Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2021 Ford F-250 SD: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, most recently filed March 2026. Owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
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Recalls (12)

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V158000 Filed Mar 17, 2026

High Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail

Fuel system, diesel · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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 NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
31.5% repairedof 9,839 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V158000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V686000 Filed Oct 10, 2025

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display Properly

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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 NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.
30% repairedof 291,901 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V686000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V626000 Filed Sep 19, 2025

Loss of Steering Control from Steering Column Detachment

Steering · column
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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 NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.
25.9% repairedof 115,539 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V626000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V455000 Filed Jul 7, 2025

Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported850,318 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V455000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V442000 Filed Jun 27, 2025

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
54.8% repairedof 200,237 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V442000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V048000 Filed Jan 31, 2025

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
31.8% repairedof 91,580 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V048000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V957000 Filed Dec 20, 2024

High Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail

Fuel system, diesel · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
13.1% repairedof 295,449 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V957000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V420000 Filed Jun 9, 2023

Head Restraint Instructions Missing/FMVSS 202

Equipment · other · owners/service/other manual
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
99.3% repairedof 691,133 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V420000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V250000 Filed Apr 14, 2022

Windshield Wipers May Fail

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · linkages
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
79.4% repairedof 652,996 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V250000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V087000 Filed Feb 16, 2022

Damaged Driveshaft May Fracture

Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
74.3% repairedof 247,445 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V087000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V013000 Filed Jan 14, 2022

Secondary Fuel Filter May Leak

Fuel system, diesel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
86.6% repairedof 19,697 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V013000
Listed for 2021 Ford F-250 SD. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V090000 Filed Feb 18, 2021

Inadequate Windshield Bonding/FMVSS 212

Visibility · windshield
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
65.8% repairedof 79,017 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V090000

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Owner complaints (166)

166 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The fuel system is mentioned most often.

3involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford F-250 SD, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 166.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other F-250 SD years

Best and worst F-250 SD years →
2017201820192020202120222023202420252026
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2021 F-250 SD for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-250 SD years

Where to next

2021 Ford F-250 SD FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-250 SD have?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns: 26V158000 (fuel pump), 25V686000 (rear camera), 25V626000 (steering), 25V455000 (fuel pump), 25V442000 (rear camera), 25V048000 (rear camera), 24V957000 (fuel pump), 23V420000 (equipment), 22V250000 (visibility), 22V087000 (power train), 22V013000 (fuel system), 21V090000 (visibility). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 Ford F-250 SD problems?

Owners filed 166 complaints with NHTSA. Fuel system (30), Power train (25), Electrical system (18) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

How does the 2021 F-250 SD compare with other years?

Among the 2017–2021 Ford F-250 SD model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (166) and the 2019 the most (1,164). The 2021 drew 166. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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