Complaint volume
941 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Ford F-150 Complaints
941 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford F-150, grouped by component category.
941 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
6 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, exterior lighting, visibility. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 206 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 46,358 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, exterior lighting, visibility?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Ford F-150?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Ford F-150
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Ford F-150 complaints?
13 Crash
4 Fire
6 Injury
0 Fatality
28 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford F-150 complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 210
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 80
VISIBILITY 64
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 54
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 53
VISIBILITY/WIPER 42
ENGINE 34
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 24
STEERING 24
SERVICE BRAKES 19
941 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Manufacturer Recall Number23S65 NHTSA Recall Number23V896 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Mine has already failed once last year all the dealer did was put new parts in but said they still are not updated I tow a camper and it is soon time to tow and I am going on a long trip just want to see when the fix will be in | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal swishing sound in the front and rear passenger's side door panels. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered water in the front and rear passenger side door panels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the water leak was coming from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the water entering the interior of the vehicle through the rear passenger's side seat belt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the water leak was due to a failed rear exhaust panel. The contact was informed that the rear exhaust panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the failure, the carpet and the seats needed to be cleaned. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated while driving, there was an abnormal swishing sound in the front and rear passenger's side door panels again. The contact became aware of electrical switching sounds, and the horn failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with sunroof assembly failure. The contact was informed that the sunroof assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,000 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Whining or whistling noise at idle. Bangs when shifts to lowest gear. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I did not have an incident. However, we have been waiting 7 months for a remedy. I am scared to drive the vehicle until it is fixed. How long do we have to wait for a solution? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | Confirmed through dealership that the Clock Spring in the steering column needs to be replaced as it is defective. Ford has indicated that my vehicle vin is not a part of the current clock spring recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle started vibrating abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the alignment had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear axle hub bolts were worn and had shifted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the rear axle seals. The repair was pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 28,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 28,000 |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | I received this recall December of 2023. I was originally advised that a fix would be ready during the 1st quarter of 2024. I inquired on two occasions about the safety of driving my truck with the axle bolt breaking issue recall. Two separate techs advised me that I could continue driving my truck until a fix to the issue is found but both techs advised not to tow a trailer until it's repaired. I mainly use my truck to tow and usually a couple hundred miles at a time, so this doesn't help me and its now mid-March of 2025. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | My truck has a 2.7 eco boost engine than has failed around 134,000 miles. The truck had a couple of misfires over the last couple of months, but otherwise no issues. I drove the truck one Saturday, did not drive Sunday, and on Monday I am told the engine is completely seized and I am responsible for replacing the engine. Ford will not attempt to determine if the recall for the valve intake stem has caused the issue and now I am spending over $12,000 to replace a 4 year old engine with no other issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced hard shifting, gear grinding, and slipping gear while accelerating from a red light. The contact stated that the gear shift indicator showed that the transmission was in 10th gear and the vehicle started drifting backward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 32,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 32,000 |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light was illuminated. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STRUCTURE | DRIVER DOOR WON'T LOCK OR UNLOCK IN EXTREME COLD. TO EXIT AND ENTER TRUCK, I HAVE TO USE THE PASSENGER DOOR AND SLIDE INTO DRIVER SEAT, WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT B/C OF THE CENTER CONSOLE. NO WAY I COULD GET OUT OF THE TRUCK IN A HURRY IF I HAD TO. TOOK TO A DEALER BUT OF COURSE IT COULDN'T BE DUPLICATED. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2021 FORD F150. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STEERING | The power steering assist model failed rendering the truck without power steering. I called my dealership and they told me that the part is not available until sometime after February but could not give new a more precise date. I called Ford customer service on [XXX] and they could not give me an availability date on the part (Ford customer service case # [XXX]). They also informed me that the part is not under recall. This leaves me with an truck that is basically safe to drive for the last 60 days. I am the ogival owner of the truck and it has only 5300 miles on it. Can you help me Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | During cold weather the Driver and both back door locks will and cannot be locked or unlocked and the doors cannot be opened from inside or out if locked. Temperatures under 28 degrees Fahrenheit the locks become sluggish. Below 20 Fahrenheit the locks and door will not function at all. The dealer ship has checked out this issue but say that if replaced with current parts the problem will most likely continue. With this issue I have been locked in the car twice and had to exit the passenger door (which works for some reason). I now leave the truck unlocked which leaves me open to theft. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Rear backup camera and distance sensors stopped working. The issue is intermittent This issue could have resulted in an accident or injury/fatality due to no image sensor information No dealer involvement at this time No outside inspections at this time No prior warnings or messages were given before the failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the C-shaped LED light at the outer corners of the driver's side headlight was significantly dimmed, which reduced the road visibility. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee for the headlight replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 97,500 |
| Feb 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The daytime running lights are malfunctioning. I have seen this is a common issue with this style truck. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Just bought this truck. I was driving down the highway and my sunroof had exploded and blew off the top of my truck. I also noticed that my windshield is wavy and hard to see through. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 35 MPH, there was a loud pop from the rear end of the vehicle, and the rear end of the vehicle started vibrating abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The contact immediately parked on the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the driveshaft had fractured in half. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the drive shaft had fractured in half and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,200. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 80,200 |
| Jan 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while making left and right turns on several occasions, the steering wheel vibrated with the "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and a software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred on the way to the residence. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was then diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer for the third time and it was diagnosed that the PSCM steering control module and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,888. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 19,888 |
| Jan 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the electric steering fault message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where is was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V407000 (STEERING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 38,008. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 38,008 |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission suddenly downshifted from 7th to 1st gear when driving along a highway. This significantly slowed the vehicle down and almost caused a following vehicle to collide with me. The vehicle will also shift from 4th to 3rd violently, revving the engine then slammining into gear. This throws the heads of all occupants a d causes significant early wear and tear on power train components. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the door opened independently. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the door latches was frozen, and the contact was unable to enter or exit the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V652000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 98,000 |
| Jan 2025 | WHEELS | Unable to rotate tires or change a flat tire because per dealer Ford lug nuts are swollen and they can not come off with standard tool (lug wrench). Dealer informed me this has been an issue for years but there are no recalls. I was shocked to find out a simple issue like a flat tire can not be fixed due to the simplest designed piece of equipment on the vehicle (lug nut). Dealer stated i can buy replacement lug nuts from Ford for about $200.00 but they will do the same thing over time. I just found many write ups about this ongoing problem and wonder why NHTSA allows this to not be a recall ... this is a safety issue. Get Ford to redesign the Lug Nut, make it a simple one piece design and relace at no charge. If I or one of my family members get a flat tire and is stranded that would not be good! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | In the cold winter of Bismarck, ND, all of my truck's door handles are frozen, so I am unable to get in or out of my truck (NHTSA SSM XXXXX). I have been climbing in and out of my window to get into my truck. This is already a safety concern recognized by your organization, so why doesn’t my truck qualify for a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | STEERING | The ford is a ford F150 2021 with only 47,000 miles on it. It is a well taken care of truck with all routine maintenance done. The power control steering module has completely gone out in my truck. Unfortunately this problem began to occur with my children in the car when a warning light came on and then the power steering completely went out making it extremely difficult to turn and steer the car. Thankfully this occurred on a backroad and not the highway. Needless to say, it is not safe to drive my car and is now sitting in the shop. Ford has confirmed the problem but is unable to get a new PSCM because it is back ordered meaning many people are facing the same issue. We are told they are unsure if the part will become available in a month or 6 months which means we are out a car for that long. With the part being on such a back order, I would hope this would be a red flag to not only ford but to the NHTSA that this is a common problem and error on a faulty part which is extremely dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |