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Ford · NHTSA safety record

2021 Ford F-250 SD

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

Owners have filed 165 safety complaints about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD with the US government. Of those, 3 describe a crash and no death is recorded. 12 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the diesel fuel system, named in 25 complaints, 15% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 48,000 miles, the median across the 49 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

165 complaints on file

165

Complaints

3

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

0

People injured

0

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.

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. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 25 · 15%
POWER TRAIN 25 · 15%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 · 11%
SUSPENSION 18 · 11%
STEERING 15 · 9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14 · 8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13 · 8%
VISIBILITY 12 · 7%
ENGINE 11 · 7%
STRUCTURE 11 · 7%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 10 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 6 · 4%
0 12 23

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 165.

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 46.

52 39 26 13
21 22 23 24 25 26

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-250 SD. 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

12 on file

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

26V158000 · March 17, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
The risk
High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 9,839 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

25V686000 · October 10, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
The risk
A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the image processing module software, free charge.nThis will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.

Ford Motor Company · up to 291,901 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:COLUMN

25V626000 · September 19, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.

Ford Motor Company · up to 115,539 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

25V442000 · June 27, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
The risk
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Ford Motor Company · up to 200,237 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

25V048000 · January 31, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
The risk
Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.

Ford Motor Company · up to 91,580 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

24V957000 · December 20, 2024

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
The risk
High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

Ford Motor Company · up to 295,449 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

23V420000 · June 9, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

Ford Motor Company · up to 691,133 vehicles 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

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

22V087000 · February 16, 2022

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. 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 on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

Ford Motor Company · up to 247,445 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

22V013000 · January 14, 2022

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

Ford Motor Company · up to 19,697 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.

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

PE24014

Still open preliminary evaluation · opened May 9, 2024

the diesel fuel system, the fuel system

The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening 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

crash

I hit an elk at 65 mph while pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with 4000 lbs of hay. The crash warning light did not come on nor did the air bags deploy. The whole front end of the truck is badly damaged. I contacted my local Ford dealer with this information and was told by the service agent that the body shop will handle this. As my concern is how hard do you have to hit something to get the airbags to deploy. I’m concerned for my safety while driving this truck again if it can be repaired. I’m taking it to the repair shop today. I wanted to report this as Ford will be ZERO help moving forward.

NHTSA complaint 11671870. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

crash

The contact called to file a complaint on a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact was a Crash Investigator. The contact stated that the vehicle owner was involved in a crash. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the opposite lane, the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. No other information was available. The contact stated that while inspecting the Air Bag Control Module, it was downloaded; however, there was no reported crash data information of the crash or that the air bags were deployed. The contact stated that there was a pattern with the faulty part being distributed from a manufacturing plant for the manufacturer located in Kentucky. The contact stated

NHTSA complaint 11712679, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

crash

The contact called to report a failure on a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact, who is a Crash Investigator, stated that the owner of the vehicle was involved in a crash. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed in the opposite lane, the driver ended up in a head-on collision. No other information was available. While inspecting the Air Bag Control Module after downloading the information, there was no crash or air bags deployment information retrieved. The contact stated that there was a pattern of the faulty part being distributed from a manufacturing plant for the manufacturer located in Kentucky, because this was not the first issue with a Ford F-250 vehicle experiencing the exact

NHTSA complaint 11712685, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

towed · 42,100 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake became inoperable. The contact stated there was brake fluid was gushing out from the driver's side front of the vehicle. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by safely getting to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,100.

NHTSA complaint 11537137. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2021 Ford F250 super duty pickup truck experienced a catastrophic failure of the Bosch CP4 high pressure fuel pump. This has been confirmed by the dealer's service center. As a result of this part failure, metal shards were introduced into the entire fuel system. This now requires the fuel pump and the entire fuel system (every component) to be replaced. My truck has 74,9xx miles. This is a known and well publicized issue. Rather than recall the high pressure fuel pump, Ford instead issued a recall (24S78) to reflash the PCM software with the intent to reduce the risk of the fuel pump failure. I had the 24S78 recall work completed, and my fuel pump failed still. No indication in advance

NHTSA complaint 11767129, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
Purchased a 2021 F250 brand new from dealership and have had serviced at dealer since new. This truck is equipt with the 10r140 transmission that is a known problem. Starting at 48K miles transmission slipped from 3-5 gear. Report to Mooresville Ford and they “drove” the truck 6 miles and stated they could not recreate the slip. Reported again to Mooresville Ford at ~78k, technician drove vehicle for 12 miles and documented a slight slip between 3-5 but Ford declined to take action and extended warranty to 100k. Reported again at ~96k to Mooresville Ford, dealership held truck for 8 days and drove 6 miles. Declined again to take action and extended warranty to 146k. Reported again to

NHTSA complaint 11766798, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge The transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had i been going faster when it did lock up No the problem has not been reproduced by a independent service center as i am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected it along with a mechanic via photos showing all the metal fragments in the fluid and filter No warning lamps prior to the failure, but there where warning lights of service vehicle soon before the transmission locked up. Ever since new the transmission has shifted erratically especially from 3-4

NHTSA complaint 11760335, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Cab trim is coming off vehicle, causing likelihood of vehicle getting water inside the body/ structure of the vehicle, which can lead to degradation and loss of structural integrity during a collision.

NHTSA complaint 11755557. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
While driving the vehicle, the steering column released all of the bearings, allowing for the steering column to move up and down and in and out freely, making it unknown if the steering would follow which way the steering wheel was turned. I reached out to our personal mechanic in regards to this, and had to pay out of pocket. Originally, I thought it was a failed part, but after research, it was brought to my attention of recall 25S94, which my truck did not qualify for. I replace the part at my expense, even though, at this time, the vehicle was only 3 years old. No failure signs appeared.

NHTSA complaint 11754435. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

56,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated and the message "LIMP Mode in 34 Miles" was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with a diesel emission fuel injector failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA complaint 11751901. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-250 SD

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 9 6 —
2025 16 7 —
2024 38 4 —
2023 43 16 —
2022 123 17 —
2020 263 14 —
2019 1,164 11 —
2018 397 9 —
2017 1,155 14 —
2016 289 3 —
2015 296 2 —
2014 26 0 —
2013 21 0 —
2012 57 0 —
2011 122 0 1
2010 32 0 —

Other 2021 Ford models

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

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
Independent developer and analyst