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-450 SDProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford F-450 SD, most often about the electrical system. 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 September 16, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ford F-450 SD has problems
18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Electrical system
4Power train1 crash/fire/injury
3Structure
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Service brakes
2Engine
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Tires
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2021 Ford F-450 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
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 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 Q1
Power train: axle hubs
Do not driveRisk. A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
Risk. A cracked mounting bracket could result in the fifth wheel detaching from the vehicle while towing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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-450 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-450 SD median. How we score
'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Ford F-450 SD, and the recalls they led to.
- Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter LeakOpen
- Power Tailgate Release SystemsNo recall
In owners' words
What F-450 SD owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2021 Ford F 450 will not actuate the electric over hydraulic brakes on my gooseneck trailer. I was hauling my tractor to one of my hay fields when a car pulled out in front me. I apply my foot to the brake pedal and the truck and trailer did not slow down liked it use to and I almost rear ended…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on the side of the road, the driver attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box harness had failed.…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the electronic brake control became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another…
Own a 2021 F-450 SD?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.