Complaint volume
908 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
908 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford F-150, grouped by component category.
908 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 203 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 45,841 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
27 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford F-150 complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 200
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 75
VISIBILITY 64
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 52
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52
VISIBILITY/WIPER 41
ENGINE 33
STEERING 24
SERVICE BRAKES 19
BACK OVER PREVENTION 18
908 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | With less than 44,000 miles on my truck it suddenly began to shift in an eradic manner. It is undriveable. This is the Ford 10 speed 10 R 80 transmission. The truck is only 5 years old but is out of warranty by 17 days. Seems strange. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The 10r80 transmission is failing. I have safety concerns for myself and others due to loss of acceleration and violent down shifts. The issue has been reproduced by my mechanic shop. The dealership will not help me with the issue. There have been no dash lights until the failure occurred. The only indication was some occasional rough shifting leading up to the incidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | I have a 2021 F150. The vehicle has LED day time running lights (DRL's). Several of the lights have overheated and melted the plastic internally to limit the transmittance of light. Thus it appears that the light is not functioning, but the reality it has burnt the plastic. This is a known issue that can be seen everyday on the road in other F150's and in the FORD F150 forums. FORD has realized this design issue and has changed the design of the headlight assembly in newer vehicles. In order to get the (DRL's) repaired, you must replace the entire headlight assembly at a cost of $1500 just for the assembly according to the FORD dealership when I brought the vehicle in routine service. Also, when the DRL first failed, it was believed that FORD had sent an over the air software update that included increasing the intensity of the LED for the DRL. This software update was changed back to the setting that it originally came with the vehicle. The first LED that failed was approximately 2 years ago. A second DRL failed about 6 months later. I have changed the settings so the DRL's do not come on during the day to minimize future DRL's from burning the plastic. In theory, if I wanted to have my vehicle perform properly with the DRL's operating for safety, I would need to replace both assemblies at a cost of over $3000. That seems very excessive. I should have submitted this complaint sooner, but now that I receive several recalls per year for my F150 for other issues, I felt it was time to add this one to the list since the issue is so widespread. If DRL's are not important for safety while driving, why are they installed on vehicles? A quick search on YouTube for diagnosing videos, clearly indicates that the problem exists and its a design issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Hello, my 2021 Ford F150 with 10 Speed Automatic Transmission is believe 10R80 is the issue. I've experienced some delayed shifting, erratic shifting. Also, some when coming to a stop. I've had the transmission serviced with a fluid drain and new filter. Current mileage approximate 53K. I did research to find the 10 Speed. Transmission to having issues with a Class Action Lawsuit. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle: 2021 Ford F-150 XLT Issue: Transmission Malfunction and Safety Concern I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious and ongoing transmission issue with my 2021 Ford F-150 XLT. The vehicle has exhibited multiple dangerous and unpredictable transmission behaviors that raise significant safety concerns. First, the truck experiences a pronounced 3–4 shift flare. During this shift, the engine RPM rises abnormally high before the transmission engages the next gear. This creates a noticeable delay in acceleration and reduces driver control, particularly when merging into traffic or accelerating from lower speeds. Second, there is a severe hard engagement when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse. The vehicle produces a loud and forceful clunk, accompanied by a jarring motion. This issue occurs consistently and gives the impression of excessive internal wear or mechanical failure within the transmission system. Third, the transmission intermittently becomes stuck in gear or behaves erratically. This includes sudden, harsh downshifts without driver input, bringing the vehicle to a stop, and occasions where the vehicle resists changing gears altogether. These events are abrupt and can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic conditions. Additionally, there have been instances of delayed engagement and hesitation when selecting Drive or Reverse, further compounding concerns about reliability and safety. These transmission problems are not only disruptive but also pose a real risk of accident or injury due to loss of predictable vehicle operation. I am requesting that this issue be formally investigated, as it may indicate a broader defect affecting similar vehicles. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the hub bolt had fractured. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 36,000 |
| Apr 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Luther ford mobile technician came to my place and cleared my existing FUEL PUMP failure recall. I called their attention and insist they did not cleared my recall when I immediately notify them. I was told they are awaiting parts to be ordered but why did they removed/ clear my existing fuel pump failure notification. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | Check engine light coming on and off with an emissions code, transmission shifting really hard | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Trans is hanging shifting into 2nd gear, 4th gear, 7th gear, and 9th gear. Also has gotten stuck in 10th gear 3 times. Had to roll over to the side of the road turn the truck off and restart. Also have hard shifts from 1-3 and then have hard downshifts from 5-4-3. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have been trying to get a recall situated with Ford now for almost a year. They say they have no fix. I am making payments on truck and can’t use it like I should be. Even came out of my own pocket and had ford install a new fuel pump however problem came back. Just not fair I purchased a vehicle from A reputable company and they will not help me at all. Not even a loaner. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS | While driving my 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost, the vehicle issued a pre-collision warning followed immediately by a restraint system warning. The airbag then deployed without any collision or impact. There was no crash, obstacle, or reason for deployment. The airbag deployment shattered the windshield and caused interior damage. This appears to be a false activation of the pre-collision system and unintended airbag deployment, creating a serious safety hazard. This could easily result in injury or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle needs to be investigated for a potential defect in the airbag system, sensors, or pre-collision assist system. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall on my 2021 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX] ), Recall 25S75 / NHTSA 25V455, issued July 2025. As of today, April 10, 2026, no remedy is available and Ford has not provided a firm commitment beyond a verbal statement from a customer service representative. I contacted Ford in writing via certified mail (delivered March 27, 2026) and by email. Ford Case Number: [XXX]. I received one email response on March 31, 2026 from Patrice Hargrove, Truck Concern CXS, stating the remedy would not be available until June 2026, that Ford had not advised me to stop driving, and that Ford would not provide a loaner or rental reimbursement. I responded the same day asking for written confirmation of the June 2026 date and confirmation that my correspondence had been documented in my case file. I followed up again on April 6, 2026. I have received no response to either email. My concern is not only the recall itself but the history of this specific vehicle. In October 2022, this truck stalled in the middle of the street while I was driving with my children in the vehicle. It was towed and serviced, with the cause attributed to alternator failure. The failure mode described in Recall 25S75, an engine stall caused by fuel pump failure, is the same experience I have already had with this truck. This vehicle has also undergone a rear axle wiring harness repair in June 2024 and a transmission service under Customer Satisfaction Program 25L02 in December 2025. I have two young children who ride in this vehicle regularly. Ford has acknowledged a safety defect that can cause an engine stall while driving, has provided no interim safety accommodation, and has not responded to my follow-up correspondence in over a week. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's handling of this recall and the adequacy of Ford's response to affected owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Unreasonable Delay in Remedy for Recall 23V896 / 23S65 I am filing this complaint to report an unacceptable delay in the remedy for NHTSA Recall 23V896 (Manufacturer 23S65). This recall was issued in December 2023, yet as of April 2026, the manufacturer continues to claim that parts are unavailable for repair. This delay has persisted for nearly three years, during which time the manufacturer has continued to produce and sell new vehicles while leaving existing owners at risk. 1. Component Failure & Inspection: The components involved are the rear axle bolts. The vehicle and the specific components are available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: The safety of myself, my passengers, and others on the road is at significant risk. A failure of the rear axle hub bolts can result in a total loss of motive power (the ability to move the vehicle) or cause the vehicle to roll away while in park. Both scenarios significantly increase the risk of a high-speed crash or injury to pedestrians. 3. Confirmation & History: The necessity for this repair has been confirmed by an authorized dealer service center. However, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer’s corporate representatives, police, or insurance. 4. Symptoms & Warnings: There were no warning lamps, messages, or physical symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I only became aware of the defect through the official recall notification provided by the manufacturer and the NHTSA. Conclusion: It is unacceptable that a known safety defect remains unremedied for this duration. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate the manufacturer's failure to provide a remedy within a reasonable timeframe as required by law, especially considering the continued production of new units using similar components. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual grinding sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact noticed a lot of unusual clicking or rattling sounds. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fire underneath the vehicle. In addition, the drive shaft was detached. The contact stated that the fire burned out independently. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the drive shaft had scorching around it. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V986000 (Power Train, Structure), was performed on the contact's VIN about six months ago. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Towed | 111,000 |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Two of my catalytic converters have failed twice. The first time was at the end of January 2024, the second time was at the end of March 2026. All regular maintenance on the vehicle has been completed at a Ford dealership. The only explanation I have received for the failure of the catalytic converters was "the parts were defective." I have owned five Ford trucks in my lifetime and this is the first time the catalytic converters have failed, and they have failed twice on a five year old truck. This is, however, the first hybrid truck I have ever owned. Perhaps there is a defect in the design of the motor that the general public may not be aware of? Hopefully you can look into this situation to prevent someone else from going through the drama that I'm having to deal with. Lightening has already struck twice and I'm just praying that it will strike the third time for me before the two year warranty runs out on these catalytic converters that were just installed in my truck. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission is shuddering at speeds up to 60mph. Can cause the vehicle to jump repeatedly.I am worried at such a high speed the vehicle could lose control and put my life and others at risk. Also can shift very hard when coming to a stop so much so that it feels like I’ve been hit from behind by another vehicle. I’ve never had any type of messages or warning lights prior or post. After searching up issue I have found hundreds and hundreds of other vehicle owners with the 10r80 transmission to be experiencing similar problems. Ford has acknowledged the problem and have a fix but at a high cost. Some people are not able to repair vehicles at that moment could be putting themselves and other at risk of death or injury. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | My truck started shifting gears hard while driving and wouldn’t go into reverse when parking. Performance transmission shop is telling me I need a new transmission. Getting multiple error codes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Several times, the vehicle has failed to accelerate or respond to accellerator pedal input for several seconds. It seems to happen when switching from electric to hybrid modes, and when shifting between lower gears simultaneously. Once the switch to hybrid occurs the engine will rev high with some acceleration even if the accelerator pedal is no longer being pressed. This acceleration has happened when I had my foot over the brake pedal in anticipation of pulling over to stop since the truck would not accelerate. There are no warning lights or messages that appear on the vehicle. It is dangerous because it seems to happen when trying to accelerate from a lower speed. If it happens when trying to change lanes in stop and go traffic or while pulling into traffic other cars would have to brake hard to avoid hitting our vehicle that has experienced stalled acceleration. It is also dangerous because once the transition happens there is brief uncommanded acceleration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While driving my 2021 Ford F-150, the vehicle suddenly began shaking, lost power, and shut off completely while in motion. This created a dangerous situation as I was left without acceleration while driving. Prior to the failure, there were no major issues with the vehicle. After the engine shut off, a battery warning appeared, but the battery had been in good condition and less than a year old. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a Ford dealership, where it has remained for over two weeks. Independent mechanics and the dealership have both indicated the issue is related to the fuel system. I later discovered this matches an active recall for the low-pressure fuel pump. Despite this, I was informed there is currently no remedy available for the recall. The vehicle is still at the dealership and has not been repaired. I have not been provided with a loaner or rental vehicle and have been left without transportation for work or to care for my children. I have also been asked to pay out of pocket for towing and battery replacement, even though the failure appears to be related to a known recall issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the rear axle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being on back order. The dealer informed the contact that additional driving might cause additional stress on the rear axle. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 25,000 |
| Mar 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Daytime running lights are failing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My truck because of the transmission and it's "powertrain" faults; puts itself in low power mode. I can be driving fine, stop for a red light, to turn a corner or before pulling into oncoming traffic leaving a parking lot etc and without warning, no power. It won't go over 5-10 miles an hour. You have to let off the gas and give gas sometimes more than once to get the truck to finally pick up and go. I have almost been hit countless times because I suddenly couldn't get out of the way of oncoming traffic. The dealer has confirmd to me a few times that this is a transmission issue that is sending my powerboost into low power mode. I believe he said the tech that drove it said it was dangerous; but a known issue. Started a few years ago and doesn't happen all the time. Occurs sporadically and lately more and more frequently. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |