2021 Ford F-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Ford F-450 has a complaint index of 75, ranks 6th worst out of 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. It has 18 complaints, 12 recalls including 1 do-not-drive recall, and its top problem area is the Electrical System at 28% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 F-450 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2021 Ford F-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Tailgates open unexpectedly while towing or driving, sometimes striking the trailer being pulled.
- Electronic brake control has reportedly gone inoperable at highway speed with no warning lights.
- Vehicles have failed to restart after a battery junction box harness failure, requiring dealer replacement of multiple modules.
- The high pressure fuel pump has failed while towing, requiring replacement of the fuel system.
- The transmission has been reported to stick in 10th gear and resist downshifting on a decline while towing, with reduced braking response.
- The neutral idle control feature has caused abrupt jerking or hesitation when the vehicle tries to accelerate 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
- Should I avoid the 2021 Ford F-450?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 F-450 a complaint index of 75 and an Avoid verdict, ranking 6th worst among 21 model years for this model. Electrical System complaints make up 28% of reports.
- What problems does the 2021 Ford F-450 have?
- Owners most often report Electrical System issues (28% of complaints), followed by Structure & Body issues (28%) and Transmission & Powertrain issues (22%). One fire was reported in the sample.
- Does the 2021 Ford F-450 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 F-450, including 1 do-not-drive recall, covering fuel system, steering, camera, and wiper arm issues.
- At what mileage do 2021 F-450 problems occur?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: Electrical System issues showed up around 48,000 miles, Transmission & Powertrain around 40,381 miles, and Brakes around 86,500 miles.