2021 Ford F-250 SD Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, 3% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“All of my rear lights stopped working with no warning. My blind spot monitoring and cross traffic detection also stopped working. This is a serious issue as the light go out intermittenly without warning. Especially dangerous at night. Dealership thinks it might be a faulty harness. Dealership thought they fixed it by cleaning contacts but the very next day they went out again while driving in a snow storm. Luckily no one was behind me because they would not have been able to see me.”
NHTSA complaint #11706808, filed 2025-12“My F250 was in service for fuel system replacement and to fix both side mirrors which wouldn’t go down after going up. Shortly afterwards I noticed the rapid turn signal you get when tail lights are out. This happened while using a trailer. The trucks rear lights weren’t working at all but trailer lights were. Also was getting the blinds spot and cross traffic alert faults on instrument panel. Dropped off for service. They found a loose trailer plug and reset some things and got it all working again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11587342, filed 2024-05“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlights might have been damaged due to heat exposure or chemicals. In addition, upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11610845, filed 2024-08, 17,000 miles“Headlights are blinding on F-250s seems all late model Ford F-250, all models seems they always are on bright when at intersectionn across from one it's blinding to see anything else even when driving and the F-250 are coming at you blinding”
NHTSA complaint #11518699, filed 2023-04Related service bulletins
- 10224782Oct 24, 2022Some 2020-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with halogen headlamps may utilize a snow plow with light emitting diode (LED) headlamps. To change the vehicle configuration from…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 3 | 8% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsLane departure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
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