How many engine complaints does NHTSA list for the 2021 Ford F-150?

NHTSA lists 113 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150, which is 11% of all 1,012 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford F-150 engine?

Yes. Recall 24V635000, reported August 23, 2024, covers 2021-2022 F-150 trucks with the 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine, where intake valves may be affected. Ford dealers perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine if needed, free of charge.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2021 F-150?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 F-150 is 31,000 miles, though several owners in the sample complaints reported failures at much lower mileage.

Are the 2021 F-150 engine complaints worse than other model years?

No. The 2021 F-150's engine complaint share is 11%, lower than earlier years like 2012 (34%), 2019 (31%), and 2011 (29%), suggesting engine issues are relatively less common in the 2021 model year compared to other F-150 years.

2021 Ford F-150 Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 113 complaints, 11% of all 1,012 complaints filed on the 2021 Ford F-150, with a median failure mileage of 31,000. A related NHTSA recall (24V635000) covers Nano EcoBoost intake valve issues on 2021-2022 trucks.

Engine complaints: 113; 11% of 1,012
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 31,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Sudden engine shudder, vibration, or stall accompanied by a 'system failure' message, sometimes with a clicking noise and burning smell.
Low oil pressure or 'Oil Level Low' warnings appearing shortly after purchase, with dipstick checks confirming oil below the safe line.
Engine and powertrain malfunction warning lights illuminating together with a scraping noise from underneath the vehicle while driving at highway speed.
Complete engine failure with no warning at very low mileage, reported on the 2.7L V6 engine.
Faulty intake valve seals causing the engine to fail to start, sometimes requiring the dealer to replace both the transmission and engine.
White smoke from the tailpipe combined with engine shaking, later traced to oil passing through the cylinder heads.

When 2021 Ford F-150 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 20, 2021, latest Sep 11, 2026.

113 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Jun 2025 (8).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford F-150

NHTSA 24V635000Aug 23, 2024Engine90,736 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Engine complaints by F-150 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010169 (20%)
2011637 (29%)
2012600 (34%)
2013767 (26%)
2014266 (17%)
2015393 (23%)
2016411 (20%)
2017413 (29%)
2018639 (28%)
2019407 (31%)
2020150 (21%)
2021113 (11%)
202254 (9%)
202345 (11%)
202423 (12%)
202515 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA list for the 2021 Ford F-150?: NHTSA lists 113 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150, which is 11% of all 1,012 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford F-150 engine?: Yes. Recall 24V635000, reported August 23, 2024, covers 2021-2022 F-150 trucks with the 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine, where intake valves may be affected. Ford dealers perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine if needed, free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2021 F-150?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 F-150 is 31,000 miles, though several owners in the sample complaints reported failures at much lower mileage.
Are the 2021 F-150 engine complaints worse than other model years?: No. The 2021 F-150's engine complaint share is 11%, lower than earlier years like 2012 (34%), 2019 (31%), and 2011 (29%), suggesting engine issues are relatively less common in the 2021 model year compared to other F-150 years.