both occupants. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed. The insurance company was pending an inspection to determine if the vehicle was destroyed or not. The contact informed the

NHTSA complaint 11683058, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed August 6, 2025

2 injured

On Sunday, [XXX], I was driving on a state highway in my 21 Ford F150 FX4 with my family. 67mph, 73 degrees sunny outside. The front portion of my moonroof/sunroof exploded, shooting glass shards internally all over my truck/passengers and externally into the bed of my truck, and into the boat I was towing. Multiple people had glass shards embedded in their skin. There were no other vehicles nearby, and there was no prior damage to the sunroof/moonroof of the vehicle. The truck gave no warning or signs of malfunction prior to the event. The sunroof was closed, and all windows in the vehicle were closed. On Monday morning ([XXX]), I took my truck to the local Ford service center, and they

NHTSA complaint 11678737, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed July 7, 2022

1 injured · crash · towed

On June 17, 2022 while driving to work on highway in Nee York Stare, I put the adaptive cruise control on so I could adjust my drivers side rear view mirror. The truck suddenly lunged to the left striking a guard rail and overturned several times. Despite being a direct high speed impact to the guard rail and overturning , the steering airbag did not deploy. See police report attached. Due to this , I sustained major internal tissue damage including: a broken sternum, punctured lung bruised aorta, 4 fractures to the vertebrae in both my upper and lower spine and 4 broken ribs in my upper rib cage. I spent a total of 11 nights in the hospital including 4 nights in the ICU. I have not been

NHTSA complaint 11472690, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION Filed July 3, 2025

1 injured · crash

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was the caller's son. The contact's mother stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact's mother stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact stated that her son had been involved in a low-speed, parking lot accident. Unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that

NHTSA complaint 11671109, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Filed September 30, 2026

This vehicle was purchased new. It currently has about 56000 miles. Over time there have been numerous incidents where the battery was suddenly dead. The dealer repeatedly replaced the battery with out addressing the cause. This was done under warranty until recently when there was a charge of $1138. This supposedly resulted in the electronics being reset to factory settings. On a subsequent trip of about 2000 miles , there were numerous incidents (at least 8-10) where the Google Maps program, installed by the dealership, malfunctioned. My question is, what other electronic issues were installed with the factory settings. This has been reported to the dealer, with no response. On August 31,

NHTSA complaint 11768043, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN Filed September 29, 2026

19,605 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshift. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted and the dealer disassembled the transmission and replaced the hub assembly, Part Number: ML3Z7H351B; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where a service technician test drove the vehicle with the contact and the technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. After months of waiting for a response, the contact took the

NHTSA complaint 11767700, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL Filed September 29, 2026

34,855 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the ECM failed to pass the emissions test. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that the failure was recognized by the manufacturer, but there was no remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,855.

NHTSA complaint 11767710. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Filed September 29, 2026

fuel pump has failed, vehicle shut off while driving, ford dealership has confirmed failed fuel pump under the 25s75 recall, check engine light illuminated with fault code P008A (fuel system low pressure) fault code moments prior to vehicle shutting off, vehicle would not restart

NHTSA complaint 11767742. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 29, 2026

On September 10, 2026 about 9:10 am, I experienced an engine stall as I was approaching an intersection. I was slowing down and entering a left turn lane. Vehicle bucked like a horse and stalled. No warning lights or codes. It costed to a stop at which time I attempted a re start. The motor turned over for about 10 seconds and then started up. It seemed like there was a loss of fuel. This incident reminded me of a recall letter a got in the mail last year. After research I saw recall #25V455 with no fix yet. Called my local dealer and they said there is no codes so they would probably have to charge me a diagnostics fee of $250.00 and nothing they can do about the recall. Made an

NHTSA complaint 11767836, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING Filed September 25, 2026

Should be able to simply repair my daytime running lamps at a reasonable cost. One of them is now dim, causing lower visibility for other drivers. Ford's cost for me to repair was quoted today at over $2,100. Simply put, unreasonable! This is an issue that has effected several vehicles.

NHTSA complaint 11767015. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-150

Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Deaths
2026	10	5	—
2025	106	13	—
2024	190	11	—
2023	409	13	—
2022	595	23	—
2020	730	11	—
2019	1,329	9	—
2018	2,311	18	3
2017	1,442	17	—
2016	2,059	13	—
2015	1,719	13	3
2014	1,533	8	1
2013	2,982	3	4
2012	1,782	4	2
2011	2,190	6	—
2010	843	1	—

Other 2021 Ford models

Bronco Sport 699 Explorer 430 Escape 348 Mustang Mach E 347 Ecosport 259 F-150 Hybrid 259 Expedition 235 Bronco 229

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Ford on this site — 359 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed July 28, 2026.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by guarledes
Independent developer and analyst