2021 Ford F-550 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Ford F-550 has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of 21 model years, and carries 9 recall campaigns including one do-not-drive recall. Fuel system problems dominate, making up 83% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 195,000.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 F-550 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2021 Ford F-550 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System10 (83%)
- Engine2 (17%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the low fuel pressure warning light coming on suddenly, followed by loss of power and smoke or flames from under the hood.
- Some drivers experienced a violent front-end "death wobble" at highway speed that required emergency braking to stop.
- One owner reported a rear dual wheel axle shaft fracturing inside the differential housing during a turn.
- Several owners describe losing motive power while towing at 65 mph, including a loss of electronic power steering before the truck restarted.
- Multiple owners who received the 24V957000 fuel system recall notice said replacement parts were not available and repairs were delayed well beyond a reasonable time.
2021 Ford F-550 recalls
9 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 25V455000Jul 7, 2025Fuel System850,318 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
- NHTSA 25V048000Jan 31, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras91,580 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
Risk: Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.
2021 compared with other F-550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford F-550 reliable?
- Compared to other F-550 model years, 2021 ranks poorly. It has a complaint index of 95, second-worst among 21 model years, and is rated Avoid.
- What are the main problems with the 2021 Ford F-550?
- Fuel system issues account for 83% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 195,000. Owners also reported engine, steering, and transmission/powertrain complaints, including a fire risk from low fuel pressure events.
- Does the 2021 Ford F-550 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2021 F-550, including a do-not-drive recall (21V390000) for improperly attached front wheel hub extenders, plus multiple fuel system recalls.
- How does the 2021 F-550 compare to other years?
- Among 21 model years, 2021 has a complaint index of 95, worse than most other years and second only to 2022, which has an index of 100.