Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual grinding sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact noticed a lot of unusual clicking or rattling sounds. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fire underneath the vehicle. In addition, the drive shaft was detached. The contact stated that the fire burned out independently. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the drive shaft had scorching around it. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V986000 (Power Train, Structure), was performed on the contact's VIN about six months ago. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal swishing sound in the front and rear passenger's side door panels. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered water in the front and rear passenger side door panels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the water leak was coming from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the water entering the interior of the vehicle through the rear passenger's side seat belt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the water leak was due to a failed rear exhaust panel. The contact was informed that the rear exhaust panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the exhaust baffles were making an abnormal ticking sound while the vehicle was idling. The contact also stated that the A/C outlet vent tab had separated from the vehicle, and the other tabs were loose. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal squealing sound while driving at various speeds and while idling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt and one of the pulleys needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the repairs could not be covered under the powertrain warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormally loud booming sound. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, exited the vehicle. Upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driveshaft was fractured and damaged. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the heat shield had rubbed on the driveshaft, and the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V986000(Power Train, Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V986000 (Power Train, Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated upon parking the vehicle, he noticed that the underbody heat and noise insulators had detached and was hanging on the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the parts were not yet available. 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 a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact's business partner owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his business partner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured driveshaft. The dealer replaced the driveshaft. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V986000 (Power Train, Structure). The failure mileage was 80,230.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the hood was vibrating. The contact pulled over safely and noticed that the hood bolts were loose and one was missing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure with missing latches and bolts. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound heard. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the dealer confirmed there was no failure. In addition, the dashboard failed to work as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/firewall seam due to inadequate factory sealing, tracking down and pooling directly onto the Body Control Module (BCM) mounted on the passenger side firewall. The BCM failed due to water damage, causing PATS desynchronization and the no-start condition. The BCM failure subsequently shorted out the starter motor. Dealer replaced the BCM, repaired the leak, and replaced the starter. Total repair cost approximately $3,200. Failed components are available for inspection at the dealership. …
A certified independent inspection company discovered welding on the main chassis of my Ford F-150. The welding is located on the front left frame area. I purchased the vehicle brand new, and it has never been in any accident or collision. This welding on a critical structural part creates a serious safety risk. Frame integrity may be compromised in normal driving or in the event of an impact. I transport my children daily in this vehicle, and I am afraid to drive it due to the possibility of structural failure. The official Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and kept it for approximately three weeks but provided no explanation or repair. The regional Ford office has delayed their technical report for more than five months with no response. The defect has been confirmed and is permanent. No warnings or lights appeared prior to discovering the issue. …
Related recalls
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022.
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022.
Body complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2021 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the body & structure of the 2021 Ford F-150, 3% of the model year's 1,032 complaints. The component named most often is body (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Ford F-150 body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-623 (underbody shields, Aug 12, 2022); NHTSA recall 21V-986 (underbody shields, Dec 16, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.