I had an oil change performed earlier in the day. Drove 90 miles on the oil change when I lost complete oil pressure and than had my engine lock up. After the truck was towed back to the dealership and some surface investigation was done they told me it would be 2K to take the oil pan off to get a definitive answer to the issue. For them the only fix was replacing the entire engine at 14k. They believed it was just bad luck timing the occurrence of the loss of oil pressure and engine failure. The event happened with 135,556 miles on the vehicle. At 122,000 miles I had my drive shaft detach on the expressway. At the time I was still under extended warranty on the truck. The fix for that was a new drive shaft and to replace the rear axle. The issue I have is believing that 2 catastrophic events on the vehicle would occur within 12k miles and the three events not being connected. The manufacture wasn’t able to provide me with any answers as to what failed or why making it incredibly difficult to make a huge financial decision on what to do. I struggle with a vehicle that has that low of mileage would just completely implode and be undrivesble.
2021 Ford F-150 engine problems
102 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 34,855.
- owner complaints
- 102
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 34,855
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Exhaust system3
- Exhaust system: emission control1
- Engine: oil/lubrication: pipes, hoses, and fittings1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford F-150 engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford F-150 engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Loss of power 40Stalling 40Check engine light 30Engine failure 17Knocking 11Overheating 10Misfire 9Oil consumption 7Won't start 6
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
Recall number 24V635000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart. During PE22007, the cause of engine failure and loss of motive power in the subject vehicles was determined to be intake valve fracture, and the full scope of vehicles affected by the subject defect was identified as all MY 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, referred to as the âNanoâ engine family. If an intake valve fractures in the subject engines, it may drop into the cylinder and contact the piston, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage. On September 29, 2023, PE22007 was upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23002) to further investigate the subject defect across the full scope of affected vehicles. During EA23002, ODI visited Ford facilities to review technical information related to intake valve fracture in âNanoâ engines, coordinated with the federal safety agencyâs Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC), and analyzed updated field data relating the subject defect. Forensic analysis of fractured intake valves demonstrated that the defective components exhibited âgrinding burnâ or out of specification hardness in the area of the keeper grooves. The presence of grinding burn is evidence that during the groove grinding phase of production, the temperature of the valve became sufficiently high to alter the microstructure of the material and is indicative that the valve supplierâs manufacturing processes were not within control specifications. Grinding burn results in a hard, brittle microstructure and high residual stresses toward the surface of the valve. Through normal engine loading, a valve with grinding burn will likely fracture at the area of highest vulnerability, which is the third keeper groove. In its response to the EA23002 Information Request (IR) letter, Ford provided evidence of 396 customer complaints (including field reports), 825 warranty claims, and 936 engine exchanges. When considering both ODI and manufacturer failure report data, there have been reports representing 1066 unique vehicles within the subject vehicle population. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that vehicles equipped with potentially defective intake valves were built within a production âspike periodâ of May 2021 â October 2021. The beginning of the spike period corresponds to a ramp up in production at the valve supplier manufacturing facility, and the end of the spike period aligns with the implementation of several mid-production process improvements and the decision to change the metal alloy used to produce intake valves from âSilchrome Liteâ to âSilchrome 1â. Ford began investigating the subject defect in July 2021, determined the root cause, and took corrective measures for the new production vehicles. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that these corrective actions were successful in eliminating the risk of intake valve fracture for subject vehicles produced after October 2021. However, Ford did not take any field action to address vehicles produced during the spike period, and in the several months following the implementation of the production changes, a significant number of field failures continued to occur. It is Fordâs assessment that not all valves produced during the spike period are defective, and that failures associated with the subject defect occur at low time in service. Analysis of the failure report data demonstrates that the vast majority of failures have occurred before 20,000 miles with over half of all reported failures occurring before 5,000 miles. The rate of reported failures related to the subject defect has steadily decreased since November 2021. ODI coordinated with the federal safety agencyâs National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) to conduct statistical analysis and predict the number of future failures associated with the subject defect. The results of this analysis, and the trends identified through the failure report data are generally consistent with Fordâs assessment that defective intake valves will likely fail at a low time in service and indicate that the majority of subject vehicles equipped with defective valves have already experienced a failure. On August 23, 2024, Ford submitted recall 24V635 for subject vehicles equipped with âNanoâ engines and built within the production spike period identified above (total population 90,736 vehicles). The remedy includes an inspection at a Ford/Lincoln dealership where the lifetime engine cycles of the vehicle will be determined. If a vehicle does not meet a threshold for lifetime engine cycles, the dealership will conduct a high RPM engine cycle accumulation procedure, which aims to identify if the vehicle is equipped with defective intake valves. Any vehicle that fails the accumulation procedure will receive an engine replacement under the recall. In addition to recall 24V635, Ford has stated that it will launch customer satisfaction campaign 24N12, which will provide extended warranty coverage to the subject vehicles through the earlier of 10 years or 150,000 miles. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA23002
What 2021 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and a alert was received through the mobile application. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic inspection revealed that the knock sensor failed and required replacement. The dealer informed the contact that water intrusion on the intake manifold caused the knock sensor failure. The vehicle was scheduled for repair at the dealer. The contact attributed the failure to the factory omission of the engine cover and the cowl design directly above the engine compartment, which allowed water to collect on the manifold. The manufacturer was notified via telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 64,900.
On September 10, 2026 about 9:10 am, I experienced an engine stall as I was approaching an intersection. I was slowing down and entering a left turn lane. Vehicle bucked like a horse and stalled. No warning lights or codes. It costed to a stop at which time I attempted a re start. The motor turned over for about 10 seconds and then started up. It seemed like there was a loss of fuel. This incident reminded me of a recall letter a got in the mail last year. After research I saw recall #25V455 with no fix yet. Called my local dealer and they said there is no codes so they would probably have to charge me a diagnostics fee of $250.00 and nothing they can do about the recall. Made an appointment and then I cancelled it. What is a person supposed to do? Drive until something bad happens? Take chances and pray for the best?
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the ECM failed to pass the emissions test. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that the failure was recognized by the manufacturer, but there was no remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,855.
I am reporting a severe safety defect where Ford Motor Company's sequential safety recall software updates are actively corrupting powertrain modules and inducing physical mechanical failures while the vehicle is in operation.Following the completion of the 24S55 Engine Intake Valve Recall (which reflashed the PCM and wiped the transmission's adaptive learning tables), my 2021 Ford F-150 developed an immediate operational shudder. Shortly after, a forced Over-the-Air (OTA) update for the 26C10 Trailer Brake Module triggered a secondary network reset via the CAN-bus. The intersection of these two software-driven actions caused an operational fault that physically broke the torque converter clutch.A compromised torque converter clutch can cause sudden vehicle stalling, unpredictable acceleration lags, and catastrophic powertrain locking while driving at highway speeds, creating an imminent crash hazard. The local Ford dealership service department confirmed the hardware failure and noted that pushing automated software updates over unstable tables leaves the entire transmission highly vulnerable to total systemic failure.Ford is currently refusing to open an escalation file or address this issue. Because Ford's official remedy for safety recalls 24S55 and 26C10 directly introduces a secondary, severe safety risk to the vehicle's powertrain integrity, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the technical compatibility and safety of these sequential software updates.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start whenever the outside temperature was hot. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle started and then shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
*Brake system failure, complete shut down of vehicle. *Vehicle unable to start. *Vehicle was taken directly to Peoria Ford ( 9130 W Bell Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382) via tow truck on XXX Confirmed when dropped off of brake system failure and vehicle not functioning. *Vehicle was inspected on XXX which we were originally told it was the battery. Although the vehicle was in for trailer software recall on XXX and during inspection at that time battery was in good health. *No warnings until attempting to use the vehicle on XXX and received the brake system failure alert. Vehicle would also not lock. *After battery was replaced by Peoria Ford I was then told the brake system would not release and would need Actuator misalignment reset/replaced.
Truck has just started misfiring out of the blue, have had Ford dealerships look at it, have changed all 6 spark plugs and one ignition coil. The recall the federal safety agency 2025-366 may be the reason, it states there still is no remedy for this, recall was issued 1 year ago, July 2025. I need this remedy.
Misfire at 51000 miles and told it was 2 cracked spark plugs
2021 Ford F-150 Lariat, 5.0L Coyote V8, purchased new, now 65k miles. Two interrelated safety defects: OIL CONSUMPTION: On 3/21/2026 at 62k miles, I discovered the engine was critically low on oil. Only 3 quarts drained during a full oil change, against a rated 8.8 quart capacity. The engine had been running on one third of required oil. The onboard oil life monitor showed 9% remaining and gave NO low-oil warning, no warning lights, no alerts. No external leak. On 5/22/2026, Koons Ford Woodbridge formally confirmed excessive oil consumption after a documented oil consumption test. Ford TSB 19-2365 acknowledges this exact defect on the 5.0L Coyote for 2018-2020 model years, attributing it to high intake manifold vacuum during deceleration fuel shut-off pulling oil into the combustion chamber. The 2021 engine is mechanically identical. TRANSMISSION: Hard and slipping gear shifts reported to Ford within months of purchase in 2021. Ford issued multiple software updates over the years to mitigate the behavior, most recently late 2025. Fix was temporary; hard/slipping shifts returned. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE: While awaiting Ford HQ authorization on repairs, the vehicle suffered complete drivetrain failure on Friday night. Engine lost power and transmission failed entirely. I was near home and coasted safely off the road. Had this occurred at highway speed during my daily commute, the result could have been catastrophic. Vehicle towed to Koons Ford Woodbridge. SAFETY CONCERN: This is my only vehicle, used for daily highway commuting. The oil consumption defect provides no warning before engine damage. The transmission has degraded despite years of Ford software patches. The vehicle has demonstrated total drivetrain failure capability with no driver warning. Ford Corporate case opened: CXH-07446845-G0J0K0. Filing to document this at the federal level and add to the existing pattern of complaints. Requesting the federal safety agency review whether these defects warrant investigation.
Questions about the 2021 Ford F-150 engine
Does the 2021 Ford F-150 have engine problems?
Owners have filed 102 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Ford F-150, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 34,855 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Ford F-150 engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 24V635000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 2021 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission 323Electrical 131Visibility 131Lights 118Fuel system 94Driver assistance 88Brakes 77Steering 43Body 36Wheels 27Acceleration 21Suspension 13Locks 8Airbags 5Seat belts 5Tires 2Seats 1
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