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#BS-2021-FORF25-54272021 Ford F-250Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 217 owners and 13 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 217 complaints, 5 crashes, 0 fires, and 13 recalls.
Top reported problems
death wobble-at high speeds vehicle shakes
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
43 owners reported fuel system issues — failures commonly reported around 48K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 30–60K miles (19 reports) • Median: 48K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Fuel System (43 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Ford F-250: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 20% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ford F-250, with 43 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 48,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 48K-mile mark.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ford F-250, with 24 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Suspension Issues
Suspension complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ford F-250, with 17 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to suspension-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 7% of all reports filed for the 2021 Ford F-250, with 15 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to steering-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Ford F-250. Recent trend: stable.



Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (13 recalls)
EQUIPMENT
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
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."
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.
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.
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.
+ 8 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Ford F-250 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★2 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The worst model year for the Ford F-250 is the 2006 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 217 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 13 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Ford F-250 Model Years
2021 Ford F-250: Frequently Asked Questions
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10 sections of AI analysis based on 217 owner reports. Know before you buy.