2021 Ford F-550 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 F-550 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Ford F-550 has a Complaint Index of 87 and ranks 3rd worst out of 16 model years, with 9 recalls including 1 do-not-drive recall. Fuel System complaints dominate at 83% share, with a median failure mileage of 195,000.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 9
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2021 Ford F-550 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System10 (83%)
- Engine2 (17%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
What owners report
- Low fuel pressure warnings appear suddenly, followed by loss of power and smoke or flames from under the hood.
- Vehicles lose motive power while towing at highway speed, sometimes accompanied by a temporary loss of electronic power steering.
- Front end develops a violent steering wobble at highway speed even though steering components show no play.
- Rear dual wheel axle shafts fracture inside the differential housing during normal turning maneuvers.
- Owners report long delays getting recall parts for the diesel fuel system repair under Campaign 24V957000.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 F-550 a Complaint Index of 87 and ranks it 3rd worst among 16 model years, so it earns an Avoid verdict relative to other F-550 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Ford F-550?
- Fuel System complaints make up 83% of all complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 195,000.
- Does the 2021 Ford F-550 have a do-not-drive recall?
- Yes. Recall 21V390000 tells owners not to drive until the torque on front wheel hub extender nuts is verified, due to improperly attached hub extenders.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-550 have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2021 F-550, covering fuel system, transmission, wipers, cameras, and owner's manual issues.
- How does the 2021 F-550 compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 87 is higher than most other F-550 years; only 2022 (93) and 2025 (100) rank worse among years with data.