Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 the vehicle suddenly began to shudder and vibrate. Later, the vehicle would not start and message "system failure" had displayed. A clicking noise and burning odor was present coming from the engine compartment had occurred and the contact exited the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 4,000. 3/12 While spuddering would not start and dash panel system failure. clicking sound and burning odor coming from the motor.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 5-8 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact drove to the residence. The contact also stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle sputtered. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the under-body panel, power train malfunction, and engine malfunction warning lights illuminated. The contact then heard a scraping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to safely exit the highway. The vehicle was driven back to the residence with no further issues. On another occasion, while stopped in a parking lot, the check engine and power train warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. A multipoint inspection was performed and the contact was informed that the waste gate actuator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact requested a buy back which was declined. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated he received an alert on the Ford Pass to service the vehicle. The engine malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was using an excessive amount of engine oil. The low oil pressure and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was no evidence of an oil leak, and the contact was offered an additional oil change. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle continued to consume engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, who added oil to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who completed the oil change. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking or ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the sound became louder. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a connecting rod had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall only covered 2.7L and 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engines. The contact stated that the engine size of his was a 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that three months after purchasing the vehicle, while her husband was driving, the vehicle was driving roughly, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact was unaware whether any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a misfire in cylinders #1, #3, #4, and #6. The spark plugs were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, a month after the repair, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing and axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and jerking while driving. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact stated there was another unknown warning light flashing. The contact stated that the soy-based wiring was causing costly repairs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring in the undercarriage was chewed on. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a month later. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, an unknown warning light started to flash. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the soy-based wiring had been chewed on by squirrels and chipmunks. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
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 at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and a alert was received through the mobile application. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic inspection revealed that the knock sensor failed and required replacement. The dealer informed the contact that water intrusion on the intake manifold caused the knock sensor failure. The vehicle was scheduled for repair at the dealer. The contact attributed the failure to the factory omission of the engine cover and the cowl design directly above the engine compartment, which allowed water to collect on the manifold. The manufacturer was notified via telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 64,900.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing erratic transmission shifts and was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the cause of the abnormal knocking sound could not be determined; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided, and unknown repairs were performed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Complainants were reporting sudden engine failure while driving resulting in a loss of motive power, often without the ability to restart.
Engine complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2021 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 101 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2021 Ford F-150, 10% of the model year's 1,032 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Ford F-150 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 24V-635 (hard parts internal/mechanical, Aug 23, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.