RoadVitals

2021 Ford F-250 Sd

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
171
+5 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest Mar 17, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 171 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Ford F-250 Sd, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and suspension categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 243 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

13 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Mar 17, 2026
9,839 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
The risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S17View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Oct 10, 2025
291,901 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
The 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.
The remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25SA8View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:COLUMN

Sep 19, 2025
115,539 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S94View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE24014OpenPreliminary Evaluation

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

Opened May 9, 2024

The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2026

I have a 2021 Ford F250, the truck was bought new has 34,467 miles on .Oil changes every 5000 miles. Was returning home from camping and engine developed a miss, engine light came on,I was able to make it home and engine developed a loud ticking noise in the upper part of the engine. Truck was towed to a Ford dealer ,where it sits for the past 2 weeks ,waiting on Ford to decide what they are going to do with it. Dealer told me ,after a tear down ,that Ford wanted ,that it was the cam and lifters. This is a known problem ,and Ford dropped the ball on a recall on this engine. Besides the cam ,lifter issue ,there is an oil pump problem with this year engine. I bought the truck as a retirement gift to myself, and now appears to be the worse decision I've made. I believe Ford needs to replace the engine and not just fix the cam and lifters as small metal particles will be through out the engine due to the above failures and will cause a failure again.

NHTSA ID
11775675
Incident
Oct 18, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Nov 2, 2026

Leak in upper fuel filter. The part is plastic and fumes are getting in can of truck and fuel on engine.

NHTSA ID
11775195
Incident
Nov 2, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 2, 2026

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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

NHTSA ID
11775161
Incident
Nov 1, 2026
Mileage
25,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the front windshield, causing several electrical failures across the dashboard. The contact associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V090000 (Visibility) with the failure; however, the dealer and the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 94,174.

NHTSA ID
11774633
Incident
Oct 23, 2026
Mileage
94,174 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while idling and while driving, the engine was running rough and the engine power was reduced. The contact associated the failure with 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. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID
11772697
Incident
Sep 21, 2026
Mileage
77,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly hesitated. 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 dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID
11768308
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Mileage
35,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 26, 2026

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 ID
11767129
Incident
Sep 22, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 24, 2026

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 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 ID
11766798
Incident
Jun 10, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25M01

ENGINE

Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01--Owner Letter Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Evaluation Reference: Emissions Recalls 22E02, 22E04, 23E01, and 25E09

SSM 55218

POWER TRAIN

For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification for transmission replacement.

TSB 26-2088 v2

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 24-2249. Reason for update: update the claim quantity of the torque converter nuts, part number and claim quantity of the front support assembly bolt washers, and part number change of the fluid pan from the Parts List. Reissued 01-Oct-2026 - Added LC3Z-7G091-B to the part list

25M01

ENGINE

Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01 Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model Year Super Duty with 6.7L Diesel Engine Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor Replacement, If Required After Dealer Evaluation Reference: Emissions Recalls 22E02, 22E04, 23E01, and 25E09

TSB 26-2256

ENGINE

This article supersedes TSB 25-2572 to update the Parts List to correct the part number LC3Z-6006-L to LC3Z-6781-A, remove the flex plate bolts AL3Z-6379-BA from the parts list as these bolts are in kit LC3Z-6781-A, update the claim quantity of the part number W709771-S440 to 9 pieces (F-650/F750-Engine Replacement), W706447-S437 and W715068-S437 to 4 pieces, W712861-S439 to 8 pieces(F-Super Duty Pickup And Chassis Cab-Engine Replacement) / 8 pieces (F-53 Motorhome/F-59 Stripped Chassis Cab/F-650,F750 Engine Replacement) / W714286-S442 to 4 pieces (F-Super Duty Pickup And Chassis Cab-Camshaft and Tappet Repair / F-Super Duty Pickup And Chassis Cab-Engine Replacement), include LC3Z-6020-A for the Engine replacement lists, include 1 fuel injector seal kit to the Camshaft and Tappet repair lists, include 4 pieces of W520114-S440 to the E Series-Camshaft and Tappet Repair list, and update the engine oil part numbers XO-5W30-Q1SP and CXO-5W30-LSP6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an upper engine ticking or tapping noise at idle. Customers may also report experiencing ro

TSB 26-2216

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 25-2549. Reason for update: To add 2020 model year chassis cab vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an incorrectly illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0420 and/or P0430 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM. This condition does not affect vehicle drivability or durability.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-250 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026980—
2025178065.9
2024414058.8
20234416058.5
202213017058.9
2021Viewing17113159.9
202027215364.0
20191,16612359.3
201840010358.7
20171,15515358.6
20162914155.9
20152963253.8
2014261146.2
2013211139.5
2012571138.2
20111221144.4
2010321038.1
2009231039.7
20081412150.3
2007543252.3
20062743253.8
20052955255.6
20042544360.9
20031786561.4
20022455463.5
20012884862.9
20002334564.9
19992495563.4
1998113—
1997392360.7
1996111149.5
1995911—
1994211—
1993410—
1992300—
1991100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.