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2021 Ford F-150 Maintenance guide

v1.0Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller4 Sources Analyzed18 Critical Recalls
MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

The 2021 Ford F-150 demands diligent maintenance due to a notable number of critical recalls and a high volume of owner complaints, particularly concerning the power train and electrical system. The most pressing issue is the potential for rear axle bolt shearing, especially on models equipped with the Max Tow Package, which can lead to wheel detachment or loss of drive.

View Critical Issue: Power Train: Transmission Issues
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Reliability Score

3.4/ 10

Est. Annual Maintenance Cost

Not available

TSBs & Recalls

83 TSBs | 82 Recalls

SummaryMaintenance & CostsCommon FailuresSymptoms & PreventionKeep ReadingFAQSources

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Key Takeaways

  • The 2021 Ford F-150 has a high number of recalls (82) and complaints (1004), leading to a 'Below Average' reliability verdict.
  • Critical power train issues, including rear axle bolt shearing and transmission problems, are the most frequent and severe complaints.

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MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

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