Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Ford F-250
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2021 Ford F-250, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 159 owner complaints are on file.
NCAP overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Fuel System, Diesel 25 complaints
- Power Train 23 complaints
- Electrical System 18 complaints
- Suspension 18 complaints
- Steering 14 complaints
- Unknown or Other 14 complaints
Of the 159 complaints on file, 3 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $10,000–$15,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2021 Ford F-250 shows an average reliability outlook with 159 owner complaints, mostly related to diesel fuel systems and power trains. While some areas have notable complaint counts, the evidence is modest, and specific recall information is unavailable.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| diesel fuel system | Unknown | $500–$3,000 | common |
| power train | Unknown | $1,000–$5,000 | common |
| suspension | Unknown | $200–$1,500 | occasional |
| electrical system | Unknown | $250–$1,200 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake pad replacement
- Tire rotations and balancing
- Air filter replacement
- Coolant system flush
- Transmission service
- Drive belt inspection
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Check engine light
- Fuel system leaks
- Steering issues
- Transmission slipping
- Excessive suspension noise
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Ford F-250 at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.