Last updated: 2026-04-16

2021 Ford F-150
RELIABILITY SCORE: 58/100 (MIXED)

2021 Ford F-150 Reliability Report

The 2021 Ford F-150 scores 58/100 ("Mixed"). With 26 recalls and 1021 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

26

Complaints

1021

Complaint Rate

22per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$788

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,700–$4,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity53/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact38/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity73/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (315)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (117)
  • VISIBILITY (74)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2021 is the first model year of the Fourteenth generation (2021–present).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2021 model year.
  • 14th generation F-150 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2021 pricing and recall counts against 2022+ before deciding.

2021: Fourteenth generation (2021–present) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

Should You Buy the 2021 Ford F-150?

A 58/100 score puts the 2021 Ford F-150 in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Complaint volume sits above average at 1021 owner complaints alongside 26 recalls. Issues in power train (332) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (332) at the top of the inspection checklist.

Compared to the 2022 Ford F-150, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 Ford F-150 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +$148 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (15%)

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for Truck
  • POWER TRAIN: Transmission problems and rear axle hub bolt failures (229 complaints)

Compare 2021 Ford F-150 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 26 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (315)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (117)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

26

recalls on record

Park It

The 2021 Ford F-150 has 26 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

22

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 15.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

17

Crashes

6

Fires

13

Injuries

1

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Ford F-150 Recall Details

26 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford F-150. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V7290002025-10-24

VISIBILITY

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.

25V4550002025-07-07

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

25V3480002025-05-23

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Showing 10 of 26 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Ford F-150? Check its history first

Every 2021 Ford F-150 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Ford F-150 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Diesel / Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

HEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford F-150Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$788

vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

15%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

F-150
$788
Category Avg
$936
All Vehicles
$936

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

15–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,500–$4,800/yr

Fuel + repair

14–20 city / 16–27 hwy MPG

Hybrid

24–25 MPG

Running cost: $3,200–$3,300/yr

Fuel + repair

24–25 city / 24–26 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
F150 Pickup 2WD 2.7L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)202622$2,700
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 3.3L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)202421$2,850
F150 Pickup 4WD 2.7L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192421$2,850
F150 Pickup 2WD 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)182420$3,000
F150 Pickup 2WD 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172420$3,000
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 5.0L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172420$3,000
F150 Pickup 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)182320$3,000
F150 Pickup 4WD 2.7L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)182420$3,000
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 3.3L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)192220$3,000
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV 5.0L 8-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172419$3,150
F150 Pickup 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)172319$3,150
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 5.0L 8-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162219$3,150
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV 5.0L 8-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162218$3,300
F150 Pickup Tremor 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162018$3,300
F150 Pickup Tremor 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)162018$3,300
F150 Pickup 4WD 3.0L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)202723$3,500
F150 RAPTOR 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)151816$3,750
F150 RAPTOR 37 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)151615$4,000
F150 RAPTOR 37 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)141615$4,000
F150 RAPTOR 4WD 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)141815$4,000
Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
F150 Pickup 2WD HEV 3.5L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)252625$2,400
F150 Pickup 4WD HEV 3.5L 6-cylPart-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10)242424$2,500

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Ford F-150.

  • 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 Ford F-150 Common Problems by Component

1021 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

315
117
227
POWER TRAIN (315)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (117)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (81)VISIBILITY (74)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (70)VISIBILITY/WIPER (49)SERVICE BRAKES (48)ENGINE (40)Other (227)

POWER TRAIN

315 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission problems and rear axle hub bolt failures. Common symptoms include the transmission downshifting unexpectedly, causing the wheels to lock up, and hard shifting between gears, especially from 1st to 3rd, which can lead to fishtailing. Some owners mention these issues occurring as early as 19,500 miles, while others note problems at higher mileages like 66,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with reports of two crashes and one injury linked to these failures. Additionally, many owners express frustration over delays in recall repairs due to parts being on backorder, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods.

315 complaints total · 229 narratives sampled2 crashes1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

117 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Ford F-150, with common problems including failures in the trailer brake system, infotainment display malfunctions, and battery drain. Complaints frequently mention the trailer brakes becoming inoperable and display screens going black or taking excessive time to load, affecting access to rearview cameras and other functions. Multiple owners describe battery-related issues, such as parasitic drains causing frequent battery replacements. These problems are often noted around 25,000 to 81,000 miles. Safety implications include two reported crashes and two fires, with one injury related to these electrical failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and their potential impact on vehicle safety and functionality.

117 complaints total · 68 narratives sampled2 crashes2 fires1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

81 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with rearview and 360 cameras, with symptoms including blank screens and frozen images, often requiring a vehicle restart to temporarily resolve. Complaints also highlight problems with the panoramic sunroof, where spontaneous glass breakage occurs, sometimes resulting in injuries from glass shards. Additionally, software update failures are noted, affecting systems such as the ABS and transmission, with some owners reporting being charged for updates that should be over-the-air. Safety implications include potential crashes due to camera failures and sudden power loss, with incidents of glass explosions leading to injuries. These issues appear across various mileages, with some owners experiencing them shortly after purchase.

81 complaints total · 61 narratives sampled1 crash1 fire4 injuries
VISIBILITY (74 complaints)

VISIBILITY

74 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with windshield wipers, including hesitation, complete failure, and slow operation during rainstorms. Complaints often describe wipers becoming inoperable without warning, leading to visibility challenges, especially in adverse weather conditions. These issues typically arise around 39,000 to 85,000 miles. Additionally, some owners mention a persistent film-like substance on the windshield that obstructs visibility, particularly at night. One crash is associated with a windshield seal detachment, highlighting potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of ongoing recall-related delays in parts availability, which may affect repair timelines.

74 complaints total · 69 narratives sampled1 crash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (70 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

70 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 frequently report failures of the Quad LED daytime running lights (DRLs), with many experiencing burnout or dimming of the vertical LED strips on both headlight assemblies. Symptoms commonly described include partial or complete failure of the DRLs, with some owners noting that the lights become dim or change color before failing entirely. These issues often arise shortly after the warranty period, typically around 50,000 to 80,000 miles. The failure of these lights poses a visibility risk, as DRLs are intended to enhance vehicle visibility during daytime driving. Owners also highlight the high cost of repairs, as the entire headlight assembly must be replaced to restore functionality, which can be a significant expense for used car buyers.

70 complaints total · 67 narratives sampled
SERVICE BRAKES (48 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

48 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 commonly report issues with the braking system, particularly involving brake pedal failure where the pedal goes to the floor without engaging the brakes effectively. Symptoms frequently include warning lights for ABS, pre-collision assist, and other brake-related alerts. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 6,000 miles and others around 50,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes due to brake failure and unexpected activation of the electronic parking brake, leading to loss of control. Buyers should be aware of potential brake booster, brake line, and electronic parking brake issues that may affect the vehicle's safety and functionality.

48 complaints total · 24 narratives sampled2 crashes
ENGINE (40 complaints)

ENGINE

40 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 frequently report engine failures, often linked to excessive oil consumption and valve issues. Symptoms described include oil leaks, engine misfires, and a lack of response from the gas pedal. Several reports indicate these problems occur as early as 2,966 miles, with others emerging around 47,000 to 134,000 miles. Safety concerns arise from incidents of engines seizing while driving, leading to loss of motive power and near-crash situations, but no crashes are explicitly mentioned. Buyers should be aware of potential engine repairs and extended downtime due to ongoing recall remedies.

40 complaints total · 33 narratives sampled1 fire
STEERING (37 complaints)

STEERING

37 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the power steering system in the 2021 Ford F-150, often leading to a complete loss of steering assist. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as the steering wheel seizing, a "Steering Assist Fault" warning message, and increased difficulty in steering, particularly at lower speeds or when making sharp turns. These issues are noted at various mileages, ranging from as low as 5,300 miles to over 90,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for loss of control, especially if the steering fails while driving at higher speeds. Buyers should be aware of these recurring steering problems and the potential for significant repair delays due to parts availability.

37 complaints total · 25 narratives sampled
BACK OVER PREVENTION (17 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the back over prevention system in the 2021 Ford F-150, primarily involving rearview camera malfunctions. Common symptoms include the camera screen freezing, displaying a black or blue screen, or showing a distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse. These problems often occur intermittently and have been noted at various mileages, with some reports around 22,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes, one resulting in a minor injury. Buyers should be aware that these issues may affect the vehicle's safety systems and could require ongoing attention.

17 complaints total · 16 narratives sampled2 crashes1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 frequently report issues with the low-pressure fuel pump, often linked to an unresolved recall (25S75). Common symptoms include stalling while driving, inability to restart the vehicle, and rough engine performance, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 200 miles. Safety implications are significant, as owners describe situations where their vehicles stall in traffic or block lanes, posing potential hazards. Additionally, one complaint describes a separate issue involving a fuel tank bracket failure, leading to fuel leakage and a strong fuel smell. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly the ongoing recall without a current fix.

10 complaints total

When Do 2021 Ford F-150 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

35,000–66,000 milesTransmission issues
30,000–80,000 milesExterior lighting failures
5,300–74,000 milesSteering failures

Best & Worst Ford F-150 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford F-150 Years to Buy

The best Ford F-150 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (74/100) and 2023 (68/100).

Ford F-150 Years to Avoid

The worst Ford F-150 year is 2021 with a score of 58/100, primarily due to power train (332) issues. Also avoid 2018 (58/100).

58
Mixed

2021

(Current Model)

26Recalls
1021Complaints
58
Mixed

2018

15Recalls
1852Complaints

Ford F-150 Reliability Score Trend

Ford F-150 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 62/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford F-150 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201858/100Mixed
201965/100Good
202067/100Good
202158/100Mixed
202262/100Good
202368/100Good
202474/100Good
202575/100Good

Ford F-150 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202667/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202575/100+1Good1364
202474/100+6Good9146
202368/100+6Good10383
202262/100+4Good21657
2021(selected)58/100-9Mixed261021
202067/100+2Good7517
201965/100+7Good6972
201858/100Mixed151852

2021 Ford F-150 Reliability by Powertrain

The 2021 Ford F-150 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Diesel / Gas79526155 out of 5
HEV22608N/T
Total10212623

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 reliable?
The 2021 Ford F-150 has a "Mixed" reliability rating (58/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 26 recalls and 1021 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-150?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Ford F-150 include: POWER TRAIN (315 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (117 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (81 complaints), VISIBILITY (74 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (70 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?
The 2021 Ford F-150 has 26 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Ford F-150 has estimated annual repair costs of $788/year, which is $148 less than the fullsize trucks average of $936. Its reliability score of 58/100 and 1021 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Ford F-150 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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