2021 Ford F-650 Safety Report

The 2021 Ford F-650 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to several significant recalls despite a low number of reported consumer complaints. With only 4 total complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported to NHTSA, the vehicle appears to have a low incidence of direct consumer-reported safety failures. However, the presence of three recalls addressing critical components suggests potential underlying safety risks that manufacturers have proactively identified. The recall history is a significant concern. One recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000) addresses a high-pressure fuel pump failure in diesel models, which can lead to a loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Another recall for diesel models highlights a potential fuel leak due to a void in the fuel line, increasing the risk of fire or injury. Furthermore, a recall for gas engine models points to a transmission oil cooler line potentially contacting the AC compressor pulley, which could lead to a transmission fluid leak and an engine compartment fire. These recalls indicate serious design or manufacturing defects that could have severe consequences if not addressed. Crash test performance data from NHTSA is not available for the 2021 Ford F-650, which is common for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This lack of data means there's no independent assessment of its crashworthiness. While consumer complaints are low, the nature of the recalls, particularly those involving loss of power and fire risk, suggests that owners should prioritize recall completion to mitigate these identified hazards. The overall safety picture is therefore heavily influenced by the severity of the recall issues, rather than a high volume of consumer complaints.

Our recommendation: Given the critical nature of the recalls, prospective buyers should ensure all recall repairs have been completed by a Ford dealer and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially focusing on the fuel system and transmission components.