Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Best year
Excludes the electric F-150 Lightning.
29 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford F-150
Parts with a do-not-drive or park-outside recall come first, then the rest, largest first. Within a part, do-not-drive and park-outside recalls come first, then the newest. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The steering gear may have internal damage, which could result in difficulty steering, or the inability to rotate the steering wheel while driving.
Fix: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until the repair is complete. Vehicles will be towed in for service, and dealers will remove and replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S28.
223 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Steering; Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion); Steering: rack and pinion. Ford campaign 21S28.
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
741,195 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Ford campaign 26S48.
automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Fix: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S24.
567 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188.
Risk: Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.
112,965 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design.
Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S53.
58,203 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022F-150 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Powertrain: driveline, driveshaft; Body structure: frame and members, underbody shields. Ford campaign 22S53.
automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Fix: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.
47,084 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.
Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.
184,698 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022F-150 vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Powertrain: driveline, driveshaft; Body structure: frame and members, underbody shields. Ford campaign 21S56.
Risk: Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S25.
4,436 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.
Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
174,853 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S10. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-250.
222,454 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2023. Remedy parts are expected in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S71. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-142.
483,082 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022F-150 vehicles.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
Fix: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.
652,996 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250,F-350,F-450,F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S12.
157,306 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.
Fails federal standard 212 · 79,017 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021F-250,F-350,F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles.
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Fails federal standard 108 (lighting) · 4,381,878 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026F-150,2022-2026F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles.
Risk: Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
Fix: Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.
10,952 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250,F-350,F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-193.
Risk: Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S38.
159 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Electrical system: body control module, software; Exterior lighting: back up lights. Ford campaign 24S38.
Risk: Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
Fix: Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S17.
391,836 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250,F-350,F-450, and F-550 vehicles.
Risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 31, 2026.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 47,587 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023F-150 and 2023-2026F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: display function; Backover prevention and rearview camera: software. Ford campaign 26C37.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
1,076,138 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150,2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250,F-350,F-450,F-550,F-600,2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
850,318 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles.
Risk: An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 F-150 vehicle. A single vehicle may have been assembled without a fuel tank front attachment resulting in an unsecured fuel tank attachment strap.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair (if necessary) the fuel tank strap bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S42.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.
Fails federal standard 214 (side impact protection) · 777 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250,F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Air bags: sensor, side impact; Air bags: side/window. Ford campaign 21C26.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S33.
56 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
90,736 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine.
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 27,678 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Risk: Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S57.
10 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V443.
Risk: Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.
Fix: Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.
870,701 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system.
Risk: A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed.
Fix: Owners are advised to perform a preliminary self-inspection of the front seatbelts. If the passenger-side seatbelt fails inspection, owners should not use the passenger seat until the repair is performed. If the driver-side seatbelt fails inspection, owners should not drive their vehicle until the repair is performed. Dealers will inspect the front seatbelts and, if the webbing is misrouted, will replace the seatbelt retractor and pretensioner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C20.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 16,430 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Ford campaign 21C20.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation that names the 2021 Ford F-150; it is closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Loss of motive power
Engineering analysis EA23002Closed Oct 31, 2024 (opened Sep 29, 2023)
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 24V-635, listed above.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Component: Engine.
An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 1,323 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 F-150. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Jerking, lurching or harsh shifting127 · 10%
Median 50,000 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Headlight or exterior light problems90 · 7%
Loss of power or limp mode74 · 6%
Hesitation or slow acceleration61 · 5%
Median 60,000 miles at failure, from 21 reports with mileage
Stalling or shutting off56 · 4%
Wiper failures49 · 4%
Median 40,000 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Transmission failure or replacement45 · 3%
Check engine light35 · 3%
Median 54,500 miles at failure, from 16 reports with mileage
Most named: automatic transmission (5); axle assembly, axle shaft (3) · Median 56,500 miles at failure, from 88 reports with mileage
Electrical system174 · 13%
Most named: integrated trailer brake control (10); instrument cluster/panel (4) · Median 30,000 miles at failure, from 31 reports with mileage
Exterior lighting125 · 9%
Most named: headlights (5); headlights, daytime running lights, bulbs (3)
Engine112 · 8%
Median 48,000 miles at failure, from 23 reports with mileage
Visibility83 · 6%
Most named: windshield (6) · Median 41,500 miles at failure, from 24 reports with mileage
Brakes77 · 6%
Median 35,000 miles at failure, from 15 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system68 · 5%
Unknown or other126 · 10%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ford F-150 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2021 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2018 F-150 drew the most (501) and the 2021 drew 486.
Owner complaints
2021: 1,323 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford F-150
Model year
Complaints
2010
843
2011
2,195
2012
1,784
2013
2,994
2014
1,541
2015
1,753
2016
2,098
2017
1,469
2018
2,335
2019
1,350
2020
746
2021
1,323
2022
826
2023
515
2024
234
2025
131
2026
20
Safety recalls
2021: 29 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford F-150
Model year
Recalls
2010
1
2011
6
2012
4
2013
3
2014
8
2015
13
2016
13
2017
17
2018
18
2019
9
2020
11
2021
29
2022
23
2023
13
2024
11
2025
16
2026
8
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 1,323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford F-150, the problems described most are jerking, lurching or harsh shifting (127), headlight or exterior light problems (90), and loss of power or limp mode (74). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2021 Ford F-150 earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2021 Ford F-150?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2021 Ford F-150. It lists one closed investigation, which closed on Oct 31, 2024.
How do I check if my F-150 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: F-150, F-150 HYBRID.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.