2021 Ford F-250 Safety Report

2021 Ford F-250 faces significant fuel system and powertrain concerns with unaddressed recalls, lacking official crash test ratings.

151Complaints
0Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
Most reported components: Fuel System, Diesel (19)Power Train (15)Visibility (9)Electrical System (8)Unknown Or Other (7)Fuel/Propulsion System (7)Structure (7)Suspension (7)Engine (6)Steering (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford F-250

The 2021 Ford F-250 exhibits a mixed safety profile based on available NHTSA data. While there are no official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), the vehicle has accumulated 151 complaints, including 3 reported crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths. A significant concern revolves around the fuel system, particularly diesel variants, which accounts for 19 complaints under 'FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL' and 7 under 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM'. Several complaints directly reference NHTSA Campaign Number 24V957000 (Ford 24S78) concerning high-pressure fuel pump failure leading to loss of motive power, with owners reporting stalled vehicles and unavailability of repair parts. This recall, despite being active, has no remedy available, leaving owners with potentially unsafe vehicles. Beyond fuel system issues, the power train is another area of concern, with 15 complaints. These often describe transmission shifting problems, including failure to downshift, hard shifts, constant gear hunting, and sudden loss of motive power. One complaint specifically mentions a 10R140 transmission failure at 100,000 miles, aligning with a defect acknowledged in a recall for earlier models (22V-256). Visibility issues, with 9 complaints, include malfunctioning front cameras preventing forward collision alerts and rear-view cameras going black, as well as shattered moonroofs and misaligned rear windows. Electrical system (8 complaints) and steering (6 complaints), including reports of 'Death Wobble,' also contribute to the complaint landscape. Despite the absence of formal safety ratings, the high number of complaints related to critical components like the fuel system and power train, coupled with active recalls for which no repair is available, suggests potential safety risks. The 3 reported crashes, while not directly linked to specific component failures in the provided data, underscore the real-world implications of these issues. The lack of a remedy for significant recalls is a particularly troubling aspect of this vehicle's safety record.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Ford F-250 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-250

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford F-250:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Leads to sudden loss of motive power, stalling, and failure to start. Subject to NHTSA recall 24V957000 with no available remedy.		 High Common unknown miles
Transmission Shifting Issues
Includes failure to downshift, hard shifts, constant gear hunting, and sudden loss of motive power. One report of 10R140 failure at 100,000 miles.		 High Common unknown miles
Malfunctioning Cameras (Front/Rear)
Front camera goes black, disabling forward collision alert. Rear-view camera goes black in reverse, affecting back over prevention.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Steering 'Death Wobble'
Vehicle pulls hard to the left, difficult to control at highway speeds over uneven pavement.		 High Rare 40000-70000 miles
Shattered Moonroof
Moonroof spontaneously shatters, potentially from internal pressure.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Rear Lights/Blind Spot Monitoring Failure
All rear lights stop working intermittently, along with blind spot monitoring and cross traffic detection.		 High 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-250:

Fuel System, Diesel 12% of complaints

Frequent complaints about high-pressure fuel pump failure, leaks, and stalling, often linked to recall 24V957000.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Issues with transmission shifting, including hard shifts, failure to downshift, and loss of motive power.

Visibility 6% of complaints

Problems with front and rear cameras, shattered moonroofs, and misaligned windows.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Reports of rear light failures, blind spot monitoring issues, and general electrical malfunctions.

Steering 4% of complaints

Complaints including 'Death Wobble' and difficulty controlling the vehicle.

Engine 4% of complaints

Reports of lifter failure and sudden loss of power leading to engine replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford F-250

Is the 2021 Ford F-250 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford F-250 has 151 complaints, including 3 crashes, but lacks official crash test ratings. There are significant concerns regarding the fuel system (19 complaints) and power train (15 complaints), with active recalls for which no repair remedy is currently available, posing potential safety risks.

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

The most reported issues are related to the FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL (19 complaints), often involving high-pressure fuel pump failures and leaks. POWER TRAIN issues (15 complaints), such as transmission shifting problems and loss of motive power, are also common. VISIBILITY (9 complaints) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints) problems, including camera malfunctions and light failures, are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Ford F-250?

Yes, there are active recalls, notably NHTSA Campaign Number 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) concerning high-pressure fuel pump failure. However, many owners report that parts for the recall repair are not yet available, leaving the issue unaddressed.

What is the 'Death Wobble' reported in the 2021 Ford F-250?

The 'Death Wobble' is a severe steering issue reported by some owners where the vehicle pulls hard to the left, becoming difficult to control, especially at speeds between 40-70 MPH over uneven pavement or potholes. This falls under the STEERING component, which has 6 complaints.

How does the 2021 Ford F-250 perform in crash tests?

The 2021 Ford F-250 has not received official crash test ratings from NHTSA. All categories, including Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover, are listed as N/A.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the numerous unaddressed fuel system and powertrain recall issues, and the lack of official crash test ratings, potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate the status of all recalls before purchasing a 2021 Ford F-250.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford F-250

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford F-250. The data includes 151 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments 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.