Your vehicle report

2021 Ford F-250 SD

The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.

NHTSA data through October 2026View original NHTSA data Change vehicle

Your vehicle at a glance

Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.

Owner complaints
167
Received Jan 2021 to Oct 2026
Official recalls listed
12
Naming this model year; check your VIN for applicability
BrakeNews flagged problems
1
Statistical signals, not official defect findings or recalls

Owner reports

Most reported problems

  1. 1
    Ford F-150 transmission unexpectedly downshifts or jerks23 complaints · 14% of this vehicle’s complaints
  2. 2
    Rearview backup camera fails or goes black12 complaints · 7.2% of this vehicle’s complaints
  3. 3
    Steering wheel shakes violently at highway speed9 complaints · 5.4% of this vehicle’s complaints
See all reported problems

Official NHTSA records

Recalls to check

  • Recall #26V158000Ford 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.
  • Recall #25V686000Ford 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.
View recall details

BrakeNews signals

Flagged complaint patterns

Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.

How flags are identified

Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 people injured, 0 deaths.

Explore by system

Where do owners report problems?

Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.

Schematic car with five system shortcutsGeneric side view, with the front on the left. Numbered links explore engine, brakes, steering, electrical, and body complaints. Text controls below provide the same choices.12345FRONTSCHEMATIC VIEW

Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.

View selected problems

Showing all 11 listed problems by system.

Engine & powertrain

3 more problems

Brakes

No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.

Electrical & lights

Airbags, belts & seats

No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.

Steering, suspension & tires

Body, doors & glass

Driver assistance

Other

No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Complaints received about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
7
Show as a table
MonthComplaints
January 20211
February 20211
March 20210
April 20211
May 20211
June 20211
July 20210
August 20210
September 20211
October 20212
November 20211
December 20212
January 20222
February 20220
March 20221
April 20221
May 20221
June 20222
July 20221
August 20224
September 20220
October 20224
November 20222
December 20223
January 20232
February 20234
March 20230
April 20232
May 20233
June 20231
July 20233
August 20233
September 20232
October 20234
November 20231
December 20232
January 20242
February 20241
March 20240
April 20241
May 20244
June 20245
July 20244
August 20244
September 20242
October 20241
November 20240
December 20243
January 20255
February 20255
March 20252
April 20257
May 20255
June 20257
July 20253
August 20254
September 20251
October 20253
November 20252
December 20252
January 20267
February 20266
March 20266
April 20262
May 20261
June 20262
July 20264
August 20263
September 20262
October 20262
Total167

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

ProblemComplaintsShareShare ratioStatus
Ford F-150 transmission unexpectedly downshifts or jerks2314%11.8×
Rearview backup camera fails or goes black127.2%2.4×NHTSA recall #25V048000, #25V442000, #25V686000
Steering wheel shakes violently at highway speed95.4%–
Fuel pump fails and engine stalls84.8%6.2×NHTSA recall #24V957000, #25V455000, #26V158000
Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline63.6%4.9×NHTSA recall #22V013000
Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips63.6%–
Glass shatters or cracks without impact53.0%–NHTSA recall #21V090000
Tailgate or trunk latch fails42.4%–
Headlights dim or fail at night42.4%–
Transmission fails or loses power while driving42.4%2.2×BrakeNews flag · First signal: Sep 2026 · Recent surge
Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 4.9%
Unintended acceleration despite braking31.8%–

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

  • NHTSA recall #26V158000March 17, 20269,839 vehicles affected

    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.

    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 recall #25V686000October 10, 2025291,901 vehicles affected

    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.

    A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s 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 recall #25V626000September 19, 2025115,539 vehicles affected

    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.

    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.

  • NHTSA recall #25V455000July 7, 2025850,318 vehicles affected

    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.

    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 recall #25V442000June 27, 2025200,237 vehicles affected

    back over prevention: software

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

  • NHTSA recall #25V048000January 31, 202591,580 vehicles affected

    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.

    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.

  • NHTSA recall #24V957000December 20, 2024295,449 vehicles affected

    fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

    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) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

  • NHTSA recall #23V420000June 9, 2023691,133 vehicles affected

    equipment: other: owners/service/other manual

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

    Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy

    Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

  • NHTSA recall #22V250000April 14, 2022652,996 vehicles affected

    visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

    Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

  • NHTSA recall #22V087000February 16, 2022247,445 vehicles affected

    power train: driveline: driveshaft; structure: frame and members: underbody shields

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2022 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and aluminum driveshafts. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

    A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 7, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S09.

  • NHTSA recall #22V013000January 14, 202219,697 vehicles affected

    fuel system, diesel

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.

    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

  • NHTSA recall #21V090000February 18, 202179,017 vehicles affected

    visibility: windshield; visibility: windshield: critical fasteners

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

    In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

Other model years

About this data

NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD.

Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.

Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN