2021 Ford F-450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 F-450 years
The 2021 Ford F-450 has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst among 16 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 18 complaints, 12 recalls including 1 do-not-drive recall, and no crashes, deaths, or injuries reported.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 12
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2021 Ford F-450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System5 (28%)
- Structure & Body5 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (22%)
- Brakes3 (17%)
- Fuel System3 (17%)
- Engine2 (11%)
- Other2 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
What owners report
- Tailgate opens unexpectedly while towing, sometimes striking the trailer and damaging both vehicles.
- Electronic brake control has gone inoperable at highway speed with no warning lights illuminated.
- Vehicle failed to restart after the battery junction box harness failed, requiring dealer replacement.
- Transmission stayed stuck in a high gear and failed to downshift while descending a grade towing a trailer, with brakes responding poorly.
- High pressure fuel pump failed while towing, requiring full fuel system replacement.
- Neutral idle control caused the vehicle to jerk or hesitate when pulling away from a stop.
2021 Ford F-450 recalls
12 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-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford F-450 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 F-450 carries a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 6th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other F-450 years.
- What are the most reported problems on the 2021 Ford F-450?
- Electrical System and Structure & Body issues each account for 28% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 22%. Owners report tailgate malfunctions, brake control failures, and battery harness failures.
- Does the 2021 Ford F-450 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 F-450, including 1 do-not-drive recall. Recalls cover fuel system PCM software, steering column shafts, rearview cameras, and wiper arms.
- How does the 2021 F-450 compare to other years?
- The 2021 F-450 has a Complaint Index of 67, worse than years like 2013, 2015, and 2016 (rated Best), but better than 2020, 2022, and 2024, which carry Avoid verdicts with higher indexes.