KnownCarProblems2021 Ford F-250 SD Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 166 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, most often about the fuel system (26% of complaints, typically around 95,000 miles). It is 14th of 27 F-250 SD model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford F-250 SD problems
Fuel system
43 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting erratically. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was idling rough. The vehicle…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and caused the vehicle to go into idle mode before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and taken to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the…
Transmission
25 complaints · 15%Parts named most often: driveline.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while at a stop and attempting to accelerate, the rpms rapidly increased, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended and experienced a loss of motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission was slipping. The contact wait for a while before the vehicle responded as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…
Suspension
18 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: front.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated while driving on cruise control at 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble, twice. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact called the local dealer but had not received a response.…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably, without any warning. The contact was able to stop on the side of the roadway. The checked for a possible tire blowout however, there was no blowout. The vehicle then started operating as designed.…
Electrical
18 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: integrated trailer brake control, 12v/24v/48v battery, horn, wiring.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor cat odor in the vehicle after a car wash or during inclement weather. The driver added an air freshener to the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was stronger while using the A/C unit in the recycle air position. Additionally, the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery had exploded and was leaking battery fluid. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The…
Visibility and wipers
17 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: glass, side/rear, windshield, rearview mirrors/devices.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v250000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that immediately after remote starting the vehicle, the rear window suddenly exploded and shattered. The contact stated that the rear defroster was not activated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the…
Steering
15 complaints · 9%The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel started to feel loosened and shaky. The contact pulled on the steering wheel and the steering wheel detached. The steering wheel was re-attached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired.…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving between 40 to 70 MPH and driving over speed bumps, uneven pavement, or potholes, the vehicle was pulling hard to the left, making it difficult to control the vehicle. The contact had experienced the death wobble while driving. The vehicle was…
Other or unspecified
14 complaints · 8%Engine
14 complaints · 8%The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of the exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The contact also stated the diesel cleaning system activated independently causing a strong odor. In addition, the RPM was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while at a stop and attempting to accelerate, the rpms rapidly increased, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended and experienced a loss of motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Ford F-250 SD recalls
Fuel system: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driverâs 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 octobe
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: column
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Backup camera: camera
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: 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.
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Visibility and wipers: linkages
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: underbody shields
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, diesel
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Sogefi secondary diesel fuel filter leak
Summary
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 second
Questions about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-250 SD?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (43 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles); transmission (25 complaints); suspension (18 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-250 SD have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 17, 2026 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Ford F-250 SD?
- It is 14th of 27 F-250 SD model years by number of complaints, with 166 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.