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Your vehicleHome›Ford›F-150› 2021
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Ford · Large Pickup truck

2021 Ford F-150

Hybrid Gas Diesel
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
22 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
29 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 29
Complaints18 crash · 7 fire · 13 injured · 1 died reported 1,299
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 25 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Ford F-150 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid, gas and diesel large pickup truck with 22 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the F150 Pickup 2WD HEV, is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 29 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 1299 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford F-Series (fourteenth generation) — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford F-Series (fourteenth generation) · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
F150 Pickup 2WD HEVHybridRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo + 281V Li-Ion252625$2,700
F150 Pickup 4WD HEVHybrid4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo + 281V Li-Ion242424$2,800
F150 Pickup 2WDGasRWD2.7L 6-cyl turbo202622$3,050
F150 Pickup 2WD FFVGasRWD3.3L 6-cyl202421$3,200
F150 Pickup 4WDGas4WD (part-time)2.7L 6-cyl turbo192421$3,200
F150 Pickup 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,350
F150 Pickup 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,350
F150 Pickup 2WD FFVGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl172420$3,350
F150 Pickup 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo182320$3,350
F150 Pickup 4WDGas4WD (part-time)2.7L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,350
F150 Pickup 4WD FFVGas4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl192220$3,350
F150 Pickup 2WD FFVGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl172419$3,550
F150 Pickup 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo172319$3,550
F150 Pickup 4WD FFVGas4WD (part-time)5.0L 8-cyl162219$3,550
F150 Pickup 4WD FFVGas4WD (part-time)5.0L 8-cyl162218$3,700
F150 Pickup Tremor 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo162018$3,700
F150 Pickup Tremor 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo162018$3,700
F150 RAPTOR 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo151816$4,200
F150 RAPTOR 37 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo151615$4,450
F150 RAPTOR 37 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo141615$4,450
F150 RAPTOR 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo141815$4,450
F150 Pickup 4WDDiesel4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo202723$4,150

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43614, 43465, 43458, 43459, 43464, 43457, 44364, 43460, 43463, 44374.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV, F150 Pickup 2WD HEV, F150 Pickup 4WD FFV, F150 Pickup 4WD HEV5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
F150 Pickup 2WD, F150 Pickup 2WD FFV, F150 Pickup 4WD, F150 Pickup 4WD FFV, F150 Pickup Tremor 4WD, F150 RAPTOR 37 4WD, F150 RAPTOR 4WD6 / 10California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
F150 Pickup 4WD1 / 10California LEV-III LEV160 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 160All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.5 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower375 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes one configuration rather than every trim (seen: F-Series). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length207.1–248.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.9–86.6 in
Height75.2–79.9 in
Wheelbase122.8–164.2 in
Track, front67.7–74.0 in
Track, rear68.1–73.6 in
Curb weight4,019–5,697 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear58/42

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 14 configurations: P/U Reg Cab 6.5-FT Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 6.5-FT Box 4X4, P/U Reg Cab 8-FT Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 8-FT Box 4X4, P/U Supercab 6.5-FT Box 2WD, P/U Supercab 6.5-FT Box 4X4 …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 F-150
Head to head vs the 2021 Ram 1500 Other years The 2026 F-150 Recalls Ford recalls
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The 2021 Ford F-150 is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

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Recalls (29)

Source: NHTSA recall database
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

26C37
47,587 vehicles
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. 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." Risk An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V489000 reported Jul 28, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

26S48
741,195 vehicles built Jan 8, 2020 – Oct 8, 2021
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage. Risk Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V402000 reported Jun 24, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Exterior Lighting

26C10
4,381,878 vehicles 66% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. 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." 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V104000 reported Feb 20, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

25SB7
174,853 vehicles 50% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle. Risk A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V729000 reported Oct 24, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S75
850,318 vehicles 19% reported repaired
Problem 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. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving. Risk An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V455000 reported Jul 7, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

25S57
10 vehicles 70% reported repaired built Jul 29, 2021 – Nov 16, 2021
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V443. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights. Risk Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V348000 reported May 23, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S49
1,076,138 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem 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, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse. Risk A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V315000 reported May 9, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

25S24
567 vehicles 47% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral. Risk An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V169000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

25S15
10,952 vehicles 57% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-193. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake. Risk Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V132000 reported Feb 28, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles 66% reported repaired built Jun 7, 2017 – Oct 21, 2024
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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." 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V852000 reported Nov 8, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

24S55
90,736 vehicles 66% reported repaired built May 1, 2021 – Oct 31, 2021
Problem 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. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power. Risk A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V635000 reported Aug 23, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Exterior Lighting

24S38
159 vehicles 86% reported repaired built May 20, 2021 – Dec 10, 2021
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights. Risk Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V443000 reported Jun 14, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Power Train

23S65
112,965 vehicles 61% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-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. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V896000 reported Dec 22, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Parking Brake

23S35
870,701 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly. Risk Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V509000 reported Jul 21, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

23S10
222,454 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail. Risk Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V163000 reported Mar 10, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

22S71
483,082 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail. Risk Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V842000 reported Nov 15, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

22S53
58,203 vehicles 86% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V623000 reported Aug 12, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

22S42
1 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V414000 reported Jun 10, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

22S26
652,996 vehicles 79% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail. Risk Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V250000 reported Apr 14, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

22S17
391,836 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake. Risk Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V193000 reported Mar 25, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

22S15
47,084 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral. Risk An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V188000 reported Mar 25, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

22S12
157,306 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail. Risk Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V142000 reported Mar 11, 2022 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

21S56
184,698 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V986000 reported Dec 16, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

21C26
777 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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." Risk An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V805000 reported Oct 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

21C20
16,430 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed. Risk A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 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
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V653000 reported Aug 23, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

21S33
56 vehicles 54% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance. Risk Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V533000 reported Jul 15, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

21S28
Do not drive 223 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The steering gear may have internal damage, which could result in difficulty steering, or the inability to rotate the steering wheel while driving. Risk Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V407000 reported May 29, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

21S25
4,436 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V381000 reported May 24, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

21C06
79,017 vehicles 66% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. 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." Risk In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V090000 reported Feb 18, 2021 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine — Loss of Motive Power closed

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 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all MY 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7

Opened Sep 29, 2023 · closed Oct 31, 2024 · action EA23002 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific F-150

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Ford F-150, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Ford F-150

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
1299complaints filed

18 involved a crash · 7 a fire · 13 injuries · 1 deaths reported

31 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 417,422 F-150 built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2021: 66 · 2022: 176 · 2023: 244 · 2024: 174 · 2025: 325 · 2026: 314

Most-cited components

Power Train → 447
Electrical System → 178
Visibility/Wiper → 134
Engine → 132
Unspecified 124
Exterior Lighting → 115

In depth: transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems → · visibility and wiper problems → · engine problems → · exterior lighting problems → · fuel system problems → · brake problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The Check Engine Light illuminated and brought to Ford dealer. Was advised it has code P237C which is a failed Exhaust Heat Exchanger, dealer ordered part # ML3Z5A212W. There is no coolant leak visible from the failed part.
Power Train May 3, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11463289
2021 Ford F-150. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall 21s56. The consumer stated the vehicle began rolling while in park and the engine powered off. The vehicle struck a trash can. The vehicle was scheduled for an appointment to be diagnosed
Service Brakes Apr 1, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11459235
The F150 7pin flat The brake pin does not operate properly, fails to get signal from brake pedal. While pulling 6000lb trailer the trailer brakes failed to operate. I currently have a dealer app. On Feb 23 for a safety recall on this truck. They told me they would look at 7 pin at that time
Electrical System Feb 19, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11453003
UNKNOWN Our F-150 was hit by a driver from a side street. The whole passenger side was damaged, front fender replaced, front door replace, post repaired, back door replaced, back panel of truck replaced, and back wheel. The long step was pushed up and under vehicle. It was replaced as well. The side airbag did not engage.
Air Bags Apr 20, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11461562
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, several safety features would not operate as intended. While driving in reverse, the rear cross-traffic alert would sometimes malfunction and not alert the driver that a vehicle or an object or pedestrian was near the rear of the vehicle.
Forward Collision Avoidance at 1,000 miles Feb 1, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11449705
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving her vehicle at various speeds , her vehicle felt as though someone hit the back of her vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle speeds up and slows down intermittently without warning.
Structure Dec 21, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11444595

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 40 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 48 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 9.6 per 100,000 built. Every F-150 model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 46k

miles, typically

Half the 261 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 20,000 and 72,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 41
10k–20k 25
20k–30k 19
30k–40k 28
40k–50k 28
50k–60k 27
60k–70k 25
70k–80k 15
80k–90k 18
90k–100k 14
100k–150k 20
150k + 1

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Power Train8755,0001.12×
Visibility/Wiper3639,0002.59×
Electrical System3230,0001.07×
Engine3148,0000.96×
Fuel/Propulsion System2551,0001.11×
Back Over Prevention2235,0001.0×
Service Brakes1640,0002.0×
Exterior Lighting1355,0001.83×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2021-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: visibility/wiper (2.59×), service brakes (2.0×), exterior lighting (1.83×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the Ford F-150 ranks 69 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.92× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 43,000 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/EC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/RC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆16%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/CC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆16%
PU/CC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆—
PU/CC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆19%
PU/CC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆—
PU/EC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆16%
PU/EC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: automatic emergency braking.

Driver-assist crash reports (4)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
4reports filed

1 fatality · 2 no injury reported · 1 severity unknown

Sep 2021 to Dec 2023 · 4 with an air bag deployment · 3 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0 (1), ML3T-14H102-ACA (1)

Crash partner: Other 1 · Passenger Car 1 · Pole / Tree 1 · SUV 1

Filed by: Ford Motor Company

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Dec 2023Level 2 · Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0Passenger Carno injury reportedMI—502-6772
Sep 2023Level 2SUVno injury reportedMI40 mph502-6362
Nov 2021Level 2Pole / TreeunknownNY—502-2581
Sep 2021Level 2 · ML3T-14H102-ACAOtherfatalityGA75 mph502-1470

From the manufacturer’s own filing

The reporting entity’s narrative as NHTSA published it, with anything identifying removed and nothing added. A narrative is a notice, written before the entity had verified what happened.

Update SGO Report 502-1470: The son of the driver of the subject vehicle (who was not in the subject vehicle when the incident occurred) reported that the vehicle was being operated at 75-80mph in "self-driving mode" when the steering wheel locked, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into an exit sign on the interstate.
Ford Motor Company report 502-1470 Sep 2021 NHTSA SGO filing
The driver reported to Ford that while traveling north on [redacted], a Chevrolet midsize sedan spun into the F150 lane and impacting the left-hand side of F150 vehicle. The impact caused the F150 to spin and have multiple impacts into a guardrail. No injuries were reported, the vehicle deployed airbags and was towed.
Ford Motor Company report 502-6772 Dec 2023 NHTSA SGO filing

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 646
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-16
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 599 service bulletins, 30 over-the-air updates, 15 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Power Train, Equipment, Engine.

  • TSB 26-2432 Service bulletin
    2026-10-16 · Electrical System
  • This bulletin supersedes 26-2238. Reason for update: To update the Service Procedure to include diagnostics for the fuel vapor vent valve and the fuel tank isolation valve. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2450 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to a c
  • TSB 26-2442 Service bulletin
    2026-10-14 · Electrical System
  • This bulletin supersedes 26-2297. Reason for update: Add 2022-2025 Transit vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. The rear-view camera will still function when shifting the vehicle to reverse under these conditions.
  • SSM 55228 Service bulletin
    2026-10-08 · Unknown Or Other
  • Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (
  • TSB 26-2092 V2 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Unknown Or Other
  • This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco Sport were also added to the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a headliner rattle or sagging condition around the roof opening panel. This may be due to the adhesive separating f
  • SYNC-26.2.8.5 F-150 Over-the-air update
    2026-09-09 · Electrical System
  • 26C37 Recall remedy Prevents a potential rearview camera image obstruction caused by a menu displaying on top of it
  • ITRM-26. DC F-150 Over-the-air update
    2026-09-09 · Unknown Or Other
  • 26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function
  • TSB 26-2391 Service bulletin
    2026-09-03 · Electrical System
  • This bulletin updates 26-2206. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to revise Steps 19-21, adding Step 22, and adding Figure 15-16 to clarify connector C316 location. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C1001:31, U3000:89, and/or U3000:49 stored in the image processing module A (IPMA) and at least one of the following cond
  • TSB 26-2395 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Power Train
  • This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfuncti

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
U3000
U3000 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →20 bulletins · 3 owner reports
P076F
P076F on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins · 1 owner report
P07F7
P07F7 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0729
P0729 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0731
P0731 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0732
P0732 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0733
P0733 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0734
P0734 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0735
P0735 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P0736
P0736 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P07D9
P07D9 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins
P07F6
P07F6 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train16 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ford F-150 failed the emissions check on 3.1% of first inspections — higher than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.5% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 3.1%

failed emissions

6,840 initial inspections of 6,720 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 F-150Every 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check3.1%1.9%6,819
Failed the safety inspection1.5%1.5%6,840
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.09%0.19%6,840
Miles driven a year12,17110,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer64,18154,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Compare the 2021 F-150 with

Any vehicle, your weights →
Head-to-headVerdict
2021 Ram 1500 · Large Pickup truck · grade F1500 +2

F-150 by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 F 8 18 24 mpg2025 F 16 128 23 mpg2024 F 11 231 23 mpg2023 F 13 510 25 mpg2022 F 23 814 25 mpg2021 this page F 29 1,299 Do not drive2020 F 11 739 24 mpg2019 F 9 1,341 25 mpg2018 F 18 2,325 25 mpg2017 F 17 1,460 22 mpg2016 F 13 2,084 21 mpg

Common questions about the 2021 F-150

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 29 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford F-150, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 23V896000, covering Power Train. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: April 2027. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. There is an active do not drive advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Ford F-150?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Ford F-150 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (29/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford F-150?

Across the 22 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Ford F-150, the best EPA combined figure is 25 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Ford F-150?

Transport Canada measured it at 207.1–248.4 in long, 79.9–86.6 in wide (body, without mirrors), 75.2–79.9 in tall, on a 122.8–164.2 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,019–5,697 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Ford F-150?

Owners have filed 1299 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-150, most often about power train, electrical system, visibility/wiper. Of those, 18 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 13 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Ford F-150?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Ford F-150 runs 1 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III LEV160, California LEV-III ULEV50, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 160, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Ford F-150?

The manufacturer has filed 646 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford F-150, most often covering electrical system, unknown or other, power train. The most recent is dated 2026-10-16. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Ford F-150 do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Ford F-150 failed the emissions check on 3.1% of first inspections — higher than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.5% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 better than the 2021 Ram 1500?

The Ram 1500 edges it, 72.8 to 70.8, on safety, performance. The Ford F-150 is ahead on fuel & range. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.1 and it flips. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2021 Ford F-150 against the 2021 Ram 1500 — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations22 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates22 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls29NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints1299NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings12 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins646NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reports4NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Head to head 2021 Ford F-150 vs 2021 Ram 1500 Scored on price, fuel, safety, space, performance and warranty — the weights are yours.Other years The 2026 F-150 The F-150 model year with the cleanest record on file — grade F, 8 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this F-150 by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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