2021 Ford F-150 Problems
Compared with other Ford F-150 years
More complaints than typical for this model
67/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× that of a typical Ford F-150 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 327 of its 1,036 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Transmission shuddering, hard shifts and lurching (199 complaints, median 59,000 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 29 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 1,036filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles, 228 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 291 do-not-drive
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Ford F-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 F-150 most often write about the 10-speed automatic transmission: harsh or delayed shifts, shuddering, lurching, random downshifts and, in some cases, loss of drive. Electrical and lighting faults, rearview camera and infotainment-screen problems, and fuel-pump-related stalls also come up repeatedly, and many complaints mention that recall parts were unavailable when the failure occurred.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shuddering, hard shifts and lurching
- 199 complaints (19%)
- median 59,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (52 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,700 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe shuddering and jerking during acceleration, hard or delayed shifts, random downshifts at highway speed, and occasional lurching or slamming into gear. Several say the truck lost drive or stalled and had to be towed, after which dealers diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended replacement. Others report that dealers could not duplicate the symptom or told them there was no fix available at the time. Most reports fall between roughly 11,000 and 113,000 miles, with many in the 50,000-100,000 mile range.
Recall 26V402000Recall 25V169000Recall 22V1880003 related service bulletins
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and listen for shudder, clunks or delayed engagement when shifting; ask for the service history and whether the transmission control software or park-pawl recalls have been completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the interlock device failed and the vehicle unintendedly downshifted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,360. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11545646, filed 2023-09, 60,360 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various would not properly accelerate, the transmission experienced random downshifting and shifting into neutral and lurching forward and the wrench warning light had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local o rally who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11735873, filed 2026-05, 105,000 miles - Electrical system
Rearview camera and screen freezing or going blank
- 59 complaints (6%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.7 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe the rearview camera image going black, freezing or failing to appear when reverse is selected, and the center infotainment screen going blank or unresponsive after the welcome animation. Owners say dealers diagnosed a software update as the fix but that the update was sometimes not yet available; a few report camera module replacement. Spread from about 10,000 to over 120,000 miles, with many in the 20,000-90,000 mile range.
Recall 25V315000Recall 26V4890004 related service bulletins
What to check: Shift into reverse and watch the camera on a cold start; ask whether the SYNC and rearview camera software updates from the related recalls were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera became inoperable and blank, and she crashed into a cement base. Although the pole was in her view. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police reports filed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that a software update was needed. The update was not completed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725212, filed 2026-03, 86,444 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera intermittently was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11650612, filed 2025-03, 25,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Rear axle hub bolt fractures
- 110 complaints (11%)
- median 48,500 mi at 4.7 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Owners report an abnormal clicking, rattling or metallic noise that dealers traced to a fractured rear axle hub bolt, sometimes found during routine maintenance or a tire rotation with the bolt stuck in the hub. Repairs involve replacing the affected axle shaft assembly, and several owners note that recall parts were on back order. Reported mainly between about 33,000 and 99,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether recall 23V896000 has been completed for this truck, and have a mechanic inspect the rear hub bolts for cracks or a broken bolt during a pre-purchase check.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal metallic sound. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the brake pads were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was determined that the rear axle hub bolt had fractured. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687875, filed 2025-09, 82,500 miles“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, upon routine maintenance, it was noticed by the local dealer that the axle shaft bolt had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11684382, filed 2025-09, 33,000 miles - Fuel system
Engine stalls or hesitates (fuel pump related)
- 103 complaints (10%)
- median 60,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (35 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,300 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe the engine stalling at idle or while driving, failing to restart after a stop, and hesitation or jerking when the accelerator is pressed. Several owners link the symptom to the low-pressure fuel pump recall and say the repair could not be done because parts were not available. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 113,000 miles.
Recall 25V4550002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump recall remedy has been applied, and note any stumble, long crank or stall on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11678849, filed 2025-08, 88,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle started jerking abnormally while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA ID Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11719916, filed 2026-02, 113,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlight and daytime running light failures
- 76 complaints (7%)
- median 55,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe fast-blinking or dimmed LED daytime running lights, individual headlights failing and taillights that stop working. Some report dealer replacement under warranty, with the opposite side failing later, and one owner was charged for a headlight replacement. Reported from about 30,000 to 99,000 miles.
What to check: At dusk, check that all lamps light evenly and that no DRL is dimmed or blinking; ask whether any headlight assembly has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the exterior passenger’s side daytime running lights failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,900.”
NHTSA complaint #11545425, filed 2023-09, 94,900 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side headlight was not working as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side headlamp needed to be replaced due a failure of the LED screen. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately one year later. …”
NHTSA complaint #11603004, filed 2024-07, 48,000 miles
Buying note. Check the transmission carefully on a long test drive and confirm which of this truck's open recalls, especially the transmission, rear axle and fuel pump campaigns, have actually been completed. Import the VIN to see outstanding recalls and ask for service records before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,036 consumer complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150. 228 of the complaints include a mileage, and 53% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,500 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 29 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 643 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford F-150 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 67 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain319 31%
- Electrical system130 13%
- Exterior lighting115 11%
- Other or unknown97 9.4%
- Fuel system92 8.9%
- Engine84 8.1%
- Brakes77 7.4%
- Forward collision avoidance43 4.2%
Also reported: Steering (43), Body and structure (36), Wheels (27), Vehicle speed control (21), Engine cooling (19), Lane departure (13), Suspension (13), Equipment (10), Latches, locks and linkages (8), Air bags (5), Seat belts (5), Tires (2), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I have received multiple letter from Ford indicating the solution for this recall 23S65 is available at dealership. However, every ford dealership I have reached out to says there are no parts available to fix the recall. My ford dealership has placed the order on November 2025 but they have no ETA when the parts will become available.”
NHTSA complaint #11713555, filed 2026-01Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “My windshield wipers stopped working. It seems the wiper motor still kicks on and I can hear it move, but the wipers don’t move and are stuck. It’s almost as if the wipers are off track or something. Once my vehicle was stopped, I was able to move the wipers back down, but it won’t move after that. I can still hear the motor turning on though.”
NHTSA complaint #11580841, filed 2024-04Electrical system: “Vehicle intruder alarm activates for no reason. Has happened 5 nights across 83 days of ownership. Vehicle has less than 3500 miles and local Ford service cannot find root cause.”
NHTSA complaint #11400262, filed 2021-03, 3,400 milesExterior lighting: “The safety daytime running lights are failing prematurely. My car has 32,000 miles and my DRL is burnt out on the passenger side. Online forums confirm that this is happening to many, many people. It’s a safety hazard for other drivers because the cost to repair is substantial and people aren’t fixing them. Ford should fix this as a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11755402, filed 2026-08Mileage when problems were reported
53% of the 228 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 70,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford F-150. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 Regular Cab · regular cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| F-150 Regular Cab · regular cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Cab · extended cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| F-150 Super Cab · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew · crew cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Cab Diesel · extended cab 2WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| F-150 Super Cab Diesel · extended cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew Diesel · crew cab 2WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew Diesel · crew cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew HEV · crew cab 2WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 |
| F-150 Super Crew HEV · crew cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: 4–5 stars overall; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Ford F-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 Pickup Tremor 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 RAPTOR 37 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 RAPTOR 37 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 RAPTOR 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 RAPTOR 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl · diesel | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $4,150 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
7 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Steering › Rack and pinionCovers: Ford F-150 2021
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.
- 26V489000Jul 28, 2026Back over prevention › Display functionCovers: Ford F-150 2021–2023, F-250 SD 2023–2026
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…
- 26V402000Jun 24, 2026Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford F-150 2021, Expedition 2018–2021, Lincoln Navigator 2018–2021 +2 more
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.
- 26V104000Feb 20, 2026Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake controlCovers: Ford F-150 2021–2026, Lincoln Navigator 2022–2027, Ford Expedition 2022–2027 +7 more
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…
- 25V729000Oct 24, 2025Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Ford F-150 2021–2023, Lincoln Navigator 2021–2022, Ford Expedition 2021–2022 +3 more
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…
- 25V455000Jul 7, 2025Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Ford F-150 2021–2022, F-250 SD 2021–2023, F-450 SD 2021–2023 +8 more
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…
See all 29 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 643 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038615Oct 16, 2026Other or unknown, Fuel system, Electrical system. This bulletin supersedes 26-2238. Reason for update: To update the Service Procedure to include diagnostics for the fuel vapor vent valve and the fuel tank isolation valve. Some of the vehicles…
- 11038617Oct 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin supersedes 26-2297. Reason for update: Add 2022-2025 Transit vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center…
- 11038440Oct 8, 2026Other or unknown, Engine. Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons.
- 11037678Sep 22, 2026Other or unknown, Body and structure. This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco Sport were also added…
- 11037310Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. 26C37 Recall remedy Prevents a potential rearview camera image obstruction caused by a menu displaying on top of it
- 11037291Sep 9, 2026Brakes, Electrical system, Other or unknown. 26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function
- 11037297Sep 3, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This bulletin updates 26-2206. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to revise Steps 19-21, adding Step 22, and adding Figure 15-16 to clarify connector C316 location.
- 11036595Aug 26, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B.
- 11036530Aug 22, 2026Seats, Other or unknown. For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if…
- 11036301Aug 14, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. Some 2021-2026 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a concern of the windshield wipers not parking in the correct position on the windshield and/or over-traveling. This may be due to incorrect alignment of…
Other model years of the Ford F-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | — | 8 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 109 | 5,330 | 14 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 195 | 8,750 | 11 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 416 | 29,700 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 601 | 27,882 | 23 | 5 | 20 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 1,036 | 47,500 | 29 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 741 | 38,000 | 11 | 4–5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,342 | 60,000 | 9 | 4–5 | 21 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 2,325 | 40,000 | 18 | 4–5 | 21 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,462 | 53,000 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,086 | 45,478 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,743 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 1,538 | 65,000 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,992 | 74,281 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 1,784 | 63,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 56 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 2,193 | 70,766 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 843 | 58,150 | 1 | — | 16 | 6 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 324 | 50,525 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 369 | 61,500 | 1 | — | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 488 | 57,426 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 585 | 60,500 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 61,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 423 | 63,946 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 821 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 95,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 91,843 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 100,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 113,070 | 8 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 107,360 | 14 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 324 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 626 | 117,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 676 | 132,835 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 586 | 136,500 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 470 | 133,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 304 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 275 | 97,900 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 224 | 106,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 139 | 99,061 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 91 | 128,013 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 61 | 120,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 28 | — | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | 192,035 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 10 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-150?
Owners of the 2021 F-150 most often write about the 10-speed automatic transmission: harsh or delayed shifts, shuddering, lurching, random downshifts and, in some cases, loss of drive. The issues reported most often: Transmission shuddering, hard shifts and lurching; Rearview camera and screen freezing or going blank; Rear axle hub bolt fractures.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 1,036 consumer complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Ford F-150 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 319 complaints (31% of the total), followed by visibility with 131.
Has the 2021 Ford F-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 29 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Ford F-150 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Ford F-150 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford F-150 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford F-150 (F150 Pickup 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Ford F-150 reported?
Among the 228 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,500 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 70,000 miles; 53% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.