2021 Ford F-150 used buying checklist
What to check on a used 2021 Ford F-150 before you pay, based on what owners report, its recalls and the repairs the maker covers. Print it and take it to the test drive.
Test for the problems owners report most
The most reported problems of this model year, with what to look for on the test drive.
- Headlights failing or too dim77 owner complaints, usually around 50,000 miles, owners paid about $2,000
Check every exterior and interior light, and look for condensation inside the headlights.
- Jerking or lurching55 owner complaints, usually around 60,000 miles
On a test drive from a cold start, check that shifts are smooth, with no slipping, delays, shudder or jerking at low speed. Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Harsh or hard shifting53 owner complaints, owners paid about $6,959
On a test drive from a cold start, check that shifts are smooth, with no slipping, delays, shudder or jerking at low speed. Ask for transmission fluid service records.
Make sure these recalls were done
Recall repairs are free at any dealer of the brand. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN.
- Back over preventionRecall number 26V489000, Jul 28, 2026
- Power trainRecall number 26V402000, Jun 24, 2026
- Electrical systemRecall number 26V104000, Feb 20, 2026
- VisibilityRecall number 25V729000, Oct 24, 2025
- Fuel system, gasolineRecall number 25V455000, Jul 7, 2025
- Exterior lightingRecall number 25V348000, May 23, 2025
- Back over preventionRecall number 25V315000, May 9, 2025
- Power trainRecall number 25V169000, Mar 14, 2025
- Electrical systemRecall number 25V132000, Feb 28, 2025
- EquipmentRecall number 24V852000, Nov 8, 2024
- Engine and engine coolingRecall number 24V635000, Aug 23, 2024
- Electrical systemRecall number 24V443000, Jun 14, 2024
- Power trainRecall number 23V896000, Dec 22, 2023
- Parking brakeRecall number 23V509000, Jul 21, 2023
- VisibilityRecall number 23V163000, Mar 10, 2023
- VisibilityRecall number 22V842000, Nov 15, 2022
- StructureRecall number 22V623000, Aug 12, 2022
- Fuel system, gasolineRecall number 22V414000, Jun 10, 2022
- VisibilityRecall number 22V250000, Apr 14, 2022
- Power trainRecall number 22V188000, Mar 25, 2022
- Electrical systemRecall number 22V193000, Mar 25, 2022
- VisibilityRecall number 22V142000, Mar 11, 2022
- StructureRecall number 21V986000, Dec 16, 2021
- Air bagsRecall number 21V805000, Oct 15, 2021
- Seat beltsRecall number 21V653000, Aug 23, 2021
- Service brakes, hydraulicRecall number 21V533000, Jul 15, 2021
- SteeringRecall number 21V407000, May 29, 2021
- Power trainRecall number 21V381000, May 24, 2021
- VisibilityRecall number 21V090000, Feb 18, 2021
Service bulletins worth asking about
Repair instructions the maker sent to dealers for known problems. Ask whether any of these repairs were done.
- This bulletin supersedes 25-2236Oct 27, 2026
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2226Oct 22, 2026
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2297Oct 14, 2026
- This bulletin updates 26-2206Sep 3, 2026
Before you pay
- Decode the VIN and make sure it matches the title, the registration and the car itself.
- Get a vehicle history report to check for accidents, salvage or flood titles and odometer problems.
- Ask for service records, especially oil changes and any transmission fluid service.
- Start the car from cold, and drive it at city and highway speeds for at least 20 minutes.
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you sign anything.
See every 2021 Ford F-150 problem
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 Ford F-150?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history