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2021 Ford F-350 problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls

NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
31%
30 of 96 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system

No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2021 Ford F-350. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 31% of relevant complaints.

Better than 68% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).

NHTSA data checked October 3, 2026
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Does the 2021 Ford F-350 have engine or transmission problems?

Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 30 of 96 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-350 concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (31%). For comparison, the 2020 scores 41% and the 2022 scores 26%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.

Drivetrain complaints
30
engine, transmission, fuel
Total complaints
96
this model year
Fires reported
4
owner-reported
Recall campaigns
15
1 crashes · 3 injuries

Complaints by component

FUEL SYSTEM24 · 25%
DIESEL23 · 24%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14 · 15%
ENGINE14 · 15%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13 · 14%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10 · 10%

The years either side

2010
22%
13 of 60
2011
49%
24 of 50
2012
34%
59 of 183
2013
30%
26 of 86
2014
24%
22 of 98
2015
29%
59 of 208
2016
26%
49 of 209
2017
10%
57 of 564
2018
7%
14 of 201
2019
9%
39 of 467
2020
41%
75 of 188
2021
31%
30 of 96
2022
26%
29 of 111
2023
26%
10 of 41

Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.

What owners reported

ENGINE12/24/2022FIRE1 INJURED
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/01/2026
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Ford F-350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related failure involving my 2021 Ford F-350. While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly entered “limp mode,” resulting in a significant and immediate loss of power. Approximately 20 miles later, the vehicle co…
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM04/08/2026
Repair remedy has not been addressed. Leaving the vehicle owners footing the bill when a fuel system problem arises. It's been since 2024 and FMC has not done anything about it. Dec 20,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S78 NHTSA Recall Number24V957 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary YOUR V…

Three of 30 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.

Recall campaigns on the 2021 Ford F-350 (15)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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 …
STEERING
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2…
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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 engin…

This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.

Before you buy a 2021 Ford F-350

Questions people ask about the 2021 Ford F-350

Does the 2021 Ford F-350 have engine or transmission problems?

Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 30 of 96 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-350 concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (31%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.

Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2021 Ford F-350?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns on the 2021 Ford F-350. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

Which Ford F-350 years are better?

Among the Ford F-350 years we track, the 2018 (7%), the 2019 (9%) and the 2017 (10%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2021 (31%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.

Should I buy a 2021 Ford F-350?

That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2021 Ford F-350 shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.

Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.

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Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Combined across 4 body styles NHTSA files separately.