CSR

Ford · NHTSA safety record

2021 Ford F-350 SD

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

94

Complaints

1

Crashes

4

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-350 SD have filed 94 safety complaints with NHTSA between April 2021 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the diesel fuel system, named in 22 of them (23%). The typical failure was reported at 92,567 miles, the median across the 35 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints rose 26% year on year: 29 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 23 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 14 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (14)

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: 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

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

21V536000 · July 15, 2021

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines and Dana model 275 rear axles. The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation.
The risk
Driveshaft separation may result in a 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 axle housing for deformities, and repair or replace the housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 21S31.

Ford Motor Company · up to 27,604 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

21V390000 · May 25, 2021

Do not drive until repaired

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.
The risk
A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S26.

Ford Motor Company · up to 17,616 vehicles across all model years covered

TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY

21V379000 · May 24, 2021

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-350 and F-450 vehicles equipped with a fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket that may be cracked.
The risk
A cracked mounting bracket could result in the fifth wheel detaching from the vehicle while towing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the mounting bracket, and replace the bracket if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S23.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,796 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)

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.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 94.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 22 23%
ENGINE 14 15%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13 14%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13 14%
POWER TRAIN 10 11%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 10 11%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 5 5%
SUSPENSION 5 5%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 4 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 4 4%
STEERING 4 4%
VISIBILITY 4 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 37.

2021 2025 2026
2021 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

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

SEATS

2 injured · crash · towed · 6,600 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350 towing a boat. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, applied the brakes however crashed head-on with a 2015 Toyota Scion. The contact stated the rear seats failed to lockdown. The contact had the tools under the seat and was released into the vehicle during the crash. The air bags deployed. The passenger sustained broken ribs, right ankle sprain or fractured, and the seatbelt bruised the chest. The driver struck the steering wheel and sustained chest pains, lower, mid, and upper back issues, and neck injuries. Medical attention was provided for both occupants. The driver of the Toyota succumbed to his/her injuries. A police report was filed. There was

NHTSA complaint 11446844, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

1 injured · fire

The cable connecting the engine block heater caught on fire near the plug. My right hand, thumb and index finger were burned while disconnecting the cable. I was able to stop fire from consuming the vehicle. How ever cable is burned near the 3 pronged connector.

NHTSA complaint 11498766. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 85,000 miles

The contact owned a 2021 Ford F-350 Diesel. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential yard, the contact noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact had just parked the vehicle and walked around to the back of the residence. The contact stated that the fire came from under the center area of the hood. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire, however the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was still located at the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately

NHTSA complaint 11567872, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

On highway for 2 hours, pulling 5th wheel trailer. Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaning alert went on. Immediately truck lost power, a few other alerts flashed on the screen that couldn't read in time then alert that truck was being put in Neutral which it did. Smoke coming out of engine compartment. Barely coasted to stop on side of freeway. Quickly turned from white smoke to brown. Barely enough time to get me, wife and dog out of the cab before flames coming out of engine. Engine and cab completely burned out.

NHTSA complaint 11604955. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle went into limp mode and we towed it to the dealership. They ran diagnostics and found that the fuel filter was causing a fault for water in the fuel filter. They replaced the fuel filter and ran diagnostics again and it flagged failure for Low pressure fuel pump. They replaced the low pressure fuel pump and reran diagnostics. When they reran diagnostics it flagged for High pressure fuel pump failure and now they are in the process of tearing it down to the point of failure to find out the cause. My vehicles vin was not included in the original recall and believe that it should have been included.

NHTSA complaint 11755333. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving my truck home when it completely shut off, I lost all power to everything, including the power steering brakes. When I got home, I did some research on the Internet to see possible causes. Apparently there is a service bulletin for the fuse box having water getting into it from the cowl of the hood, which states it can do exactly what happened to my truck? You can also keep your truck running and not shutting off and just to hold host of other safety issues with the service bulletin. . So I brought my truck in to get diagnosed by Ford and they did indeed say it was the fuse box under the hood that got water into it and shorted it out. Ford would not cover this part even though

NHTSA complaint 11749077, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

towed · 195,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, where it lost motive power. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while a fifth wheel RV was hitched to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the manufacturer denied covering the repair

NHTSA complaint 11743498, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Ford F-350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related failure involving my 2021 Ford F-350. While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly entered “limp mode,” resulting in a significant and immediate loss of power. Approximately 20 miles later, the vehicle completely shut down, leaving me stranded and requiring the truck to be towed to Gene Messer Ford for diagnosis and repair. The failure created a potentially dangerous situation, as the loss of power limited my ability to maintain safe speeds and respond to surrounding traffic conditions. After the vehicle was delivered to the dealership, it took approximately one week for

NHTSA complaint 11735094, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

110,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera had been inoperable since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V048000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN tool showed no open recall. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA complaint 11729638. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact recently set an appointment with a local dealer for the software update, but was informed by the dealer that the recall had been placed on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint 11723788. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-350 SD

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 14 6
2024 43 3
2023 39 15
2022 108 17
2020 186 15
2019 465 11
2018 200 9
2017 572 13
2016 208 3
2015 207 3
2013 9 9
2012 29 9
2011 43 7
2010 50 6

Other 2021 Ford models

Every Ford on this site — 348 vehicles, 1210 recall campaigns and 10 open investigation s.

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. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

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