What 159 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-250 Supercab

[XXX] 275m rear axle tubes are crushed in and it has eaten the end off of the driveshaft. Truck has not towed more than 17000 lbs via gooseneck trailer. Reached out to Ford Motor Company and go no solution for repairs. Same rear-ended has s recall for the very same damage to the axle tubes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11629750

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic informed the contact that a small amount of fluid had leaked from the front differential. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal metallic and whining sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618022

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and noticed a bolt in the front passenger's side tire. Roadside Assistance arrived on the scene and detected an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection under the hood, Roadside Assistance discovered that the battery was swollen and informed the contact that the battery could catch on fire. The front passenger's side tire and battery were replaced by Roadside Assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615270

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,500.

NHTSA ODI 11612235

Transmission would not engage the next gear , while proceeding through a large traffic intersection. Very scary

NHTSA ODI 11611039

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlights might have been damaged due to heat exposure or chemicals. In addition, upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 11610845

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the back-up camera was not functioning, and the screen was blue, before going blank. While using the camera in the evening, there was a red-orange halo around the camera while reversing. The image was distorted. The message that the camera was not available was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA ODI 11608892

(UNKNOWEN) I have a problem with accelerator pedal lag time, when pushing down on the accelerator pedal nothing happens at first then you get acceleration which isn't good it's like the truck falls on its face then jumps forward. This is a real problem when driving in traffic or really any time. I have spoken with Ford about this problem but all I get is that's the way it is, Ford needs to fix this problem it's a safety issues, I have looked on-line and I'm not the only one with this problem. This lag problem happens at any and all speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11606814

Trailer brake lights malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11603605

A hole has developed in the center of the diesel fuel filter located on the top of the engine. It is spraying fuel all over the top of the engine including the turbo and other high temperature areas.

NHTSA ODI 11602774

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission was slipping. The contact wait for a while before the vehicle responded as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to three other local dealers: DeSoto Ford (3039 SE Hwy 70, Arcadia, FL 34266); McDonald Ford (6790 Midland Rd., Freeland, MI 48623); and Richardson Ford (3781 S Huron Rd., Standish, MI 48658), and was made aware of TSB: SSM 51420; and that the vehicle was working as designed. The contact was informed that engine oil was moving into the torque converter and needed to warm up for proper operation. The mechanic informed the contact to let the vehicle run for a while before shifting into gear. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA ODI 11601534

The vehicle severely swerves when hitting any type of bump or hole in the road. This is a common issue and very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11600546

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while at a stop and attempting to accelerate, the RPMs rapidly increased, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended and experienced a loss of motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11595676

The transmission suffers erratic shifting normally between 3rd to 5th, and 9th to 10th gears where it feels as if the transmission goes into neutral when upshifting or downshifting between these gears. But, one issue occurred which has concerned me. After stopping at an intersection, when it was safe to proceed, I moved my foot from the brake to the gas pedal to proceed. The engine revved to higher RPM's, but the truck did not move as if it was in neutral instead of gear. As I looked down at the tachometer, the truck suddenly locked into gear causing the tires to chirp and the truck then lunged forward through the intersection. This was a T intersection where you have to turn right or left. This incident was so harsh and unexpected, it threw me back into my seat. I was able to maintain control and make my turn to the left without going off the end of the road. This incident has not happened again, but the erratic shifting continues.

NHTSA ODI 11593097

On multiple occasions now I have experienced the death wobble after hitting a bump in the road. Today the vehicle shook so violently that it crossed into the lane next to me on a curve. I do not feel safe in the vehicle now and pray that someone addresses this problem asap before an innocent person is killed. This has not been inspected by any dealerships or insurance reps. No warning lamps or other anomalies observed. The vehicle currently has 53k miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11592943

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that immediately after remote starting the vehicle, the rear window suddenly exploded and shattered. The contact stated that the rear defroster was not activated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592082

Door latch sensor on rear passenger has failed. Says door is ajar when door is latched correctly. 300 miles out of warranty and they would not cover it.

NHTSA ODI 11591923

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and caused the vehicle to go into IDLE Mode before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and taken to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the diesel fluid injector was leaking, and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. Shortly afterward the failure reoccurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer however, no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11591637

I am writing to submit a formal complaint concerning a persistent and costly issue with the 2021 Ford F-250 and models from previous and newer years, specifically related to the roof molding. It has come to my attention that numerous owners of these vehicles, including myself, are facing significant financial burdens due to a design flaw that necessitates the replacement of the roof molding. The core of the issue lies in the fact that replacing the roof molding is not a straightforward task; it requires the removal of the rear window, which significantly escalates the cost and complexity of what should be a simple repair. The trim pieces alone are priced at approximately $125 per side, not including labor costs, which can be substantial given the necessity to remove and reinstall the rear window. Given the frequency and consistency of these complaints across multiple owners and vehicles, it is evident that this is a widespread defect rather than isolated incidents. The financial impact on consumers is considerable, making it an urgent matter that I believe warrants a recall. As a safety and regulatory body, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the responsibility to ensure that manufacturers like Ford address such defects that not only impose undue financial strain on consumers but may also pose potential safety risks associated with improper installations or failures of the molding in question. I urge the NHTSA to initiate an investigation into this matter and to consider mandating a recall to correct the roof molding issue at the manufacturer’s expense. This would alleviate the financial burden on current owners and ensure that future models are free from this costly defect. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and action on this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11588464

My F250 was in service for fuel system replacement and to fix both side mirrors which wouldn’t go down after going up. Shortly afterwards I noticed the rapid turn signal you get when tail lights are out. This happened while using a trailer. The trucks rear lights weren’t working at all but trailer lights were. Also was getting the blinds spot and cross traffic alert faults on instrument panel. Dropped off for service. They found a loose trailer plug and reset some things and got it all working again. Soon after the blinkers would flash fast again meaning lights were out, but would quickly stop and back to normal. Later they stayed blinking fast and tail lights out again after stopping starting several times. I tried plugging in my trailer wire harness and it tail lights started working again on truck?? 2 days later Im using trailer again, truck tail lights quit working and getting blind spot and cross traffic fault alerts again!! Still not working after 3 days. had my trailer lights tested where i bought it, they used a battery powered tester found no fault and trailer lights all worked correctly no shorts in system. During times when faults occurred both my enclosed trailer and my rv back up lights would stay on constantly even when not in reverse! Trailers turn signal, brake and tail lights worked but not truck tail lights. No back up no brakes or signal. Just the license plate lights. WHY IS IT EVEN LEGAL TO BUILD A VEHICLE WHERE YOU LOSE USE OF TAIL LIGHTS IF YOUR OPTIONAL FEATURES LIKE BLIND SPOT AND CROSS TRAFFIC MALFUNCTION and CAN RENDER SAFETY LIGHTS USELESS??!! Dropping off at Ford dealer asap to hopefully fix problem. I’ve heard of other trucks having similar problems

NHTSA ODI 11587342

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor of the exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The contact also stated the diesel cleaning system activated independently causing a strong odor. In addition, the RPM was fluctuating. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11586801

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250 trailered to a 2021 Artic Wolf 291R camper. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at approximately 30-50 MPH, the trailer brake was not responding and the message "trailer brake wiring fault" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,234.

NHTSA ODI 11584555

Brought truck into Hansel Ford Dealership in Santa Rosa CA for recall issues, oil change and then an issue with Horn. Horn would not turn off, even with truck off. Had to disconnect battery and take fuse out for horn. Was told by Hansel that there is an issue with this but its not a recall issue. The BJB Box had moisture inside and needed replacing. Our mileage was just outside original manufacturer warranty by I believe 900 miles. We had also purchased an extended warranty. Extended warranty will not cover. I would like FORD to pay for this issue as we arent the only ones. 2022 Ford F250 . Truck is STILL at the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11572504

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V090000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11565226

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that upon a cold engine start up, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while making left turns. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken twice to a local dealer and the clockspring was replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 10,332.

NHTSA ODI 11563771