NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Ford F-450 SD Recalls & Complaints

The 2021 Ford F-450 SD has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 18 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Ford F-450 SD. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2021 Ford F-450 SD owner complaints

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-450 SD, describing incidents dated March 10, 2021 to September 15, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 5 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Structure 3 complaints
Engine 2 complaints

Of the 18 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11764763 · Filed September 16, 2026
Unknown. This vehicle when driving and come to a complete stop will jerk forward. It has been to 2 different ford dealerships to assist with this issue and has been "covered" under transmission control module recall and reprogrammed as per their invoices, but has not fixed the issue. It is currently…
ODI #11742943 · Filed June 9, 2026
Failure of a $70 thermocouple sensor in the air conditioning unit requires replacement of the entire evaporative cooler, which requires removal and reinstallation of the entire dash from the vehicle. This should be a part serviceable without such extensive work.
ODI #11720607 · Filed February 26, 2026
Technician was airing the tires - zipper ruputer occured on the inside of the tire. 225/70R19.5

Read all 18 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 Ford F-450 SD in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE24-014: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
Open since May 9, 2024
Recall Query RQ21-001: Power Tailgate Release Systems
Closed January 10, 2024

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

High Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail

NHTSA #26V158000 · Fuel System, Diesel — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported March 17, 2026 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 9,839 vehicles

Repair completion: 49.84% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 26S17 · Owners notified April 7, 2026

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Safety consequence

High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display Properly

NHTSA #25V686000 · Back Over Prevention — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported October 10, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 291,901 vehicles

Repair completion: 39.06% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25SA8 · Owners notified May 19, 2026

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.

Safety consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge.This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 30, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025.

Loss of Steering Control from Steering Column Detachment

NHTSA #25V626000 · Steering — Column · NHTSA notice

Reported September 19, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 115,539 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25S94 · Owners notified February 20, 2026 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.

Safety consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 23, 2025.

Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail

NHTSA #25V455000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported July 7, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 850,318 vehicles

Repair completion: 18.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25S75 · Owners notified July 27, 2026 · Vehicles built starting July 1, 2021 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Safety consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

NHTSA #25V048000 · Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera · NHTSA notice

Reported January 31, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 91,580 vehicles

Repair completion: 37.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25S05 · Owners notified September 18, 2025

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.

Safety consequence

Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

High Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail

NHTSA #24V957000 · Fuel System, Diesel — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported December 20, 2024 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 295,449 vehicles

Repair completion: 28.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 24S78 · Owners notified January 23, 2026

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Safety consequence

High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Head Restraint Instructions Missing/FMVSS 202

NHTSA #23V420000 · Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual · NHTSA notice

Reported June 9, 2023 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 691,133 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.28% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 23C20 · Owners notified July 21, 2023

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Safety consequence

Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Windshield Wipers May Fail

NHTSA #22V250000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported April 14, 2022 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 652,996 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 22S26 · Owners notified October 21, 2022

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Safety consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Secondary Fuel Filter May Leak

NHTSA #22V013000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported January 14, 2022 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 19,697 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 22S01 · Owners notified January 28, 2022

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Wheel Hub Extenders may be Improperly Attached

NHTSA #21V390000 · Power Train — Axle Hubs · NHTSA notice

Reported May 25, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 17,616 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.61% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 21S26 · Owners notified June 18, 2021

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Ford dealer immediately.

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.

Safety consequence

A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S26.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Fifth Wheel Bracket May Detach While Towing

NHTSA #21V379000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,796 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.52% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 21S23 · Owners notified June 16, 2021

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-350 and F-450 vehicles equipped with a fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket that may be cracked.

Safety consequence

A cracked mounting bracket could result in the fifth wheel detaching from the vehicle while towing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the mounting bracket, and replace the bracket if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S23.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Inadequate Windshield Bonding/FMVSS 212

NHTSA #21V090000 · Visibility — Windshield — Critical Fasteners · NHTSA notice

Reported February 18, 2021 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 79,017 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.78% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 21C06 · Owners notified April 16, 2021

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2021 Ford F-450 SD. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

18 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford F-450 SD.

Power Train

ODI #11764763

Incident: September 15, 2026 · Filed: September 16, 2026

Unknown. This vehicle when driving and come to a complete stop will jerk forward. It has been to 2 different ford dealerships to assist with this issue and has been "covered" under transmission control module recall and reprogrammed as per their invoices, but has not fixed the issue. It is currently at the 2nd dealership while they are furthering this inspection.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11742943

Incident: June 8, 2026 · Filed: June 9, 2026

Failure of a $70 thermocouple sensor in the air conditioning unit requires replacement of the entire evaporative cooler, which requires removal and reinstallation of the entire dash from the vehicle. This should be a part serviceable without such extensive work.

Tires

ODI #11720607

Incident: February 9, 2026 · Filed: February 26, 2026

Technician was airing the tires - zipper ruputer occured on the inside of the tire. 225/70R19.5

Fuel System, Diesel

ODI #11687332

Incident: September 15, 2025 · Filed: September 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Power Train

ODI #11687296

Fire

Incident: September 1, 2025 · Filed: September 15, 2025

The contact owned a 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH on an 8 percent decline and pulling a trailer, the vehicle slightly responded upon depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the transmission failed to downshift and was stuck in 10th gear. The contact pumped the brakes; however, the failure persisted. The contact drove into the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle was able to stop. The contact noticed smoke, and upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear brakes were on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's friend, where the trailer was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was taken back to the residence of the contact's friend. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle, the brake pedal travelled all the way to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and traded for another vehicle. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Power Train; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11676722

Incident: July 14, 2025 · Filed: July 28, 2025

VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY WHICH CAUSED FOR BRAKES AND STEERING TO FAIL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUN STATE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DID A DIAGNOSIS. THEY FOUND EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF METAL IN THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM PLUS REPLACED ALL INJECTORS WHICH NOW HAS AN OPEN INVOICE OF $15,923.97. AFTER RESEARCH WE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CP4 WHICH IS THE MANUFACTIRE RECALL NUMBER 24S78 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 24V957. FORD IS NOT WILLING TO COVER THE COST OF THE RECALL REPAIRS AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT COOPERATING AS WELL. THIS IS A COMPANY VEHICLE LOSING THE COMPANY $3K PER DAY.

Electrical System; Service Brakes

ODI #11673852

Incident: July 13, 2025 · Filed: July 16, 2025

My 2021 Ford F 450 will not actuate the electric over hydraulic brakes on my gooseneck trailer. I was hauling my tractor to one of my hay fields when a car pulled out in front me. I apply my foot to the brake pedal and the truck and trailer did not slow down liked it use to and I almost rear ended the vehicle that pulled out in front of me. After this I try to apply just the trailer brakes using the brake actuator on the dash and the trailer brakes never operated. I check my fuses and they were good and I checked the trailer using another truck and they worked. I then checked the trailer wiring connections on my truck and they were good. I have done a manual reset on my trucks programming and the truck still will not activate the trailer brakes. Please help.

Power Train

ODI #11644090

Incident: January 24, 2022 · Filed: February 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a feature known as neutral idle control (NIC), where the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral(N) while at a complete stop to reduce fuel consumption. The contact stated that while at a stop with the feature engaged, the vehicle abruptly jerked, or hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a normal characteristic of the feature and that no additional repairs could be made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 2,763.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11633674

Incident: November 24, 2024 · Filed: January 2, 2025

High pressure fuel pump failed while driving towing a trailer. Was able to pull over safely, entire fuel system needs to be replaced. Unknown if anything else was damaged yet. Vehicle is still in for repairs, estimate is between 9-13k parts and labor. I hope it didn't destroy the entire engine.

Electrical System

ODI #11602615

Incident: May 14, 2024 · Filed: July 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked on the side of the road, the driver attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery junction box harness had failed. The dealer replaced the battery junction box harness assembly, engine module, fuse junction box, and the wiring assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 20-2298. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 124,483.

Other Ford F-450 SD model years

Check your 2021 Ford F-450 SD VIN

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