2021 Ford F-350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Ford F-350 has a Complaint Index of 55, ranking 10th worst out of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 96 complaints, 14 recalls, and Fuel System issues make up 40% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 F-350 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 96
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 14
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2021 Ford F-350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System38 (40%)
- Engine17 (18%)
- Electrical System13 (14%)
- Other11 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (10%)
- Structure & Body7 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (5%)
- Brakes4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine block heater cables have caught fire near the plug connector, sometimes burning the person disconnecting it.
- Engine fires have started under the hood while the truck was parked or towing, with some vehicles burning completely.
- While towing a trailer, a Diesel Particulate Filter alert triggered sudden power loss, a shift to neutral, and smoke turning from white to darker coming from the engine bay.
- The electronic tailgate has opened on its own while stationary, in reverse, and while driving at speeds from 10 to 60 mph, without the remote being pressed.
- The panoramic sunroof glass has shattered while driving at highway speed with no prior incident.
- The steering wheel has vibrated while driving, which one owner's mechanic attributed to the driveshaft.
2021 Ford F-350 recalls
14 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V158000Mar 17, 2026Fuel System9,839 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V686000Oct 10, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras291,901 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
- NHTSA 25V626000Sep 19, 2025Steering115,539 vehicles
Steering:column
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
2021 compared with other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford F-350 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 F-350 a Complaint Index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst among 21 model years covered. It has 96 complaints and 14 recall campaigns, with Fuel System problems being the largest share at 40%.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Ford F-350?
- Fuel System issues account for 40% of complaints (38 of 96), with a median failure mileage of 112,500 miles. Engine problems are next at 18% of complaints, including several reported fires.
- Does the 2021 Ford F-350 have a recall for the fuel pump?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 25V455000 covering a low-pressure fuel pump issue on 2021-2023 F-350 SD and other Ford/Lincoln models, plus 24V957000 and 26V158000 addressing biodiesel deposits on the fuel pump drivetrain.
- Are there steering or camera recalls on the 2021 F-350?
- Yes. Recall 25V626000 covers a steering column upper shaft that may detach, and recalls 25V048000 and 25V686000 cover rearview and 360-degree camera display problems.
- How does the 2021 F-350 compare to other F-350 years?
- The 2021 model's Complaint Index of 55 is lower than 2017 (95), 2019 (100), and 2020 (90), all rated Avoid, but higher than years like 2014 (20, Best) and 2024 (35, Good).