NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2021 Ford F-250 recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-250 and 166 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are fuel system (30), power train (25), diesel (25). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating.

The 2021 ranks #6 of 14 F-250 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (325). It has 13 recalls vs. an average of 5.0 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 13

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Ford F-250. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Fuel system, diesel · delivery · fuel pumpNHTSA #26V158000 · 03/17/2026

Problem: 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.

Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Back over prevention · softwareNHTSA #25V686000 · 10/10/2025

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

Steering · columnNHTSA #25V626000 · 09/19/2025

Problem: 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.

Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pumpNHTSA #25V455000 · 07/07/2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Back over prevention · softwareNHTSA #25V442000 · 06/27/2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A 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.

Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Back over prevention · sensing system · cameraNHTSA #25V048000 · 01/31/2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.

Risk: Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.

Fuel system, diesel · delivery · fuel pumpNHTSA #24V957000 · 12/20/2024

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

Equipment · other · owners/service/other manualNHTSA #23V420000 · 06/09/2023

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Risk: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · linkagesNHTSA #22V250000 · 04/14/2022

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

Structure · frame and members · underbody shieldsNHTSA #22V087000 · 02/16/2022

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

Fuel system, dieselNHTSA #22V013000 · 01/14/2022

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A 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, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

Visibility · windshield · critical fastenersNHTSA #21V090000 · 02/18/2021

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

SteeringNHTSA #20E090000 · 12/10/2020

Problem: Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.

Risk: If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Fuel system30
Power train25
Diesel25
Electrical system18
Suspension18
Steering15
Unknown or other14
Fuel/propulsion system13

By the numbers

166owner complaints filed
3involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported

Recent owner reports

10/01/2026 · Fuel system, gasoline

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 co…

09/26/2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

09/24/2026 · Power train

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, techn…

Safety ratings

2021 Ford F-250 Tremor Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

The EPA doesn't publish fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty pickups like the Ford F-250.

Other model years

Compare every Ford F-250 year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-250 have?

NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-250, most recently for fuel system, diesel · delivery · fuel pump (03/17/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-250?

Based on 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are fuel system (30), power train (25), diesel (25).

Is the 2021 Ford F-250 safe?

The 2021 Ford F-250 earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2021 a good year for the Ford F-250?

The 2021 ranks #6 of 14 F-250 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (325). It has 13 recalls vs. an average of 5.0 per model year.

Own a 2021 Ford F-250 in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: F-250 SD, F-250 TREMOR, F-250 CREW CAB, F-250.

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