2021 Ford F-350 SD Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 15%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Ford F-350 SD, 15% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The cable connecting the engine block heater caught on fire near the plug. My right hand, thumb and index finger were burned while disconnecting the cable. I was able to stop fire from consuming the vehicle. How ever cable is burned near the 3 pronged connector.”
NHTSA complaint #11498766, filed 2022-12“There is an active recall on my truck and it is affecting my ability to use my truck for work purposes. I am not allowed to used a vehicle with an open, active recall, therefore I cannot use my truck. This recall has been active for more than six months and a remedy has not yet been identified. I am posting a complaint to try and speed up the recall process, which if I understand correctly is a software update for the engine to reduce biodiesel buildup in the engine which could cause loss of power.”
NHTSA complaint #11671821, filed 2025-07“Check engine light comes on almost everyday. After at least 5 minutes driving, this trucks engine will shut down with out notice. Usually when making a turn or coming to a stop light. When this happens you loose all steering control. You have to shift to neutral and try and restart. This has caused me to almost rearend a highway patrol vehicle. Very dangerous. I have had this vehicle in to the local Ford dealership on numerous occasions; however they will NOT run diagnostics to see what is happening. …”
NHTSA complaint #11473541, filed 2022-07“1st when the truck is running it has 14.7v from cigarette lighter, and I had an app that reported over voltage since day one and have to replace the battery every 6-8 months. 2nd less than 60,000 miles had issues with drive train (could be something else as I’m not mechanical) and it went after the 60,000 miles because they said it was a computer issue. They said the issues were unrelated even though they did the same things. I had to wait over 2 months on parts as it was the same issue that GM had as they had the same parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11553652, filed 2023-11“Transmission shifts erratically and sometimes completely doesn’t work. Has left me in traffic with no ability to negotiate vehicle and was almost hit on multiple occasions. There is a recall on vehicles built before 8-20 Kentucky but my vehicle build date is 11-20. The local dealer said nothing they can do until my 11-20 Kentucky build date truck is included. No offer of loaner and truck is NOT SAFE TO DRIVE !!!!! This has left me without.... transportation..... faith in Ford trucks Also. ..... same vehicle has the 7.3 ( Godzilla ). Dead miss in 1 cylinder. …”
NHTSA complaint #11535328, filed 2023-07Related service bulletins
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- 11030797Mar 20, 2026Some 2021-2026 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L/5.2L engine, 2021-2025 F-Super Duty/F-53 Motorhome/F59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles equipped with a 6.8L/7.3L engine…
- 11025854Nov 26, 2025This article supersedes TSB 25-2322 to update the Service Procedure, Labor Operations and Parts List. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an…
- 11025526Nov 10, 2025Some 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator/F-150/F-Super Duty/F-53 Motorhome/F59 Commercial Stripped Chassis/F-650/F-750/Transit vehicles equipped with a 2.7L/3.5L (non…
- 11024021Oct 4, 2025Some 2021-2025 Expedition/Navigator/F-150/F-Super Duty/F-53 Motorhome/F59 Commercial Stripped Chassis/F-650/F-750/Transit vehicles equipped with a 2.7L,3.5L EcoBoost…
- 11023851Sep 24, 2025Certain 2017 and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update
- 11022355Aug 23, 2025Certain 2011-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update for Qualified Vehicles
- 11022379Aug 22, 2025Certain 2017 and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty Vehicles Equipped with 6.7L Engine - Emission Control Information Label Update
- 11022380Aug 12, 2025Certain 2020-2023 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Line Trucks Equipped with Diesel Engines - Particulate Matter (PM) Sensor Reimbursement
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% |
| 2025 | 2 | 14% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 | 12 | 11% |
| 2021 | 15 | 15% |
| 2020 | 14 | 7% |
| 2019 | 18 | 4% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 23 | 4% |
| 2016 | 22 | 11% |
| 2015 | 38 | 18% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 22% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 9 | 21% |
| 2010 | 7 | 14% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 10 | 10% |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford F-350 SD
40 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford F-350 SD
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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