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When a driver needs to tow or haul heavy equipment, it only makes sense to opt for a heavy-duty truck, such as the 2021 Ford F-350 models. The Ford Super Duty is supposed to “lead the pack,” according to the manufacturer. However, the only aspect that this truck can claim to be the leader of is defects, with its malfunctioning electrical system and poorly-built structure.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2017, 2018
Contents
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Ford F-350
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch | |
| Visibility | |
| Engine | |
| Suspension | |
| Electrical System | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Seats |
Problems with the Electrical System
With a well-functioning and innovative electrical system, any drive can be more enjoyable. However, the opposite is also true. When the electrical system is faulty, complaints can range from mild to severe.
Here are a few from a Cars.com review. “There are things Ford could’ve done better. Antenna needs to be changed to a better and short one, They could’ve easily placed a parking sensor in front since to already has a 360 degree and front camera…Blind Spot needs to have an audible alert instead of just a little amber signal; on the side mirror, Tremor package could’ve came with a weather Tech mat instead of just a carpet mats.”
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Ford didn’t put a lot of care into manufacturing this heavy-duty model. At this time, Ford has nothing to say about it, but if history tells a story, we know what’s coming. Just look at the previous Super Duty trucks that were the subject of massive class-action lawsuits. In previous models, the diesel fuel pump was faulty, leaving owners stranded or with metal in the fuel injection system. It’s only a matter of time before the same level of defects become known regarding the latest version of the F-350.
Problems with Structure
To find out how well-built a truck is, one only has to look at the structure. If the manufacturer took time to create a solid vehicle, then the rest of the truck is likely put together properly. On the flip side, it’s clear that Ford didn’t put a lot of thought into building the F-350 at all.
Part of the Cars.com reviews includes “Wire was sticking out of the rear view mirror [and] can be seen from outside.”
At this time, there are no service bulletins from the automaker at all regarding the F-350. It’s as if the company wants everyone to believe that there are no issues needed to be discussed between the manufacturer and service departments. In fact, everyone should just assume that this is a perfect truck, according to Ford standards. But that’s the problem. History shows that Ford standards aren’t that high and are bound to let the consumer down. The company hopes to “lead the pack” with a bunch of followers that don’t open their eyes to see what’s right in front of them.
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Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Tires:tread/belt |
| Date | Mar 27, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350 equipped with amp tires, tire line: terrain pro a/tp, tire size: p35/12/r24, dot number: 04n9mattw. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle began to shudder. There was no warning light illuminated. As the vibration continued, the contact began to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle nearly swayed off the road. The contact was able to pull to shoulder of the highway. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's wife discovered a bulge on the center tread of the front driver's side tire. The contact replaced the tire with a spare tire and drove to the residence. However, the same failure occurred on the front passenger's side tire two weeks later. The contact notified the tire shop who had sold him the tires, and a mechanic was sent to his residence to inspect the tires. The mechanic diagnosed that the failure occurred as both tires' belts popped up. The driver's side tire was replaced but the passenger's tire was not replaced. The tire failure mileage was 9,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 34,000. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 14, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Turned on wiper and passenger side wiper assembly only moved an inch. Does not clear windshield. Wiper arm assembly failure, striped. Can not safely drive vehicle. Manufacturer recall number 22s26. Nhtsa recall number 22v087i was told by the dealership that parts are still not available. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Mar 10, 2023 |
| State | MO |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v536000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Visibility, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Dec 27, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v250000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph while it was sleeting, the windshield wipers were engaged on intermittent speed mode; however, the passenger's side wiper blade stopped functioning. There were no warning lights illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were on a national back order. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Dec 24, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The cable connecting the engine block heater caught on fire near the plug. My right hand, thumb and index finger were burned while disconnecting the cable. I was able to stop fire from consuming the vehicle. How ever cable is burned near the 3 pronged connector. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Nov 01, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | While driving on a road with moderate potholes at about 45 miles per hour the steering wheel and front end stared violently shaking and did not stop until I came to a stop. I took it to the local ford dealership (cavender ford) and the service manager said it is a known issue and there is not a real solution for it. Apparently upon research it has been a known issue called death wobble. If I had been on a curve, in traffic or in bad weather there would have most certainly been an accident. I was referred to another ford dealership 90 miles away to see if their more experienced technicians could fix the problem. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 01, 2022 |
| State | UT |
| Description | Vin [xxx] ford has not fixed the recall. This is a work truck. The truck has been sitting on the driveway for 6 months as we are not able to drive it with a safety recall. Company policy is that even if it's not a tragic safety recall, they don't allow people to drive the truck. We need ford to fix this recall asap information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
| Category | Visibility |
| Date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact's boss owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact stated that her boss received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v2500000 (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 local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Sep 27, 2022 |
| State | OR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number 22v250000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall and the wipers operated erratically while randomly stopping and starting while activated. The failure mileage was 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Aug 11, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | On 7 aug 2022, I lost cruise control, navigation function (gps0 and had problems with other elecrical functions on instrument cluster. I took truck to my local ford dealer; they rand ford diagnostics on truck and it had 3 module errors listed. They cleared the codes and tried to get me to accept the vehicle. Road tested it and there efforts of clearing the codes did not fix any thing. Brought back in shop on 10 aug 2022. Diagnostics ran again now narrowed it down to apim failing 3 times in 2 days. Now deallership says they have to order part from california if they have them in stock. This truck only has 22,000 miles on it. Has had multiple failures of equipment for fuel system listing codes p0191 2 and threee times per day. Dealer will not attempt to fix that problem. Just says deal with it. |
| Category | Power Train, Suspension |
| Date | Jul 22, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The rear axle repair was not completed and yet they reported that the dealer fixed it. Not true. The truck was taken in for repairs but the dealer was not able to fix it and told me that. They said I will have to get it fixed on my own. The rear axle is a known flaw and was required to repair or replace by the nhtsa. I wonder how many other trucks have also had incomplete repairs and then reported as fixed? |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jul 12, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Check engine light comes on almost everyday. After at least 5 minutes driving, this trucks engine will shut down with out notice. Usually when making a turn or coming to a stop light. When this happens you loose all steering control. You have to shift to neutral and try and restart. This has caused me to almost rearend a highway patrol vehicle. Very dangerous. I have had this vehicle in to the local ford dealership on numerous occasions; however they will not run diagnostics to see what is happening. Have ad independant mechanic and my scan tool run tests and it always shows code p0191 fuel pressure rail faault. Maintenance is always uptodate ad fuel filters changed by dealer every 5,000 miles. Dealer and mf not honoring warrenty. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 13, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Windshield leaking and wind noise |
| Category | Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch, Structure:body:tailgate |
| Date | May 05, 2022 |
| State | OR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was hauling a trailer with a tractor, the tailgate unintendedly opened, causing damage to the tailgate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that since there was no water leaking under the front passenger's side floor mat, the contact needed to pay out-of-pocket for tailgate replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Apr 27, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | I have owned the truck for just over a year and in that time occasionally when I put my vehicle in park and get out of the truck it will start moving without me touching it. It has happen 5 or 6 times within the year. I took it to the dealer and they told me there is nothing they can do unless the could recreate the problem. This situation is extremely dangerous especially if someone is in the way. One time when it did it the truck ran into my camper and broke the tongue jack. Another time it took off and ran into my hunting camp gate severely bending a solid steel gate. I was just about to step in front of the truck to go unlock the gate when it happened. One second longer I would have probably been killed. The last time it happened was about 2 months ago and after putting it in park twice it continued to roll and I had to put my plow down to keep it from moving |
| Category | Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control |
| Date | Mar 09, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the trailer disconnected warning light illuminated. The contact disconnected the trailer and drove the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer could not duplicate the failure with the trailer being disconnected. A diagnostic test was performed however, no failure was found. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000. |
| Category | Visibility |
| Date | Mar 08, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350 sd. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 21v090000 (visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall and referred the contact to nhtsa. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Power Train:driveline:driveshaft, Steering |
| Date | Jan 20, 2022 |
| State | AR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the driveshaft. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that there needs to be weight in the truck. The contact attached a trailer to the vehicle however, the failure still occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89. |
| Category | Seats, Seats:critical Fasteners |
| Date | Jan 10, 2022 |
| State | LA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350 towing a boat. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, applied the brakes however crashed head-on with a 2015 toyota scion. The contact stated the rear seats failed to lockdown. The contact had the tools under the seat and was released into the vehicle during the crash. The air bags deployed. The passenger sustained broken ribs, right ankle sprain or fractured, and the seatbelt bruised the chest. The driver struck the steering wheel and sustained chest pains, lower, mid, and upper back issues, and neck injuries. Medical attention was provided for both occupants. The driver of the toyota succumbed to his/her injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mile was approximately 6,600. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Nov 17, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | This truck on a daily basis, shuts down with out warning. Check engine light comes on some time, some times get p0191, p0171 and other codes dealing with fuel rail and pressure. Vehicle had less than 10000 miles when started. Dealer don't know what to do. Shuts off when you are in a turn and leaves you with out steering, and shuts off when coming to a stop sign, or trying to park. Fuel filters have been changed 2 times in 2 months. Truck is not safe to drive because it keeps surging and cutting off. Idle speed varies as much as 250 rpm when sitting still. Now |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 14, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | When my f-350 had only 2,265 miles on it, I was getting in my truck and closed the door. When it closed, the rear window shattered. There was no object that had been thrown at or through the window(no lawn service around that day, etc.). I immediately called the local ford dealership(landers ford in collierville, tn) and was told that the window would not be covered under warranty. I then called the ford customer service # on the ford. Com website and they stated that this was not a quality issue and that it would not be covered under warranty. It is clear by looking at the picture that the window shattered out as though the pressure in the truck when the door closed caused the break. This occurred on 9/10/21 and I took the truck to safelite on 9/13/21 to have the window replaced at my own expense. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 02, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | An unknown electrical issue possibly sensor, module or wiring related causes several faults in the system and they appear on the dash. These faults disable many safety features built in to the vehicle and a few convenience features as well. The faults displayed are: "pre-collision assist not available", "hill start assist warning", "service advance trac" and "drive mode not available" when this happens randomly the vehicle will stop producing forward acceleration and slow down very quickly as if I took my foot off the accelerator. When this occurs it is a dangerous situation made worse at higher speeds and I must quickly move off the road without causing an accident. The vehicle has been to the dealer 4 times since new (4765 current miles) and there is no definite solution at this time. |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Aug 31, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 ford f-350. The contact stated while driving 72 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and upon inspection of the vehicle discovered that the sliding glass on the panoramic sunroof had shattered without incident. As the contact continued driving, the contact could hear the headliner shaking as the glass began flying off the vehicle due to the failure. The contact was forced to pull off the road again and clear all the shattered glass pieces from the top of the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that they would perform an inspection of the vehicle to determine the failure. A week later, the contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer had denied repair of the vehicle and that the failure was not a mechanical defect. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 6,237. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch |
| Date | Aug 16, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Tailgate has randomly opened twice. Tailgate function on the remote was definitely not being pressed. |
| Category | Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch |
| Date | Aug 16, 2021 |
| State | NE |
| Description | Electronic tailgate on the 2021 ford f-350 is opening on its own while driving. Doesn't matter the speed... Its happened at 10 mph and at 60 mph. This is a critical issue since it is damaging rvs. My latest occurrence is noted in the additional details section, but it has now happened three (3) times since I purchased brand new with 6 miles on it... Now has about 10,900 miles. There was a recall on model years 2019 and prior for this very symptom caused by moisture getting into the wiring harness. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Aug 03, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | I was recently informed by ford that my vehicle is subject to a recall (21s31) because the rear axle may deform and detach from the vehicle. I believe the ford safety recall report (and nhtsa recall number) is 21v-536. My concern is related to the proposed remedy. Ford states that additional welds will be applied to the axle. Based on the information provided, I believe this will only mask the symptoms of a failure (detachment of the axle), and not the problem itself (crushing of the axle tubes due to insufficient tube wall thickness). I am a licensed professional engineer, which is to say that I have a basic understanding of material behaviour. With this in mind, I would respectfully ask you to consider the following: 1) primary: outright replacement of the defect axle housing with a unit that is manufactured with the "old design" axle tubes. If item 1 above is not chosen, I propose the following alternatives (in combination): a) requiring replacement of the axle housing if paint loss is observed at the locations where the u-bolts are used to strap the axle to the spring perches. Many people have observed paint loss at this location, and it would indicate deformation of the tubing. B) warrantying the axle housing for an extended period of time - perhaps 8 years or 100000 miles as was done by toyota due to the frame defects which affected their pickups. C) certification by a licensed professional engineer that the proposed remedy (welding the axle) will prevent deformation under rated conditions. I believe this is important because it will require a "person" to certify the adequacy of the repair. My intent in suggesting this is to ensure that the defect is not left in place. Again, the proposed remedy seems only to "mask" the problem. I fear it could result in another "firestone situation", where the public is put at unnecessary risk. I greatly appreciate you considering this request. |
| Category | Equipment |
| Date | Jun 28, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | My setup: truck is level, trailer is 3/8" drop in front, and hitch ball up leaving one hole open from top. After installing product, ensuring proper setup, there is concern for towing safety, as the bottom of the drawbar drop is ~8-1/2" from ground, with reports from others that this setup has on numerous occasions, caused the drop portion of bar to contact pavement under normal towing conditions across the u. S. This has caused concern for possible catastrophic failure of drawbar drop when towing, believing that the welds on drawbar could become weakened and result in a disconnect of tow vehicle and trailer. I contacted the company, asking if they had plans to offer a 0" (would be an actual 3" length drop per their specs on the 6" and 8" drops) drop, or if they could say how much of the excess could be removed/cut from the drop safely. Their response is that there are no current plans to offer other drops and modifying the drawbar would void warranty. Others on various social media have warned of the drop making contact with pavement during the likes of national and state park entries/exits, as well as intersection transitions, etc.. I continued with my order/install, believing they had possibly installed incorrectly, but now see the concern, and do not want to void warranty, and in turn do not want to have a catastrophic failure that could kill someone.. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Apr 05, 2021 |
| State | OR |
| Description | About 7-8 times now, the tailgate has opened under it's own power unexpectedly. It has happened while stationary after just starting the vehicle, while in reverse and in forward motion. All instances seem to happen shortly after the vehicle has been started. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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