Does the 2021 Ford F-350 have engine problems?

NHTSA lists 17 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Ford F-350, making up 18% of the 96 total complaints filed for the year. Reported issues include sudden shutdowns, fires, and DEF-related speed de-rating.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford F-350 engine?

NHTSA data provided here shows no related recalls listed for this engine complaint category.

At what mileage do 2021 F-350 engine problems occur?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 F-350 is 88,783 miles.

Are there fire risks with the 2021 F-350 engine?

Yes, NHTSA complaints include 4 fires and 1 injury tied to engine problems on the 2021 F-350.

How does 2021 compare to other F-350 years for engine complaints?

The 2021 F-350 shows 17 engine complaints at 18% share, higher than 2018 (10 complaints, 5%) and 2020 (15 complaints, 8%), but lower than peak years like 2012 (51 complaints, 28%).

2021 Ford F-350 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2021 Ford F-350, 18% of all complaints for the year, including 4 fires and 1 injury. Median mileage at failure is 88,783. No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 17; 18% of 96
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 88,784 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden engine shutdowns without warning, sometimes while turning or approaching a stop, causing loss of steering control.
Several owners describe engine compartment fires, including one from the block heater cable connector and one that started under the hood while parked.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injectors reportedly clog with crystalized DEF, triggering error codes that de-rate top speed from 50 mph down to as low as 5 mph.
Check engine lights reportedly appear frequently along with stored fuel rail and fuel pressure codes (P0191, P0171).
One owner reported a diesel particulate filter cleaning alert followed by power loss, smoke from the engine compartment, and the truck shifting itself into neutral while towing.
Owners describe electrical module errors affecting cruise control, navigation, and instrument cluster functions tied to engine-area wiring.

When 2021 Ford F-350 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 17, 2021, latest Feb 20, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2021 to Feb 2026; peak Feb 2026 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Ford F-350

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by F-350 model year

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

201011 (21%)
201148 (26%)
201251 (28%)
201320 (23%)
201413 (13%)
201542 (20%)
201630 (14%)
201730 (5%)
201810 (5%)
201924 (5%)
202015 (8%)
202117 (18%)
202219 (17%)
20234 (10%)
20246 (14%)
20255 (36%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ford F-350 have engine problems?: NHTSA lists 17 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Ford F-350, making up 18% of the 96 total complaints filed for the year. Reported issues include sudden shutdowns, fires, and DEF-related speed de-rating.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford F-350 engine?: NHTSA data provided here shows no related recalls listed for this engine complaint category.
At what mileage do 2021 F-350 engine problems occur?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2021 F-350 is 88,783 miles.
Are there fire risks with the 2021 F-350 engine?: Yes, NHTSA complaints include 4 fires and 1 injury tied to engine problems on the 2021 F-350.
How does 2021 compare to other F-350 years for engine complaints?: The 2021 F-350 shows 17 engine complaints at 18% share, higher than 2018 (10 complaints, 5%) and 2020 (15 complaints, 8%), but lower than peak years like 2012 (51 complaints, 28%).