I have a 2021 Ford F250, the truck was bought new has 34,467 miles on .Oil changes every 5000 miles. Was returning home from camping and engine developed a miss, engine light came on,I was able to make it home and engine developed a loud ticking noise in the upper part of the engine. Truck was towed to a Ford dealer ,where it sits for the past 2 weeks ,waiting on Ford to decide what they are going to do with it. Dealer told me ,after a tear down ,that Ford wanted ,that it was the cam and lifters. This is a known problem ,and Ford dropped the ball on a recall on this engine. Besides the cam ,lifter issue ,there is an oil pump problem with this year engine. I bought the truck as a retirement gift to myself, and now appears to be the worse decision I've made. I believe Ford needs to replace the engine and not just fix the cam and lifters as small metal particles will be through out the engine due to the above failures and will cause a failure again.
The worst 2021 Ford F-250 SD problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system45
- Transmission26
- Electrical18
- Suspension18
- Visibility18
- Driver assistance16
- Engine16
- Steering15
- Body11
- Brakes7
- Lights5
- Airbags4
- Acceleration2
- Locks2
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
Fuel pump 12Backup camera 9Check engine light 7Loss of power 7Engine failure 5Slipping 5Transmission failure 5
Recalls 12
Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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 on March 18, 2026.
Recall number 26V158000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 on October 13, 2025.
Recall number 25V686000 · Recall details
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 beginning September 23, 2025.
Recall number 25V626000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 25V455000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 25V442000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 25V048000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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) 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.
Recall number 24V957000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 23V420000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V250000 · Recall details
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V087000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 22V013000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V090000 · Recall details
See all 12 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
Defect investigations
Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE24014
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD 243
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01--Owner Letter Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and...
- For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak...
- This bulletin supersedes 24-2249
- Customer Satisfaction Program 25M01 Certain 2021 Model Year F-150 3.0L Diesel Engine and 2020-2022 Model...
- This article supersedes TSB 25-2572 to update the Parts List to correct the part number LC3Z-6006-L to...
- This bulletin supersedes 25-2549
- Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may...
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines...
- Rattle/scraping noise upon startup that may remain after the engine is running
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2249 to update the claim quantity of the torque converter nuts, part number...
What 2021 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Leak in upper fuel filter. The part is plastic and fumes are getting in can of truck and fuel on engine.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message "Place Vehicle in Park and Restart" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and the contact was able to continue driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the front windshield, causing several electrical failures across the dashboard. The contact associated the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V090000 (Visibility) with the failure; however, the dealer and the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 94,174.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while idling and while driving, the engine was running rough and the engine power was reduced. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly hesitated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
My 2021 Ford F250 super duty pickup truck experienced a catastrophic failure of the Bosch CP4 high pressure fuel pump. This has been confirmed by the dealer's service center. As a result of this part failure, metal shards were introduced into the entire fuel system. This now requires the fuel pump and the entire fuel system (every component) to be replaced. My truck has 74,9xx miles. This is a known and well publicized issue. Rather than recall the high pressure fuel pump, Ford instead issued a recall (24S78) to reflash the PCM software with the intent to reduce the risk of the fuel pump failure. I had the 24S78 recall work completed, and my fuel pump failed still. No indication in advance of this failure.
Purchased a 2021 F250 brand new from dealership and have had serviced at dealer since new. This truck is equipt with the 10r140 transmission that is a known problem. Starting at 48K miles transmission slipped from 3-5 gear. Report to Mooresville Ford and they “drove” the truck 6 miles and stated they could not recreate the slip. Reported again to Mooresville Ford at ~78k, technician drove vehicle for 12 miles and documented a slight slip between 3-5 but Ford declined to take action and extended warranty to 100k. Reported again at ~96k to Mooresville Ford, dealership held truck for 8 days and drove 6 miles. Declined again to take action and extended warranty to 146k. Reported again to Mooresville Ford at 143k to which they declined action and stated: “without the engine throwing a code they would not cover the truck under warranty.” Had recall 24S78 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING completed May of 2026 with ~155k. One month after this recall had been completed, a hard down shift from 8-7 and 5-3 started to occur. Reported to Mooresville Ford and they declined to take action and stated Ford would not cover. Down shifting is sudden and harsh and will cause harm to others of truck locks up on road. Someone needs to hold Ford accountable for these bad transmissions. Quote to replace came in at 10k which I am holding out hope a recall comes before I am forced to replace. PLEASE HELP! All service records are on file and can be provided to confirm claims.
Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge The transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had i been going faster when it did lock up No the problem has not been reproduced by a independent service center as i am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected it along with a mechanic via photos showing all the metal fragments in the fluid and filter No warning lamps prior to the failure, but there where warning lights of service vehicle soon before the transmission locked up. Ever since new the transmission has shifted erratically especially from 3-4 and 6-7. Ford told me this was normal when I brough it in back when it only had a 20 or 30k miles on it for the erratic shifting. I now have 76K miles.
Cab trim is coming off vehicle, causing likelihood of vehicle getting water inside the body/ structure of the vehicle, which can lead to degradation and loss of structural integrity during a collision.
Compare the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD
Is the 2021 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Owners have filed 171 complaints about the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, close to a typical F-250 SD model year.
What is the 2021 Ford F-250 SD year score?
The 2021 Ford F-250 SD scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-250 SD: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford F-250 SD?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 45 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles. Next is transmission (26).
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-250 SD have?
12 recalls, covering fuel system, diesel, back over prevention and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford F-250 SD fuel system?
Yes, 4 recalls: 26V158000, 25V455000, 24V957000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford F-250 SD have the most fuel system problems?
The Ford F-250 SD model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2020 (65 complaints), 2017 (54 complaints) and 2019 (51 complaints).
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Check its historyFord F-250 SD in the news
- Ford recalls 2026-2027 F-150, 2026 F-250 SD and 2026 F-350 SD and other models over hinge and attachments problem (30,123 vehicles)
- Ford recalls 2026 F-150, 2025-2026 F-250 SD and 2025-2026 F-350 SD and other models over instrument cluster/panel problem (102,159 vehicles)
- Ford recalls 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD and 2026 F-350 SD and other models over exterior lighting headlights problem (41,748 vehicles)