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

This is a follow-up to my original complaint #XXX, filed XXX, regarding the failure of the 10R140 10-speed automatic transmission in my 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX]). The transmission began exhibiting symptoms of gear slipping, jerking, delayed and harsh shifting, and pinging from the torque converter around 100,000 miles. These symptoms progressively worsened until the transmission suffered a catastrophic internal failure. As documented in the attached Sid Dillon Ford repair order, an authorized Ford dealer found metal contamination in the transmission fluid and confirmed that a complete transmission replacement was required. The attached Friesen Ford repair order also shows that harsh engagements were present and that a transmission flush failed to resolve the issue. I have also attached a sworn statement from [XXX], an independent automotive technician who has serviced vehicles for my family for several years. In his sworn statement, he confirms that these 10R140 transmissions have known serious ongoing issues and that many mechanics avoid working on them due to these problems. Ford Motor Company was provided with the above repair records and the sworn statement but has denied any responsibility or reimbursement for the transmission failure. The failure created a serious safety risk due to the sudden loss of propulsion while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11750552

Transmission has shifting issues. Sometimes is don't down shift below 4th gear and when in an intersection truck barley moves then it shifts hard and can move . It also is constantly shifting between gears. It will shift form 10th to 5yh while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11725744

This vehicle is subject to two open safety recalls for which no repair remedy is currently available from the manufacturer: 1. Recall 24V957 (24S78) Dec 20, 2024 involves the high-pressure fuel pump and powertrain control system. The recall states the fuel pump may fail and cause extended cranking/no start or loss of motive power while driving. Loss of motive power while in traffic or while towing increases the risk of a crash. The manufacturer has stated that parts and/or software are not available to repair this defect. The vehicle is regularly used for towing a recreational trailer, which increases the safety risk if loss of power occurs during operation, especially at highway speeds or while merging. 2. Recall 25V686 (25SA8) Oct 10, 2025 involves the 360-degree/rear-view camera system. The recall states that the rear camera image may become dark in certain reversing situations when front and side cameras are exposed to significantly more light than the rear camera. Reduced visibility while reversing increases crash risk, particularly when maneuvering a large pickup truck. The manufacturer has acknowledged both recalls but has not provided a repair remedy within a reasonable timeframe. The powertrain-related recall has remained unresolved for an extended period. The vehicle has not been repaired because the manufacturer states parts/software are unavailable. At this time, the defect conditions have not resulted in a confirmed failure event, but the vehicle continues to be operated with open safety recalls that cannot be remedied. The safety risk remains present due to lack of available repair. Due to the prolonged unavailability of a repair remedy for a recall involving potential loss of motive power, I am unable to safely use the vehicle for its intended purpose of towing, as doing so would increase the risk of a crash if the defect occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11720881

The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and became inoperable due to failure of the high-pressure fuel system. This VIN is subject to an active safety recall (NHTSA 24V957 / Ford 24S78) addressing high-pressure fuel pump failure that can result in loss of motive power while driving. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited reduced engine performance and drivability issues consistent with fuel system malfunction. No Water-In-Fuel warning or alert was displayed prior to the failure. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ford dealership. Ford and the dealership asserted “fuel contamination” as the cause and refused to repair the vehicle under the recall or warranty unless the customer paid for diagnostic teardown. The recall repair was not performed. The vehicle remains unrepaired and was removed from the dealership. The loss of motive power created a safety risk to the occupants and other motorists. We are concerned that a recalled safety defect affecting the fuel system is not being remedied and is being mischaracterized to avoid recall repair.

NHTSA ODI 11717653

My 2021 Ford F-250 equipped with the 10R140 10-speed transmission suffered a sudden internal failure around 100,000 miles. The failure symptoms and internal damage match the defect Ford acknowledged in Safety Recall 22V-256, which applies to the 2020 F-250/F-350 trucks using the same 10R140 transmission. Despite identical symptoms and the same transmission design, my VIN [XXX] ) was excluded from the recall. NHTSA’s VIN decoder also returned an “ambiguous model year” notice, suggesting this vehicle may have been built during the transition period where Ford continued using the same defective 10R140 components. Symptoms experienced prior to failure included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, gear slipping, and eventual loss of drive. A transmission shop stated they “won’t touch these transmissions” due to known issues. The failure created a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power while driving. This appears to be a recall scope error. Early 2021 units like mine are experiencing the same 10R140 internal failures as the recalled 2020 population. I request NHTSA investigate whether Ford under-reported the affected VIN range and whether the recall should be expanded to include early-2021 F-250 trucks. 10R140 transmission failure on a 2021 Ford F-250. Identical to the failure described in 2020 Recall 22V-256. Early 2021 VIN, suspected recall scope error. approximately sometime in January 2025 not exact date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11702058

This car has had a recall for almost year. I’m am terrified to drive my truck especially with my kids in it. Sometimes if I press the gas trying to cross traffic, it takes a while to go. Also sometimes it won’t crank up and start. It takes awhile few tried. My back up camera doesn’t work the way it should

NHTSA ODI 11682653

Hi. I took my 2021 f250 6,7 to the ford dealership as it was having trouble starting, and just wasn’t running great. They changed the batteries, and told me it was a NOX sensor. So I went and got my truck to fix the sensors myself; because they wanted to charge me close to 3 grand. The next day I got up, lo and behold it wouldn’t crank. I had to have it towed back to the dealership. I tested codes before I had it towed, and took a video of it not cranking. The following codes showed. P2291 PCM - Injector Ctrl Press Too Low - Engine Cranking P2209 PCM - NOx Sens Heater Sense Circ Range/Perf Bank 1 Sens 1 U029D PCM - Lost Comm With NOx Sensor A P2535 PCM - Ignition Switch On/Start Pos Circ High U300A BCM - Ignition Switch It’s been in the shop a week , they called Friday saying it was starting, and there was nothing wrong with it. So I replied with all the codes, and told them there was definitely something going on. So they checked it again Monday and it wouldn’t start. Now today (aug 5 tues.) they say it may have a vacuum leak. Although non of the codes point to vacuum leak. I have no idea what to do now.

NHTSA ODI 11678590

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact was towing a 16-foot dump trailer with an approximate load of 16,000 lbs. during the failure. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stopped the vehicle and inspected the rear of the vehicle and became aware that the rear of the drive shaft was hanging down and touching the road surface. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle housing had failed, causing the driveshaft to shear off. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V536000 (Power Train); however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666822

10 speed transmission causing unsafe operation. Stalling , stopping decelerated shifting.. replace with a new transmission by ford and nown14k miles in its doing the same thing. Someone will wreck because of this and it won't be good!

NHTSA ODI 11663594

bad transmission at only 75,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11634434

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

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 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 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

My truck currently has 92,305 miles and are all highway miles. This truck is not used for towing outside of the weight rating. The issue is that there was a vibration when I reached speeds of 65mph and higher. The dealer states that the rear end has excessive back lash, excessive wear in the ring and pinion gears and metal shavings in the rear differential fluid. Ford's rear differential service recommendation is 100,000 miles which I have not reached. I'm now required to pay over $3200 in repairs for the carrier bearings, hub bearings, pinion bearings, seals and rings plus the transmission fluid. Based on my driving habits, I do not think this issue is something that I caused, I believe it to be a Ford issue which they deny. I have read many blogs online where other owners have this same issue and someone needs to look into it further.

NHTSA ODI 11554812

Known mechanical design issue with the 10R140 transmission CDF drum where a bushing moves blocking / partially blocking fluid transfer ports. This causes transmission fluid overheating, clutch slippage, hard shifting, etc. This mechanical design issue poses a danger to the driver, passengers and other surrounding vehicles when this potential failure occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11548251

Vehicle surging accelerator Acts like lake of air theb shoots off

NHTSA ODI 11530041

I bought this truck used with 20K miles on it, after only two days of driving it. I was in the credit union parking lot, started it up, foot on the brake, put the truck in drive and it Leaped Forward. I had to jump harder on the break to stop the motion. I almost hit the truck crossing in front of me. If he was heading the other direction and closer to me, I would have easily hit him. This morning 28 Oct 2022, I stopped at the gas station and filled up and the same thing happened when leaving the station, but no one else was around.

NHTSA ODI 11491262

Transmission hard shifting from 1-3 and hard shifting down from 10-8.

NHTSA ODI 11464440

The forward heat shield/sound insulator became dislodged from the retainers and dropped onto the forward driveshaft. This damaged the driveshaft. This incident could have resulted in the driveshaft fracturing and may have resulted in an accident. This condition is documented in NHTSA Campaign number 22V-087 and Ford recall 22S09. Per the Ford dealer who repaired the truck and per an employee of Ford Motor Company, the two wheel drive Ford Super Duty trucks have not been included in the recall. These places thousands of vehicle owners at risk of an accident related to this condition.

NHTSA ODI 11460370

Dear staff; I purchased my 2021 Ford F-250 new July 25th, 2021. I noticed my undercarriage was covered in great portions of rust. The front driveshaft to the outer ends and the rear housing, including the rear driveshaft u-joint has a significant amount of rust. What’s surprising is I have only 5400 miles and the truck appears to look 20 years old. I have a neighbor who is a GM of another competitor dealership. He crawled under the truck and said this is a safety issue which needs to be addressed. Two Ford dealership Service managers informed over the phone this is a common issue and not to be concerned. I have owned eight Ford pickups throughout my life and never had this deep concern. Knowing this rust has perforated the tie rods, I don’t feel safe driving this $60,000 vehicle. My only recourse since Ford won’t honor its warranty is for me to trade it in on a GMC. I have been loyal to Ford for 36 years to finally get shrugged off.

NHTSA ODI 11458100

The 10-Speed Automatic Transmission shifts hard and randomly. Leaving a stop sign, at any rate of speed, causes slippage in the shifting. Sometimes it'll shift too slowly, resulting in a jerky motion of the vehicle. Sometimes when on the highway, usually traveling at 68mph (cruise control), the vehicle will randomly jump gears when it's not necessary. Recently while getting up to speed we heard a large grinding noise shifting into 4th gear. The vehicle, otherwise, runs great. The transmission leaves alot to be desired and I do not have any confidence in the shifting. It's comparable to a teenager just learning how to drive a stick shift. If I wanted that, I would have one. My transmission fluid is where it should be and the vehicle has less than 8,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11437482