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2021 Ford F-150 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Ford F-150 has mixed reliability. There are 26 recalls and 1021 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford F-150. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (332), Electrical System (143), Unknown Or Other (108).

F-150 reliability snapshot

58/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$788
Avg annual repair cost vs $936 category avg
#7/17
Ranking in fullsize trucks · better than 59% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ford F-150 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2021 Ford F-150 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Power Train332
  • Electrical System143
  • Unknown Or Other108
  • Engine82
  • Exterior Lighting80
  • Visibility77

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Ford F-150

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect transmission for hard shifting or slipping, especially between 1st and 3rd gear
  • Check for uneven tire wear indicating potential steering issues
  • Test daytime running lights for dimming or failure
  • Verify rear axle bolts are intact, especially if equipped with Max Tow Package
  • Ensure trailer brake system functions correctly when towing
  • Test backup camera and 360 camera system for proper operation
  • Check engine for excessive oil consumption or leaks

2021 F-150 recalls (26)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 F-150. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. STEERINGNHTSA 21V407000May 29, 2021
    Do not drive — park immediately

    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.

    Consequence: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  2. VISIBILITYNHTSA 25V729000Oct 24, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 25V455000Jul 7, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

  4. EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 25V348000May 23, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  5. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V315000May 14, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  6. POWER TRAINNHTSA 25V169000Mar 14, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  7. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V132000Feb 28, 2025

    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.

    Consequence: Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  8. EQUIPMENTNHTSA 24V852000Nov 8, 2024

    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."

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  9. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 24V635000Aug 23, 2024

    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.

    Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  10. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 24V443000Jun 14, 2024

    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.

    Consequence: Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  11. POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V896000Dec 22, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  12. PARKING BRAKENHTSA 23V509000Jul 21, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  13. VISIBILITYNHTSA 23V163000Mar 10, 2023

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

    Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  14. VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V842000Nov 15, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  15. POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURENHTSA 22V623000Aug 12, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  16. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 22V414000Jun 10, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.

    Remedy

    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.

  17. VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V250000Apr 14, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  18. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V193000Mar 25, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  19. POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V188000Mar 25, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  20. VISIBILITYNHTSA 22V142000Mar 11, 2022

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.

    Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  21. POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURENHTSA 21V986000Dec 16, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  22. AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V805000Oct 15, 2021

    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."

    Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

  23. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V653000Aug 23, 2021

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed.

    Consequence: A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

  24. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 21V533000Jul 15, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    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.

  25. POWER TRAINNHTSA 21V381000May 24, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    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.

  26. VISIBILITYNHTSA 21V090000Feb 18, 2021

    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."

    Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    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.

Used-market value

2021 Ford F-150 resale snapshot

77.1%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$42,882median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Ford F-150 value by year →Full Ford F-150 market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 Ford F-150 on the road

464,642 2021 Ford F-150 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Ford F-150 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Ford F-150

With a 65/100 reliability score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2021 Ford F-150 lands below the class norm. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a consistently strong one. As the first year of a new generation, the data aligns with a model year carrying higher uncertainty than the typical segment baseline.

Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster most heavily around the powertrain, with electrical system concerns forming a secondary tier. Additional reports in unknown/other, visibility, and exterior lighting show the issue mix extends beyond a single system, but the pattern is still led by core mechanical and electrical areas. Recall activity is elevated, reinforcing a higher-than-average correction burden.

Overall, buyer risk level is moderate-to-elevated versus the segment.

What you get in a 2021 Ford F-150 report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2021 Ford F-150 now

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2021 Ford F-150 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?

With a 65/100 reliability score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2021 Ford F-150 lands below the class norm. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a consistently strong one. As the first year of a new generation, the data aligns with a model year carrying higher uncertainty than the typical segment baseline.

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?

26 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford F-150. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Ford F-150 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Ford F-150 problem areas are: Power Train (332), Electrical System (143), Unknown Or Other (108).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Ford F-150?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Ford F-150, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.