2021 Ford F-350 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 10%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ford F-350 SD, 10% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“The rear axle repair was not completed and yet they reported that the dealer fixed it. Not true. The truck was taken in for repairs but the dealer was not able to fix it and told me that. They said I will have to get it fixed on my own. The rear axle is a known flaw and was required to repair or replace by the NHTSA. I wonder how many other trucks have also had incomplete repairs and then reported as fixed?”
NHTSA complaint #11475328, filed 2022-07“Ford knew there was an issue back in 2021 as they so filed with your agency. Yet waited. Then warranty claims continued. Now, four years later they file as a safety issue, BUT have told me twice in phone calls that I can drive the truck, despite it could shut down on it's own while driving. I tow donated RV trailers to the North Carolina disaster, now I cannot as my dealership advised I not go on long trips. Ford refuses a like loaner, or any loaner at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #11636872, filed 2025-01“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 2023-07“I was recently informed by Ford that my vehicle is subject to a recall (21S31) because the rear axle may deform and detach from the vehicle. I believe the Ford Safety Recall Report (and NHTSA Recall Number) is 21V-536. My concern is related to the proposed remedy. Ford States that additional welds will be applied to the axle. Based on the information provided, I believe this will only mask the symptoms of a failure (detachment of the axle), and not the problem itself (crushing of the axle tubes due to insufficient tube wall thickness). …”
NHTSA complaint #11427543, filed 2021-08Related recalls
- 21V390000May 25, 2021DO NOT DRIVEFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The…Covers: Ford F-350 SD 2021, F-450 SD 2021, F-550 SD 2021 +1 more
- 21V536000Jul 15, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines and Dana model 275 rear axles. The…Covers: Ford F-350 SD 2020–2021
Related service bulletins
- 11038166Oct 6, 2026For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS)…
- 11037979Oct 1, 2026This bulletin supersedes 24-2249. Reason for update: update the claim quantity of the torque converter nuts, part number and claim quantity of the front support assembly bolt…
- 11032694May 6, 2026This bulletin supersedes 25-2549. Reason for update: To add 2020 model year chassis cab vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an…
- 11029923Mar 5, 2026This article supersedes TSB 24-2249 to update the claim quantity of the torque converter nuts, part number and claim quantity of the front support assembly bolt washers, and part…
- 11029081Feb 17, 2026For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and…
- 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…
- 11025529Nov 6, 2025This article supersedes TSB 25-2119 to update the vehicles affected, parts list, and Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an…
- 11024900Oct 29, 2025Some 2021-2025 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…
- 11020894Jul 18, 2025This article supersedes TSB 25-2200 to update the parts list to add the new camshaft and tappet service kit and add F-650/F-750. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 38% |
| 2025 | 5 | 36% |
| 2024 | 6 | 13% |
| 2023 | 4 | 10% |
| 2022 | 14 | 12% |
| 2021 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 54 | 29% |
| 2019 | 13 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 23 | 4% |
| 2016 | 17 | 8% |
| 2015 | 17 | 8% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 11 | 11% |
| 2007 | 2 | 8% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 13 | 6% |
| 2004 | 6 | 5% |
| 2003 | 13 | 10% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 28 | 18% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 15 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford F-350 SD
40 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
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 29, 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