2021 Ford F-550 Safety Report

2021 Ford F-550 shows low complaint volume but significant fuel system fire risk and critical steering issues.

10Complaints
0Recalls
40/100Reliability Score
2Fire Reports
Most reported components: Fuel System, Diesel (6)Fuel System, Other,Engine (1)Power Train (1)Steering (1)Engine And Engine Cooling,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford F-550

The 2021 Ford F-550 exhibits a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 10 total reports. However, a significant pattern emerges concerning the fuel system, specifically diesel components, which accounts for 60% of all complaints. These complaints frequently reference NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000, indicating a known issue with the fuel system, diesel, where owners are experiencing delays in obtaining recall repairs. Two complaints also mention fires, directly linked to fuel system issues, highlighting a severe safety concern despite the low overall complaint count. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the complaint data. Beyond the dominant fuel system issues, other components like POWER TRAIN and STEERING each have one complaint. One notable steering complaint describes a 'violent death wobble' at 55 MPH, requiring the driver to stop completely, which is a critical safety hazard. Another power train complaint details a loss of motive power and electronic power steering while driving at 65 MPH, further underscoring potential serious mechanical failures. Currently, there are no official recalls listed for the 2021 Ford F-550 in the provided data, although multiple complaints refer to an active recall (24V957000) for the fuel system, diesel, for which parts are unavailable. This suggests a pending recall or an ongoing campaign that is not yet fully reflected in the recall history provided. NHTSA has not provided overall safety ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for this heavy-duty vehicle, making it difficult to assess its crashworthiness based on official tests. In summary, while the total complaint volume is low, the concentration of severe issues related to the fuel system, including fire risks, and critical steering/power train failures, raises significant safety concerns. The lack of available parts for a known fuel system recall further exacerbates these issues, leaving owners with unaddressed safety hazards.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Ford F-550 receives a reliability score of 40 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-550

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford F-550:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel System, Diesel Recall (24v957000) With Unavailable Parts
Multiple owners report receiving recall notification for fuel system, diesel issues but parts for repair are not available, leading to unaddressed safety concerns.		 High Common unknown miles
Low Fuel Pressure And Smoke/Fire From Fuel System
Drivers experienced 'Low Fuel Pressure' warnings, smoke, and loss of power, with two complaints specifically mentioning fires related to the fuel system.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Violent Death Wobble In Steering
Vehicle experienced a 'violent death wobble' at 55 MPH, requiring immediate braking to a complete stop, despite front end steering components being tight.		 High Rare 36384 miles
Loss Of Motive Power And Electronic Power Steering
Vehicle lost motive power and electronic power steering while driving at 65 MPH, making it difficult to control and pull over safely.		 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-550:

Fuel System, Diesel 60% of complaints

The most common issue involves the diesel fuel system, with 6 out of 10 complaints, often related to a recall (24V957000) where repair parts are unavailable, and some instances leading to smoke or fire.

Steering 10% of complaints

One complaint details a 'violent death wobble' at highway speeds, indicating a severe steering instability issue.

Power Train 10% of complaints

One complaint describes a loss of motive power and electronic power steering while driving, posing a significant safety risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford F-550

Is the 2021 Ford F-550 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford F-550 has a low number of total complaints (10), but a significant portion (60%) are related to the fuel system, diesel, including reports of smoke and fire, and an unaddressed recall (24V957000) due to unavailable parts. There are also critical reports of 'violent death wobble' in the steering and loss of motive power, indicating serious safety concerns despite the low overall complaint volume. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this vehicle.

What are common problems for the 2021 Ford F-550?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Ford F-550 are concentrated in the FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, accounting for 60% of complaints. These often involve a recall (24V957000) where repair parts are not available, and some instances include low fuel pressure warnings, smoke, and even fires. Other problems include a 'violent death wobble' in the STEERING and a loss of motive power in the POWER TRAIN.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Ford F-550?

While the provided data states 0 recalls, multiple complaints for the 2021 Ford F-550 explicitly reference NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). Owners are reporting receiving notification for this recall but are unable to get the repair done due to unavailable parts, indicating an active but unfulfilled recall campaign.

Has the 2021 Ford F-550 had any fires?

Yes, the NHTSA complaint data for the 2021 Ford F-550 includes 2 reports of fires, both linked to issues with the fuel system, diesel. These incidents involved smoke emanating from the vehicle and loss of power.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2021 Ford F-550?

NHTSA has not provided official crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2021 Ford F-550, so its crashworthiness cannot be assessed based on these specific tests.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical unaddressed fuel system recall with fire risks and reports of severe steering and power train failures, exercise extreme caution; thoroughly investigate the status of recall 24V957000 and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford F-550

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford F-550. The data includes 10 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 fire incidents, 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.