2021 Ford F-150 Safety Report

2021 Ford F-150 faces numerous recalls and high complaint volume, particularly for powertrain and electrical issues, with unrated crash test performance.

1082Complaints
27Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
18Crash Reports
6Fire Reports
13Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Power Train (250)Exterior Lighting (72)Electrical System (70)Visibility (69)Unknown Or Other (62)Visibility/Wiper (49)Engine (38)Steering (26)Wheels (25)Service Brakes (24)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford F-150

The 2021 Ford F-150 presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a high volume of consumer complaints and numerous recalls, yet without comprehensive NHTSA crash test ratings. With 1082 total complaints, including 18 crashes, 6 fires, 13 injuries, and 1 death, there are significant concerns regarding various components. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the POWER TRAIN (250 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (72 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (70 complaints). These complaint patterns are directly reflected in the vehicle's extensive recall history, with 27 recalls issued, many addressing critical safety systems. Several recalls directly target the most complained-about areas. For instance, multiple recalls address the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, including issues with integrated trailer brake control and body control module software affecting reverse lights. POWER TRAIN issues are also prominent in recalls, with one specifically mentioning an unexpected shift into neutral due to a diagnostic trouble code. Furthermore, recalls related to the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (fuel pump failure leading to engine stall) and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (engine loss of drive power) align with consumer reports of sudden power loss and stalling. The lack of specific NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover all N/A) makes it difficult to assess the vehicle's passive safety performance in a collision, placing greater emphasis on the active safety concerns highlighted by the complaints and recalls. The sheer volume of recalls (27) for a relatively new model year is notable and indicates widespread issues that Ford has had to address. These recalls cover critical safety aspects such as trailer brake functionality, rearview camera operation, engine stall risks, and loss of drive power. While recalls are intended to mitigate risks, the high number suggests a vehicle that has required significant post-production rectification. The consistent overlap between top complaint categories and recall subjects underscores that these are not isolated incidents but rather systemic problems affecting a substantial number of vehicles.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Ford F-150 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Ford F-150

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford F-150:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Pump Failure / Engine Stall
Multiple complaints and recalls (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000) indicate fuel pump failures leading to sudden engine stalls and loss of propulsion while driving, increasing crash risk.		 High Common unknown miles
Transmission Shifting Issues / Loss Of Drive Power
Numerous POWER TRAIN complaints and recalls (e.g., 22V-188, 21V-158) describe unexpected shifts into neutral, hard shifts, slipping gears, and complete loss of drive power.		 High Common unknown miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000) addresses frozen or missing rearview camera images, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash while reversing.		 High Common unknown miles
Exterior Lighting Malfunctions (Reverse Lights, Drls)
Complaints and recalls (e.g., 24V443) highlight issues with inoperative reverse lights and dimmed daytime running lights, affecting visibility to other drivers.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Integrated Trailer Brake Control Malfunction
Multiple recalls address issues with the integrated trailer brake control system, leading to loss of trailer brake functionality and increased stopping distances.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Moonroof Wind Deflector Detachment
A recall notes inadequate moonroof wind deflector clips, potentially causing the deflector to detach and become a road hazard.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford F-150:

Power Train 23% of complaints

Frequent reports of transmission issues including hard shifts, slipping, unexpected shifts into neutral, and complete loss of drive power.

Exterior Lighting 7% of complaints

Common complaints about inoperative reverse lights, dimmed daytime running lights, and other exterior lighting failures.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Issues range from integrated trailer brake control malfunctions to body control module software problems affecting various vehicle functions.

Visibility 6% of complaints

Problems with rearview camera functionality (frozen/blank screen) and moonroof wind deflector issues.

Engine 3% of complaints

Reports of engine stalls, loss of power, and excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Fuel System, Gasoline 2% of complaints

Fuel pump failures leading to engine stalling and loss of propulsion.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford F-150

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford F-150 has a significant number of safety concerns, evidenced by 1082 total complaints, 18 crashes, 6 fires, 13 injuries, and 1 death. It also has an exceptionally high number of recalls (27), addressing critical issues like engine stalls, transmission failures, and rearview camera malfunctions. The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings makes a full assessment of its crashworthiness difficult.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford F-150?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Ford F-150 are related to the POWER TRAIN (250 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (72 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (70 complaints). Specific common problems include fuel pump failures leading to engine stalls, transmission shifting issues (slipping, unexpected neutral shifts), and rearview camera malfunctions.

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?

The 2021 Ford F-150 has a high number of recalls, with 27 issued by NHTSA. These recalls address a wide range of safety-critical components, including the fuel system, powertrain, electrical system, and visibility systems.

Are there any engine issues with the 2021 Ford F-150?

Yes, there are engine issues reported for the 2021 Ford F-150. Complaints include engine stalls and loss of drive power, which are also covered by recalls related to fuel pump failures and internal engine components. Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption in the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2021 Ford F-150?

When considering a used 2021 Ford F-150, pay close attention to the powertrain for any signs of rough shifting or hesitation, and ensure all recalls, especially those related to the fuel pump, transmission, and rearview camera, have been completed. Check the functionality of all exterior lights and the electrical system.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of complaints and 27 recalls, thoroughly verify that all recall repairs have been completed and consider an extended warranty, especially for powertrain and electrical components, before purchasing a 2021 Ford F-150.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford F-150

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford F-150. The data includes 1082 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 27 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 18 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 13 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.