repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
NewRisk. High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Ford F-250 SDProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 171 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, most often about the power train. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-455 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ford F-250 SD has problems
171 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Power train
25Fuel system, diesel
18Suspension
18Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
15Steering
14Fuel/propulsion system
13Engine
13Visibility
11Structure
5414 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 26 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 25 | 0 |
| Suspension | 18 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 1 |
| Steering | 15 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 0 |
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Visibility | 13 | 0 |
| Structure | 11 | 0 |
| 14 other systems | 54 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2021 Ford F-250 SD recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Steering: column
Risk. A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Fuel system, diesel
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Visibility: windshield
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other F-250 SD year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the F-250 SD median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, and the recalls they led to.
- Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter LeakOpen
In owners' words
What F-250 SD owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message "Place Vehicle in Park and Restart" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and the contact was able to continue driving. The manufacturer was…
Purchased a 2021 F250 brand new from dealership and have had serviced at dealer since new. This truck is equipt with the 10r140 transmission that is a known problem. Starting at 48K miles transmission slipped from 3-5 gear. Report to Mooresville Ford and they “drove” the truck 6 miles and stated…
Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge The transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had i been going faster when it did lock up No the problem has not been…
Own a 2021 F-250 SD?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.