2021 Ford F-150 Suspension Problems

My Ford F-150 is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number23S65/NHTSA Recall Number23V896. I asked for the repair multiple times, but the dealership repeatedly told me that the parts were on backorder. The hub bolt on my right rear tire cracked and the truck was making a high pitched sound. I took it to the dealer and they said the bolt was cracked and driving it in that condition is dangerous. The truck is not safe to drive, but the parts remain on backorder indefinitely.

NHTSA ID

11713521

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

A certified independent inspection company discovered welding on the main chassis of my Ford F-150. The welding is located on the front left frame area. I purchased the vehicle brand new, and it has never been in any accident or collision. This welding on a critical structural part creates a serious safety risk. Frame integrity may be compromised in normal driving or in the event of an impact. I transport my children daily in this vehicle, and I am afraid to drive it due to the possibility of structural failure. The official Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and kept it for approximately three weeks but provided no explanation or repair. The regional Ford office has delayed their technical report for more than five months with no response. The defect has been confirmed and is permanent. No warnings or lights appeared prior to discovering the issue. This is a manufacturing-related structural defect affecting vehicle safety, stability, and integrity. A proper safety resolution is required.

NHTSA ID

11702403

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

Recall 23S65 has been active since January of 2024. Ford has failed to provide the necessary parts to repair my F150. Through my communications to Ford, they have been made aware of the fact that multiple mechanics have indicated that my truck is in need of immediate repair. Ford’s failure to provide the necessary relief to a recall from January of 2024 renders my $45,000 ($72,000 new) truck basically useless to me. It is not safe to drive any distance, nor should it be towing a camper. Ford personnel are not returning my calls to discuss options to provide relief. We have been patient but now believe Ford is negligent in handling this recall and are unwilling or unable to provide necessary equipment and relief. To note, this complaint is directed at Ford Motor Company. Service Representative [XXX] at Griffin Ford has been attentive and as helpful as he can be during this process. However, he is also at the mercy of Ford to provide remedy to this situation. Please see the PDF attachment for detailed information regarding this complaint. Please contact me if you have further questions. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11689397

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear-end had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under a related recall or under an extended warranty. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was black. The contact stated that while reversing and towing a trailer on one occasion, the failure recurred, causing the tailgate of the vehicle to hit the trailer, and the tailgate sustained damage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred the following day. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11680912

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH on the freeway, the navigation screen turned blank, and the speedometer decreased to zero. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear end of the vehicle was detaching. The dealer determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was then taken to unknown local dealer, where it was determined that the rear axle was in good condition. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the contact's buyback request. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11674326

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

Mileage

32,000 mi

The leaf spring on the rear driver side is not lined up and off centered. Other trucks of this model year have also been reported on numerous forums.

NHTSA ID

11654626

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for tire rotation services, the dealer informed his wife that the rear passenger's side axle bolt was fractured and was stuck inside the hub of the wheel. The dealer determined that the rear passenger's side axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ID

11560305

Incident

Dec 6, 2023

Mileage

79,000 mi

The bolt the holds the rear axle/hub on the 9.75 HD rear-end sheared off. This is an ongoing issue with their rear-end.

NHTSA ID

11556286

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

Truck shakes violently at 65mph and higher. Replaced tires, rims, suspension, had the ford dealer check it many times. Took it to a mechanic shop and come to find out the driveshaft is making my truck shake. I have video of the rear end/ driveshaft, and transmission/ transfer case and the dealer said my vin number wasn’t part of the Recall

NHTSA ID

11550758

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

The rear axel bolt sheared off. I started to hear a rattle called ford to see when I could get my truck in to get it looked at. Got an appointment set up 2 months down the road was the soonest they could get me in. While waiting for that time truck stated to vibrate. I decided to try a tire rotation and I had the rear axel bolt drop to the ground. Not sure exactly when I started hearing the rattle. They safety was the tire could have come off while driving which could have caused an accident which could have caused injuries or death of my family or others. I called ford back they told me to have it towed in so they could look at it right away. So in 4 days my truck will be towed there for inspection. No warning lights about the bolt but I did have one about 4x4 would not engage back on 27/MAR/2023. Ford checked the axel and suspension.

NHTSA ID

11533391

Incident

Jul 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while having the tires rotated, the mechanic became aware that the rear passenger’s side axle assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side axle bolt had sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11532131

Incident

Jul 11, 2023

Mileage

40,000 mi

The bolt that holds the rear axle in place sheared off. This seams to be a common issue on the Max Tow equipped trucks, but Ford hasn't done a recall or even placed a TSB. On top of that my truck is out of service for a back ordered part to fix a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11482860

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Vehicle was purchased new 06/08/2021. Since that time it has been back to the dealer 4 times with 3 being for repairs to the problem. There is a crunching / clanging sound every time a turn is made on an incline or decline. The vehicle has been inspected and gone over with body bolts loosened and re-tightened to factory specs to no solution. It was taken back again and now the dealer thinks it is something with the springs. The truck has been with the dealer a total or 27 days as of this date. ( 08-21-2021 ) and repair attempted 3 times. The dealer is not sure if springs are the problem, just chasing possibilities down. I have a loaner which myself and my wife heard the same noise starting. We feel unsafe with this vehicle and Ford seems to be passing the buck although the dealer rep believes it is time for a buy back.

NHTSA ID

11429984

Incident

Jun 6, 2021