Worst 2021 Ford F-150 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Ford F-150.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 246 | 2 | 1 | 49,567 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 104 | 1 | 1 | 36,807 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 80 | — | — | 68,167 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 76 | — | 1 | 29,109 mi | |
| Visibility | 65 | — | — | 26,904 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 54 | — | — | 39,518 mi | |
| Brakes | 49 | 1 | — | 13,332 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 33 | 1 | — | 53,890 mi | |
| Fuel System | 31 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 27 | — | — | 45,008 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 27 | — | — | 48,000 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 23 | 3 | — | 51,586 mi | |
| Body Structure | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 16 | — | — | 620 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 14 | — | — | 23,516 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | — | — | 59,000 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 12 | 1 | — | 56,638 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 12 | — | 1 | 52,033 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 10 | — | — | 13,336 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 8 | — | — | 35,025 mi | |
| Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control | 6 | — | — | 54,000 mi | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Tv/Radio/Speakers | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 6 | 1 | — | 32,333 mi | |
| Airbags | 5 | 2 | — | 59,000 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | 82,500 mi |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford F-150. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Ford F-150
27 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~9,895,554 vehicles.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
+ 17 more recalls
Other Ford F-150 Years
2021 Ford F-150 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Ford F-150?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford F-150?
How safe is the 2021 Ford F-150?
Does the 2021 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Ford F-150?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford F-150 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Ford F-150
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99