2021 Ford F-350 Safety Report

The 2021 Ford F-350 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily dominated by significant concerns related to its fuel system. With 88 total NHTSA complaints, including 4 fires and 3 injuries, the vehicle has demonstrated some serious safety incidents. A striking 20 complaints are specifically tied to the 'FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL' component, indicating a pervasive issue. Several complaints detail loss of motive power, stalling, and even a vehicle burning to the ground due to engine malfunction, directly linking to fuel system problems. The presence of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) further underscores the severity and widespread nature of this defect, with numerous owners reporting delays in obtaining the necessary recall repair parts or software updates, leaving them with potentially unsafe vehicles. Beyond the fuel system, other notable complaint patterns include 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (6 complaints) and 'ENGINE' (5 complaints), which sometimes overlap with the fuel system issues, such as the check engine light illuminating due to DEF pump failures. 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' and 'VISIBILITY' components also account for 6 complaints combined, with specific mentions of backup camera failures. While there are no official NHTSA crash test ratings available for the 2021 Ford F-350, the high number of fuel system-related complaints, including fires and power loss incidents, raises significant concerns about the vehicle's operational safety, especially when considering its intended use for heavy-duty tasks. The recall history shows 0 recalls listed in the provided data, which contradicts the numerous complaints referencing NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention). This discrepancy suggests that while recalls have been issued, they might not be fully reflected in the provided 'Recalls' count, or the data source for recalls is incomplete. The critical issue is the reported unavailability of parts or remedies for these active campaigns, leaving owners in a precarious situation. The overall safety picture is concerning due to the high frequency and severity of fuel system issues, compounded by the lack of readily available recall fixes.

Our recommendation: Given the severe and common fuel system issues, including fire risks and recall repair delays, exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly investigate if all active recalls, particularly 24V957000, have been fully remedied before considering purchase.