2021 Models - Issues?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 197
Likes: 84
From: Southern Minnesota
These internet wisdom sources are notorious for being unreliable. Check the service history of the truck and make your decision from there. Used can always be a challenge. New can be also.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 128
Likes: 111
From: Palo Alto, CA
My 2021 Platinum with 70k miles has largely been reliable - the main negative is that it has had many many more recalls than I would have expected, and Bluecruise has barely evolved and is quite disappointing as compared with other autonomous driving systems. The hybrid powertrain with the generator has been game changing for camping. Yes the truck has been very vulnerable to rat chew.
Senior Member First F150
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 4,700
Likes: 1,975
From: Boston, Ma
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.
2: Rear axle Bolts. This only applies to MAX TOW equipped vehicles. the vast majority of F150s don't have max tow. Just ordinary tow. There are over 70,000 Max Tow equipped trucks that have not yet received the updated bolts. Manufacturer is only releasing to Ford 4000 sets a month... Read the sticky about this. Its caused by the axle manufacturer.
3: Rodent problems is something every car brand has. Rodents love with electrical insulation. They loved my old Honda. I've had no problems.
4: No cruise issues or steering issues., No oil consumption issues.OCI was a last gen thing.
5: There was a rear braking wiring loom issue that was addressed by recall two years ago. Non issue.
6: Wiper arm was addressed by recall. non issue
7: No airbag issue that I'm aware off.
8: Plenty of minor recalls some addressed by OTA updates and others requiring dealer assistance. eg trailer software updates; Ford also sends out software updates to the headunit. You can switch them off if you want to.
Owned mine since new in Dec21. Done over 52k so far. About 12k towing 5200lbs. Heading west to Colorado in six weeks. Towing in the mountains will be a new experience for me.
When I bought my truck, Toyota had nothing on the lot. I could so easily have relied on Toyota's reputation (I've had great Toyotas) and been completely screwed by their "new" Tundra which has been an engine eating nightmare that doesn't end. I don't think Toyota is being honest with consumers over their 3.4 turbo failures. Dislike Chevy. Ram was a contender but lacked both vehicles on the lot and equipment that I wanted.
If I had to go out and replace my F150 today, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. Only option I wouldn't get is the sunroof. I need to add ceramic tint to it to reduce the microwave effect.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 365
Likes: 196
[QUOTE=henfield;7885679]1:Any pre 2023 MY transmission could be called suspect. 2023 introduced updates making it stronger. Mine operates fantastically most of the time then has a day or two of rough down shifts as I slow to a halt. I am not a fan of Ford's claim that not changing the ATF until well over 100k is a good one.
Same here. Hard downshift on slowing down. My biggest worry is long term reliability. Is this going to be a problem or not. Nobody seems to have an answer.
Same here. Hard downshift on slowing down. My biggest worry is long term reliability. Is this going to be a problem or not. Nobody seems to have an answer.