2021 Ford F-450 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 22%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,382miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Ford F-450 SD, 22% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,382 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“Unknown. This vehicle when driving and come to a complete stop will jerk forward. It has been to 2 different ford dealerships to assist with this issue and has been covered under transmission control module recall and reprogrammed as per their invoices, but has not fixed the issue. It is currently at the 2nd dealership while they are furthering this inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #11764763, filed 2026-09“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a feature known as neutral idle control (NIC), where the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral(N) while at a complete stop to reduce fuel consumption. The contact stated that while at a stop with the feature engaged, the vehicle abruptly jerked, or hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure persisted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11644090, filed 2025-02, 2,763 miles“The contact owned a 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH on an 8 percent decline and pulling a trailer, the vehicle slightly responded upon depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the transmission failed to downshift and was stuck in 10th gear. The contact pumped the brakes; however, the failure persisted. The contact drove into the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle was able to stop. The contact noticed smoke, and upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear brakes were on fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687296, filed 2025-09, 78,000 miles“Vehicle shut down while in motion on highway which caused for brakes and steering to fail. Vehicle was towed to sun state Ford dealership where they did a diagnosis. They found excessive amounts of metal in the high pressure fuel system. They had to replace the entire fuel system plus replaced all injectors which now has an open invoice of $15,923.97. After research we found out that there is a recall on the cp4 which is the manufactire recall number 24s78 and NHTSA recall number 24v957. Ford is not willing to cover the cost of the recall repairs and the dealership is not cooperating as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11676722, filed 2025-07Related 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-450 SD 2021, F-350 SD 2021, F-550 SD 2021 +1 more
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…
- 11029724Feb 17, 2026Certain 2017-2025 F-450 – F-600 Super Duty Chassis Cab Upfitted with an Aerial Bucket Frame Rail Crack
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 4 | 22% |
| 2011 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 16% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 13% |
| 2000 | 6 | 14% |
| 1999 | 15 | 23% |
| 1991 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford F-450 SD
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford F-450 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