2021 Ford F-150 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 321about this part
- Share
- 31%of 1,040 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 321 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ford F-150, 31% of the 1,040 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 5 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2026-01“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11732891, filed 2026-04“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11732380, filed 2026-04“The transmission was slipping in 2nd and 10th gear. This was confirmed by the dealer. A full transmission had to be replaced at 66,000 miles. The vehicle had an excellent maintenance record and well kept. Ford did pay half of the cost but I still ended up spending $6k out of pocket and my vehicle was in the shop for 27 days.”
NHTSA complaint #11707110, filed 2025-12“I believe my vehicle is exhibiting the same transmission issues leading up to the failure of transmission components identified in NHTSA Recall #: 26V402. My vehicle is having hard downshifts at low speeds, usually between 3rd and 1st gear, while comping to a stop. It seems to happen randomly. My VIN number was not found to be in the effected vehicles when searching on the NHTSA Recall page.”
NHTSA complaint #11757756, filed 2026-08Related recalls
- 26V402000Jun 24, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission…Covers: Ford F-150 2021, Expedition 2018–2021, Lincoln Navigator 2018–2021 +2 more
- 25V169000Mar 14, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code…Covers: Ford F-150 2021
- 23V896000Dec 22, 2023Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a…Covers: Ford F-150 2021–2023
- 22V188000Mar 25, 2022Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate…Covers: Ford F-150 2021
- 21V381000May 24, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in…Covers: Ford F-150 2021
Related service bulletins
- 11038712Oct 22, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2226. Reason for update: update the Service procedure for 2021-2022 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost vehicles with new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System(FDRS) C…
- 11038707Oct 21, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2226. Reason For Update: update the Service Procedure for 2021-2022 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost vehicles with the new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS)…
- 11036595Aug 26, 2026This 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…
- 11035556Aug 3, 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles…
- 11034970Jul 9, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2066. Reason for update: To remove "(2024 only)" from the Issue statement to include 2021-2025 vehicles that may exhibit a clicking sound coming from…
- 11034540Jul 1, 2026This bulletin supersedes 25-2383. Reason for update: to add 2023-2026 F-150 2.7L vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model Statement may exhibit a vibration/shudder felt…
- 11034011Jun 18, 2026This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with…
- 11032749May 14, 2026This article supersedes TSB 26-2130 to update labor operation to reprogram the PCM and check EVAP system from actual time to fixed time, and add extra time to reprogram…
- 11032697May 8, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates…
- 11032565May 4, 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 24% |
| 2024 | 58 | 30% |
| 2023 | 159 | 38% |
| 2022 | 162 | 27% |
| 2021 | 321 | 31% |
| 2020 | 360 | 49% |
| 2019 | 740 | 55% |
| 2018 | 1,018 | 44% |
| 2017 | 557 | 38% |
| 2016 | 615 | 29% |
| 2015 | 434 | 25% |
| 2014 | 426 | 28% |
| 2013 | 1,346 | 45% |
| 2012 | 682 | 38% |
| 2011 | 829 | 38% |
| 2010 | 121 | 14% |
| 2009 | 33 | 10% |
| 2008 | 50 | 14% |
| 2007 | 57 | 12% |
| 2006 | 46 | 8% |
| 2005 | 112 | 10% |
| 2004 | 232 | 11% |
| 2003 | 62 | 15% |
| 2002 | 53 | 6% |
| 2001 | 74 | 6% |
| 2000 | 47 | 4% |
| 1999 | 75 | 7% |
| 1998 | 83 | 6% |
| 1997 | 151 | 5% |
| 1996 | 26 | 8% |
| 1995 | 75 | 12% |
| 1994 | 56 | 8% |
| 1993 | 40 | 7% |
| 1992 | 28 | 6% |
| 1991 | 13 | 4% |
| 1990 | 13 | 5% |
| 1989 | 9 | 4% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford F-150
131 complaintsElectrical system
130 complaintsExterior lighting
116 complaintsOther or unknown
97 complaintsFuel system
93 complaintsEngine
84 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
43 complaintsForward collision avoidance
43 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsBody and structure
36 complaintsWheels
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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