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Engine coolingPart report

2021 Ford F-150 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
2%of 1,036 total for the year
Median mileage
44,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2021 Ford F-150, 2% of the 1,036 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have been having exhaust fumes coming out of my dashboard ventilation. These carbon monoxide fumes that affects me and my family while driving. Ford is taking this matter very lightly and that concerns me. I'm crying out for your assistance please. The dealership are not equipped to take care of this situation.”

NHTSA complaint #11514329, filed 2023-03

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the ECM failed to pass the emissions test. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that the failure was recognized by the manufacturer, but there was no remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,855.”

NHTSA complaint #11767710, filed 2026-09, 34,855 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the exhaust baffles were making an abnormal ticking sound while the vehicle was idling. The contact also stated that the A/C outlet vent tab had separated from the vehicle, and the other tabs were loose. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal squealing sound while driving at various speeds and while idling. …”

NHTSA complaint #11675439, filed 2025-07, 48,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, there was fluid leaking from the vehicle, and the engine was overheating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact checked the Ford Pass App and became aware that the transmission had been serviced four times. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11664909, filed 2025-06, 40,000 miles

“Lower coolant hose is rubbing on a wire loom which caused wear on the coolant hose causing a leak. We experienced loss of coolant and temperature fluctuating, no overheating because employee reported fluctuating. Vehicle was taken to Sames Ford Motor Company and warranty was honored.”

NHTSA complaint #11518634, filed 2023-04

Related recalls

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202442%
202310%
202231%
2021192%
2020111%
2019625%
2018884%
2017705%
2016301%
2015251%
2014101%
2013201%
2012171%
2011332%
2010314%
2009103%
2008226%
2007418%
20067713%
200511110%
20041678%
20036916%
200219624%
200123419%
200013513%
199921921%
199817413%
199752919%
1996237%
19957111%
1994528%
1993529%
1992378%
1991176%
1990218%
1989136%
1988118%
1987910%
1986915%
1985414%
1984213%
1983330%

Other parts of the 2021 Ford F-150

Transmission and drivetrain
319 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
131 complaints
Electrical system
130 complaints
Exterior lighting
115 complaints
Other or unknown
97 complaints
Fuel system
92 complaints
Engine
84 complaints
Brakes
77 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
43 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
43 complaints
Steering
43 complaints
Body and structure
36 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford F-150

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology