KnownCarProblems2021 Ford F-350 SD Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-350 SD, most often about the fuel system (41% of complaints, typically around 112,000 miles). It is 16th of 27 F-350 SD model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2021 Ford F-350 SD problems
Fuel system
40 complaints · 41%Half of these problems showed up before 112,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the loss of power warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The vehicle was towed…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
Engine
16 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owned aâ 2021 Ford f-350 diesel. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential yard, the contact noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact had just parked the vehicle and walked around to the back of the residence. The contact stated that the fire came from under the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the DEF pump, DEF pump lines needed, and DEF heater element needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Electrical
13 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: integrated trailer brake control, wiring.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the trailer disconnected warning light illuminated. The contact disconnected the trailer and drove the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer could not duplicate the failure with the trailer being disconnected. A diagnostic test was performed…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated that on several occasions while parked, the vehicle was turned off but remained running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an electrical short due to condensation going into the…
Transmission
10 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: driveline.
Other or unspecified
10 complaints · 10%Visibility and wipers
7 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated while driving 72 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and upon inspection of the vehicle discovered that the sliding glass on the panoramic sunroof had shattered without incident. As the contact continued…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 22v250000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
Suspension
5 complaints · 5%Backup camera
5 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: rearview system braking.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(r), the back-up camera image was blurry. The contact wiped the camera lens; however, the image remained blurry. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford f-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. In addition, an error message indicated that the camera was unavailable and to contact the dealer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera screen would display a black screen or a…
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-350 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: 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.
Transmission: axle assembly
Risk: Driveshaft separation may result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the axle housing for deformities, and repair or replace the housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on september 3, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 21s31.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 f-350 super duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7l diesel engines and dana model 275 rear axles. The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation.
Transmission: axle hubs
Risk: A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on june 18, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s26.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 f-350, f-450, f-550, and f-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.
Equipment: fifth wheel assembly
Risk: A cracked mounting bracket could result in the fifth wheel detaching from the vehicle while towing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the mounting bracket, and replace the bracket if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on june 16, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s23.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2021 super duty f-350 and f-450 vehicles equipped with a fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket that may be cracked.
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-350 SD
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford F-350 SD?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (40 complaints, typically around 112,000 miles); engine (16 complaints); electrical (13 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-350 SD have?
- 14 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-350 SD?
- It is 16th of 27 F-350 SD model years by number of complaints, with 98 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.