Complaints about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD peaked in 2025, with 46 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 8, 2021 to Sep 26, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-158 | Mar 17, 2026 | Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump | Fuel system | 9,839 | Software update |
| 25V-686 | Oct 10, 2025 | 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions | Back-over prevention | 291,901 | Software update |
| 25V-626 | Sep 19, 2025 | Steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control | Steering | 115,539 | Part replacement |
| 25V-455 | Jul 7, 2025 | Low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving | Fuel system | 850,318 | Software update |
| 25V-442 | Jun 27, 2025 | Software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended | Back-over prevention | 200,237 | Software update |
| 25V-048 | Jan 31, 2025 | Rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image | Back-over prevention | 91,580 | Part replacement |
| 24V-957 | Dec 20, 2024 | Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump | Fuel system | 295,449 | Software update |
| 23V-420 | Jun 9, 2023 | Owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints | Equipment | 691,133 | Repair or modification |
| 22V-250 | Apr 14, 2022 | Windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail | Visibility and wipers | 652,996 | Part replacement |
| 22V-087 | Feb 16, 2022 | Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture | Powertrain | 247,445 | Repair or modification |
| 22V-013 | Jan 14, 2022 | Small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time,… | Fuel system | 19,697 | Part replacement |
| 21V-090 | Feb 18, 2021 | During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash | Visibility and wipers | 79,017 | Repair or modification |
| 20E-090 | Dec 9, 2020 | Kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks | Equipment | 102 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
165 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.
My 2021 Ford F250 super duty pickup truck experienced a catastrophic failure of the Bosch CP4 high pressure fuel pump. This has been confirmed by the dealer's service center. As a result of this part failure, metal shards were introduced into the entire fuel system. This now requires the fuel pump and the entire fuel system (every component) to be replaced. My truck has 74,9xx miles. This is a known and well publicized issue. Rather than recall the high pressure fuel pump, Ford instead issued a recall (24S78) to reflash the PCM software with the intent to reduce the risk of the fuel pump failure. I had the 24S78 recall work completed, and my fuel pump failed still. No indication in advance of this failure.
NHTSA complaint 11767129Purchased 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 they could not recreate the slip. Reported again to Mooresville Ford at ~78k, technician drove vehicle for 12 miles and documented a slight slip between 3-5 but Ford declined to take action and extended warranty to 100k. Reported again at ~96k to Mooresville Ford, dealership held truck for 8 days and drove 6 miles. Declined again to take action and extended warranty to 146k. Reported again to Mooresville Ford at 143k to which they declined action and stated: “without the engine throwing a code they would not cover the truck under warranty.” Had recall 24S78 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING completed May of 2026 with ~155k. One month after this recall had been completed, a hard down shift from 8-7 and 5-3 started to occur. Reported to Mooresville Ford and they declined to take action and stated Ford would not cover. Down shifting is sudden and harsh and will cause harm to others of truck locks up on road. Someone needs to hold Ford accountable for these bad transmissions. Quote to replace came in at 10k which I am holding out hope a recall comes before I am forced to replace. PLEASE HELP! All service records are on file and can be provided to confirm claims.
NHTSA complaint 11766798Transmission, 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 reproduced by a independent service center as i am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected it along with a mechanic via photos showing all the metal fragments in the fluid and filter No warning lamps prior to the failure, but there where warning lights of service vehicle soon before the transmission locked up. Ever since new the transmission has shifted erratically especially from 3-4 and 6-7. Ford told me this was normal when I brough it in back when it only had a 20 or 30k miles on it for the erratic shifting. I now have 76K miles.
NHTSA complaint 11760335Cab trim is coming off vehicle, causing likelihood of vehicle getting water inside the body/ structure of the vehicle, which can lead to degradation and loss of structural integrity during a collision.
NHTSA complaint 11755557While driving the vehicle, the steering column released all of the bearings, allowing for the steering column to move up and down and in and out freely, making it unknown if the steering would follow which way the steering wheel was turned. I reached out to our personal mechanic in regards to this, and had to pay out of pocket. Originally, I thought it was a failed part, but after research, it was brought to my attention of recall 25S94, which my truck did not qualify for. I replace the part at my expense, even though, at this time, the vehicle was only 3 years old. No failure signs appeared.
NHTSA complaint 11754435The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated and the message "LIMP Mode in 34 Miles" was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with a diesel emission fuel injector failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint 11751901This is a follow-up to my original complaint #XXX, filed XXX, regarding the failure of the 10R140 10-speed automatic transmission in my 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX]). The transmission began exhibiting symptoms of gear slipping, jerking, delayed and harsh shifting, and pinging from the torque converter around 100,000 miles. These symptoms progressively worsened until the transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure. As documented in the attached Sid Dillon Ford repair order, an authorized Ford dealer found metal contamination in the transmission fluid and confirmed that a complete transmission replacement was required. The attached Friesen Ford repair order also shows that harsh engagements were present and that a transmission flush failed to resolve the issue. I have also attached a sworn statement from [XXX], an independent automotive technician who has serviced vehicles for my family for several years. In his sworn statement, he confirms that these 10R140 transmissions have known serious ongoing issues and that many mechanics avoid working on them due to these problems. Ford Motor Company was provided with the above repair records and the sworn statement but has denied any responsibility or reimbursement for the transmission failure. The failure created a serious safety risk due to the sudden loss of propulsion while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11750552The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint 11748757I took a functional vehicle to Swant Graber Ford in Barron, WI in on [XXX] for Recall 24S78 and since then I have had numerous vehicle issues involving the PCM that they flashed. I have up to 16 different codes when the check engine light comes on including numerous communication U-codes indicating faulty software download causing no run/no start problems along with severe safety concerns while driving. I returned the vehicle to Swant Graber today July 1, 2026 after 2 weeks being this was their earliest appointment availability. They then deleted the codes and told me to drive it until there is more issues which is a severe safety concern considering the condition of the PCM of this vehicle they returned to now which is unfunctional and not road worthy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11747789The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that upon routine State Inspection at the local authorized dealer, the horn and the air bags failed to operate as intended. Upon further inspection, corrosion was found on the body control module from water leaking into the unit. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side windshield was loose, and pressure was applied, possibly causing the water to leak into the unit. The vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V090000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint 11746498See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint 11742079The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine seized. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with metal shavings on the fuel injectors. The contact was informed that the fuel system and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of the recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed high pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the high pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of a gasoline odor in the fuel system. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was informed that the dealer denied the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
NHTSA complaint 11739540The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a fuel injector was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle experienced reduced engine power, decelerated and was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failure of the CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA complaint 11733105Back up camera will show a black screen about 1-2 times a month. Have to turn the truck off and restart to get the camera to work again
NHTSA complaint 11730004Back window has dropped 1/4 to 1/2 inch to the right. and is not in alignment. Safety concern that window could fall out or pop out during accident. No reason for window to just drop. Believe not installed correctly or sealants have failed cause of defect and window to drop and separate molding down to become detached right side. See pictures attached.
NHTSA complaint 11726718The secondary fuel filter is leaking and Ford has told me my vehicle was manufactured 1 month too early and doesn’t qualify for a previous recall…They know about the secondary fuel filter housing cracking and being an issue!
NHTSA complaint 11726273The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local dealer, it was determined that the heat shield was rubbing on the drive shaft. There was damage to the drive shaft. The dealer informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V778000 (Fuel System, Diesel). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer suggested that the receipts be kept as records for possible recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
NHTSA complaint 11725793Transmission has shifting issues. Sometimes is don't down shift below 4th gear and when in an intersection truck barley moves then it shifts hard and can move . It also is constantly shifting between gears. It will shift form 10th to 5yh while driving.
NHTSA complaint 11725744The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2021 Ford F-250. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to Grumpy's Diesel Service. The mechanic sent a fuel sample to a testing company, and it was confirmed that there was no water contamination. The mechanic diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had exploded. The mechanic replaced the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rails, and a decontamination kit was installed. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint 117248762021 f250 with the 7.3v8. 120000 miles and lifter has failed. We believe that we caught it early enough to where we have no more issues other than this. After reading up I have noticed where there has been several other customers with same issue on this engine. I run several f350 pickups with our business and have been very pleased and bought this pickup to run around in and keep from driving the work trucks. I would like to think that this should not be an issue with this amount of miles. I hope ford steps up and fixes this issue
NHTSA complaint 11722234Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.