2021 Ford F-350 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
15 recalls and 96 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, diesel (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the message "Reduced Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with failures of the CP4 fuel pump, cycloid filters, and contamination of the entire fuel system. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Aug 2026
“The high pressure fuel pump failed sending metal shavings through out the entire fuel system. I had no heads up and the failure left me stranded on top of a bridge. I called 911 twice and finally the cops showed up and wrecker towed me off the bridge. Ford is aware of this known issue with this make and model, and even put a recall partial recall / quick fix to increase the flow around the pump to keep it cooler. I had the quick fix recall completed but it did not prevent the failure and me being stranded on a bridge.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2026
“Vehicle went into limp mode and we towed it to the dealership. They ran diagnostics and found that the fuel filter was causing a fault for water in the fuel filter. They replaced the fuel filter and ran diagnostics again and it flagged failure for Low pressure fuel pump. They replaced the low pressure fuel pump and reran diagnostics. When they reran diagnostics it flagged for High pressure fuel pump failure and now they are in the process of tearing it down to the point of failure to find out the cause. My vehicles vin was not included in the original recall and believe that it should have been included.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the DEF Pump, DEF Pump Lines needed, and DEF heater element needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,567.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera had been inoperable since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V048000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN tool showed no open recall. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Jan 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact was concerned about being involved in a crash. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the software fix was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact did not experience a failure.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Dec 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Sep 2025
“Upon starting the vehicle I get precollision not available warning light and hill decent control fault hill assist warning. Service steering and antilock brake brake fault lights. The dealer has looked at it but they said can not duplicate it. The problem is when I am towing my fifth wheel trailer and this happens it shuts down the brake controller for the fifth wheel and it's VERY hard to stop the truck and trailer”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2025
“Back up camera screen goes blue when put in reverse. Then after 20 seconds says camera unavailable see dealer. I had dealer repair with a software reset. Worked for about 2 weeks then same symptoms. Noticed Ford has a recall for the same symptoms on other vehicles but for some reason F-350s are not a part of it. Would suspect the truck uses the same camera system as the other ford vehilces under the recall. Ford needs to step up and cover the F-350s”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 40 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle slid and drifted to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the grease pins needed to be greased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 15 campaigns
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.
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 NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
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.
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 NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-350 and F-450 vehicles equipped with a fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket that may be cracked.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the mounting bracket, and replace the bracket if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S23.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.
Remedy: Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S26.
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.
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 NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines and Dana model 275 rear axles. The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the axle housing for deformities, and repair or replace the housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 21S31.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all F-350 SD years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact F-350 SD by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Ford F-350 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Ford F-350 SD. The most complained-about area is fuel system, diesel (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-350 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,784 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Ford F-350 SD have open recalls?
15 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.