2021 Ford F-250 SD recalls and problems

The 2021 Ford F-250 SD has 12 safety recalls and 171 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
12
Complaints
171
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Ford F-250 SD vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Ford F-250 SD recalls

Recall 26V-158: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Mar 17, 2026 · 9,839 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 25V-686: Back Over Prevention

Reported Oct 10, 2025 · 291,901 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 25V-626: Steering

Reported Sep 19, 2025 · 115,539 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 25V-455: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 7, 2025 · 850,318 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 25V-442: Back Over Prevention

Reported Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 25V-048: Back Over Prevention

Reported Jan 31, 2025 · 91,580 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 24V-957: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Dec 20, 2024 · 295,449 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 23V-420: Equipment

Reported Jun 9, 2023 · 691,133 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 22V-250: Visibility

Reported Apr 14, 2022 · 652,996 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 22V-087: Structure, Power Train

Reported Feb 16, 2022 · 247,445 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 22V-013: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Jan 14, 2022 · 19,697 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 21V-090: Visibility

Reported Feb 18, 2021 · 79,017 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2021 Ford F-250 SD problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train26
Fuel System, Diesel25
Suspension18
Electrical System18
Steering15
Unknown or Other14
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Visibility13
Engine13
Structure11
Back Over Prevention10
Service Brakes6

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 11
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 4
  • Electrical System › Integrated Trailer Brake Control — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Ford F-250 SD complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 4, 2026
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…
Engine · at 25,000 miles · reported Nov 2, 2026
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.
Visibility · at 94,174 miles · reported Oct 30, 2026
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 NHTSA 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 77,000 miles · reported Oct 21, 2026
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 NHTSA 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 35,000 miles · reported Oct 1, 2026
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 NHTSA 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…

Other Ford F-250 SD years

Compare all Ford F-250 SD years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ford F-250 SD have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD: 26V-158 (fuel system, diesel), 25V-686 (back over prevention), 25V-626 (steering), 25V-455 (fuel system, gasoline), 25V-442 (back over prevention) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford F-250 SD?

Owners report power train problems most often (26 reports), followed by fuel system, diesel (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.