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

The drivers side door latch does not allow the driver to exist the vehicle as the door lock on the drivers door has only worked intermittently. When the lock doesn’t unlock on the drivers door, I have to use the passenger or rear doors to enter and/or exit the vehicle. The drivers door won’t even allow me to manually unlock the door using the latch—when I grip the latch tight enough to grab the door lock pin it cannot even be pulled up manually, it’s as if it is being pulled back down with heavy force. This is a significant hazard in the event of an emergency as I cannot exit the vehicle. The truck only has -7,000 miles on it and is in like new condition. This began back in August of 2024, but then stopped for a while and returned intermittently, but now seems to be a regular occurrence. This need to be addressed by Ford ASAP.

NHTSA ODI 11712112

Electronic tailgate randomly opens while driving and causes significant safety issue while hauling materials. Has happened multiple times.

NHTSA ODI 11667451

On or about [XXX], [XXX] I contacted Ford customer relations about the roof installed molding Rear mounting points had broken apart on my vehicle (both sides) and the molding is lifting up. Advised that if could become dislodged during operation. Received a Case # [XXX]. After several calls, I was told no action will be taken on their part because the vehicle over 3yrs old. I contacted the local Ford dealership (Lafayette Ford) and was told by one of the addon tech that it's a known issue and that Ford currently carries the newly designed replacement part. He spoke to manager in the service department . He then sttn that I would need to get a case number, I told him that I'd had one and provided it to him. More phone calls made and they will not change their position. On 11/1/2024 I was told that the case was closed almost immediately after it was opened. Ms Tara sttd that the supervisor was going to request that the case be reopened. 11/18/2024, I called back because of no response. Ms Jaclyn sttn, not covered, Ford not doing anything. I don't know how long or when they broke. The roof has never been used to carry anything. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11633681

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

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated there was an abnormal odor cat odor in the vehicle after a car wash or during inclement weather. The driver added an air freshener to the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was stronger while using the A/C unit in the recycle air position. Additionally, the molding strip had detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who added spray to the air filter and checked for dead animals. The vehicle was taken to an independent body shop, which replaced the weather strip. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545107

Rear window across back of cab shattered for no apparent reason while traveling down the road. Contacted dealership and ford warranty and they said this was not a warranty issue. The truck only has 13,000 miles. I feel this is a defective product .

NHTSA ODI 11504547

This is what happen Thursday Night to my Truck sitting in my drive way. My entire wiring harness on the drivers side was under water.. I drove it to the dealership and it was still pouring water from the rear plugs. I have rubber floor mats and wouldn't have even noticed the issue if I didn't pull them to clean the truck. There are tons of truck having this issue. to fix it properly the bed has to be taken off the truck. The insurance company's total cars for electrical being covered in water. This is a recall issue Ford Surly needs to address and fix. Go look at this video fast forward to the 4 minute mark. https://youtu.be/9azod47j8KM

NHTSA ODI 11501747

While I was driving on the highway my hood popped up thankfully the safety catch held it but it was very unnerving I haven't been able to recreate the problem

NHTSA ODI 11477322

The truck tailgate opened by itself 4 times since receiving the vehicle (5 month period). It happened both while stopped and while driving. This put drivers behind me at risk for cargo spilling out, though luckily that did not happen. The last incident scratched and dented the lift gate as it fell upon an attached bicycle rack in its raised storage position. I have not yet reported it to the dealer and plan to do so when I return from a trip. No messages on the dash were noticed. The problem appeared during the first month of use, but I assumed it must have not been fully closed. Since then I have been much more careful of closing and checking the liftgate, and I still find it open or hear a thud as it fully opens while parked or driving.

NHTSA ODI 11419221

AUTOMATIC TAIL GATE OPENING WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET.

NHTSA ODI 11395326