2021 Models - Issues?
Thread Starter
5 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 388
Likes: 101
2021 Models - Issues?
Given the ordeal I went through with the startup rattle when I purchased my 2013 back in 2017, I'm trying to do a bit of homework for my next round. I've been eyeballing a 2021 FX4, 3.5 Eco with only 19K miles on it. Out of curiosity I asked AI about this model year for F150s and based on what it says below, perhaps I should keep looking. Sounds like a handful.... Any thoughts from 2021 owners?
Top reported issues CarComplaints.com+2
The 2021 F-150’s power train (315 complaints) and electrical systems (117 complaints) are the most problematic categories autoreliabilityindex.com. Power train issues are often costly, and electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose. The high recall count and above-average complaint rate suggest that early production had unresolved design issues.
Bottom line
If reliability is a priority, the 2021 F-150 carries more risk than later model years. Major concerns include the 10-speed transmission, rear axle bolt failures, and electrical faults. Buyers should budget for potential repairs, consider an extended warranty, and inspect for recall compliance before purchase.
Major Issues with the 2021 Ford F-150
The 2021 Ford F-150, the first model year of the 14th generation, has a mixed reliability score of 58/100 and a high complaint rate (1,021 owner complaints) due to being a first-year redesign autoreliabilityindex.com. Buyers should be aware of several recurring problems and recalls.Top reported issues CarComplaints.com+2
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Problems – Harsh or delayed shifts, shuddering, and occasional failure to engage gears. Some owners have had to reset adaptive tables or replace the transmission control module. A class-action lawsuit is underway, and some have pursued Lemon Law claims Pickup Truck +SUV Talk.
- Rear Axle Bolt Failures – Two recalls address sheared bolts on the rear axle, especially in PowerBoost towing packages. This can cause loss of axle support and is a safety concern Pickup Truck +SUV Talk.
- Electrical Issues – Wiring insulation damage from rodents/squirrels, intermittent power loss, and problems with infotainment and accessories CarComplaints.com+1.
- Steering Wheel Vibrations – Often due to unbalanced tires, but can also indicate alignment or suspension issues www.automotorblog.com.
- Cruise Control Malfunctions – Some owners report cruise control slowing or failing to engage www.automotorblog.com.
- Fuel System & Cooling Issues – Excessive oil consumption, radiator leaks, and fuel system faults have been reported CarComplaints.com+1.
- Windshield Wiper & Airbag Light Problems – Wiper failure and intermittent airbag warning lights are common www.automotorblog.com.
- Trailer Wiring Issues – Faulty wiring can affect towing safety www.automotorblog.com.
- 26 recalls on record, including wiring, seat, and power steering issues.
- Multiple NHTSA investigations into electrical, transmission, and drivetrain problems.
- Two recalls specifically for rear axle bolt failures Pickup Truck +SUV Talk.
The 2021 F-150’s power train (315 complaints) and electrical systems (117 complaints) are the most problematic categories autoreliabilityindex.com. Power train issues are often costly, and electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose. The high recall count and above-average complaint rate suggest that early production had unresolved design issues.
Bottom line
If reliability is a priority, the 2021 F-150 carries more risk than later model years. Major concerns include the 10-speed transmission, rear axle bolt failures, and electrical faults. Buyers should budget for potential repairs, consider an extended warranty, and inspect for recall compliance before purchase.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 3,143
Likes: 1,454
From: Miami, FL
Many 2021's did have issues with the transmission. Mine was covered under powertrain warranty when the harsh shifting started with no issues. There is a TSB for this problem as it is a known issue.
The other thing you need to look for is what software version it is on. In the "about sync" screen of the touchscreen general settings, check to see what Sync version it is on. If you see 20262, 20301 or 20312 or the Sync version is blank, it is stuck on old software and won't ne ab;e tpo update with the module that controls the touchscreen being replaced or without the owner having to get involved to fix it.
Edit: The 2021's were also built before features deletes when Ford started eliminating things post-pandemic.
The other thing you need to look for is what software version it is on. In the "about sync" screen of the touchscreen general settings, check to see what Sync version it is on. If you see 20262, 20301 or 20312 or the Sync version is blank, it is stuck on old software and won't ne ab;e tpo update with the module that controls the touchscreen being replaced or without the owner having to get involved to fix it.
Edit: The 2021's were also built before features deletes when Ford started eliminating things post-pandemic.
Last edited by rugedraw; Jun 4, 2026 at 12:18 PM.
Community Team
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,964
Likes: 7,493
From: Vermont
Given the ordeal I went through with the startup rattle when I purchased my 2013 back in 2017, I'm trying to do a bit of homework for my next round. I've been eyeballing a 2021 FX4, 3.5 Eco with only 19K miles on it. Out of curiosity I asked AI about this model year for F150s and based on what it says below, perhaps I should keep looking. Sounds like a handful.... Any thoughts from 2021 owners?
Top reported issues CarComplaints.com+2
The 2021 F-150’s power train (315 complaints) and electrical systems (117 complaints) are the most problematic categories autoreliabilityindex.com. Power train issues are often costly, and electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose. The high recall count and above-average complaint rate suggest that early production had unresolved design issues.
Bottom line
If reliability is a priority, the 2021 F-150 carries more risk than later model years. Major concerns include the 10-speed transmission, rear axle bolt failures, and electrical faults. Buyers should budget for potential repairs, consider an extended warranty, and inspect for recall compliance before purchase.
Major Issues with the 2021 Ford F-150
The 2021 Ford F-150, the first model year of the 14th generation, has a mixed reliability score of 58/100 and a high complaint rate (1,021 owner complaints) due to being a first-year redesign autoreliabilityindex.com. Buyers should be aware of several recurring problems and recalls.Top reported issues CarComplaints.com+2
- 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Problems – Harsh or delayed shifts, shuddering, and occasional failure to engage gears. Some owners have had to reset adaptive tables or replace the transmission control module. A class-action lawsuit is underway, and some have pursued Lemon Law claims Pickup Truck +SUV Talk.
- Rear Axle Bolt Failures – Two recalls address sheared bolts on the rear axle, especially in PowerBoost towing packages. This can cause loss of axle support and is a safety concern Pickup Truck +SUV Talk.
- Electrical Issues – Wiring insulation damage from rodents/squirrels, intermittent power loss, and problems with infotainment and accessories CarComplaints.com+1.
- Steering Wheel Vibrations – Often due to unbalanced tires, but can also indicate alignment or suspension issues www.automotorblog.com.
- Cruise Control Malfunctions – Some owners report cruise control slowing or failing to engage www.automotorblog.com.
- Fuel System & Cooling Issues – Excessive oil consumption, radiator leaks, and fuel system faults have been reported CarComplaints.com+1.
- Windshield Wiper & Airbag Light Problems – Wiper failure and intermittent airbag warning lights are common www.automotorblog.com.
- Trailer Wiring Issues – Faulty wiring can affect towing safety www.automotorblog.com.
- 26 recalls on record, including wiring, seat, and power steering issues.
- Multiple NHTSA investigations into electrical, transmission, and drivetrain problems.
- Two recalls specifically for rear axle bolt failures Pickup Truck +SUV Talk.
The 2021 F-150’s power train (315 complaints) and electrical systems (117 complaints) are the most problematic categories autoreliabilityindex.com. Power train issues are often costly, and electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose. The high recall count and above-average complaint rate suggest that early production had unresolved design issues.
Bottom line
If reliability is a priority, the 2021 F-150 carries more risk than later model years. Major concerns include the 10-speed transmission, rear axle bolt failures, and electrical faults. Buyers should budget for potential repairs, consider an extended warranty, and inspect for recall compliance before purchase.
Thread Starter
5 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 388
Likes: 101
Thanks all,
As beautiful as the truck is with only 19K on the clock, I think I will pass. Since the startup rattle fix, my 2013 is still purring like a kitten with no issues at all other than normal wear and tear items. I'm about to roll 135K. I do envy the modern big screen infotainment systems, the automation, and some other modern features like adaptive cruise control and some of the new really nice safety features. Not in a hurry for sure though, especially being at the age where as long as I keep trucks (10-15 years), my next one could be my last one. Gotta make it a good one!
As beautiful as the truck is with only 19K on the clock, I think I will pass. Since the startup rattle fix, my 2013 is still purring like a kitten with no issues at all other than normal wear and tear items. I'm about to roll 135K. I do envy the modern big screen infotainment systems, the automation, and some other modern features like adaptive cruise control and some of the new really nice safety features. Not in a hurry for sure though, especially being at the age where as long as I keep trucks (10-15 years), my next one could be my last one. Gotta make it a good one!
Last edited by Joe F; Jun 4, 2026 at 01:57 PM.
