Ford

F-150 (14th)

2021-2025 · Full-Size Truck ยท 7 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.5)
9,581 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
78 Fire Reports
282 Crash Reports
Includes data from: F-150 REGULAR CABF-150 SUPER CABF-150 (REGULAR CAB) GASF-150 (SUPER CAB) GASF-150 (SUPER CREW) GASF-150 (SUPER CREW) HEVF-150 (SUPER CREW) LIGHTNING BEVF-150 SUPER CAB DIESELF-150 SUPER CREWF-150 SUPER CREW DIESELF-150 SUPER CREW HEV
View all 5 generations of the Ford F-150 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

3.0L-4V

3.0L 6-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.5)
15 complaints 15.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
5
transmission
5
engine
5
steering
5
wheels tires
5

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (5 complaints)
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)
Engine Issues (5 complaints)

Same engine used in

Ford

4.6L 8-cyl / 292 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
108 complaints 36.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
28
exterior
20
brakes
20
fuel system
15
electrical
15

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (20 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,200โ€“$1,200 (5 reports)
Brakes Issues (20 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (15 complaints)

5.0L 4V

5.0L 8-cyl / 395 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
30 complaints 30.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
15
suspension
10
electrical
5
fuel system
5
steering
5

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (15 complaints)
Suspension Issues (10 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)

Same engine used in

2.7L-4V

2.7L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
1,260 complaints 252.0 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
260
engine
240
transmission
230
electrical
217
brakes
173

Known Issues

Engine Issues (240 complaints)
Typical onset: 10,600โ€“60,000 mi Est. repair: $12,000โ€“$12,000 (5 reports)
Transmission Issues (230 complaints)
Typical onset: 3,000โ€“70,000 mi
Electrical System Issues (217 complaints)
Typical onset: 25,000โ€“45,000 mi Est. repair: $1,700โ€“$1,700 (5 reports)

5.0L-4V

5.0L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.3)
1,901 complaints 376.2 per year Gasoline
19 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
549
other
316
electrical
316
exterior
234
brakes
195

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (549 complaints)
Typical onset: 18,000โ€“62,000 mi Est. repair: $185โ€“$1,900 (15 reports)
Electrical System Issues (316 complaints)
Typical onset: 4,600โ€“35,400 mi Est. repair: $1,600โ€“$4,500 (10 reports)
Exterior Issues (234 complaints)
Typical onset: 48,000โ€“95,000 mi Est. repair: $1,675โ€“$2,000 (20 reports)

GTDI

3.5L 6-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.2)
3,727 complaints 745.4 per year Gasoline
24 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1211
other
750
electrical
703
exterior
401
safety systems
258

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1,211 complaints)
Typical onset: 15,000โ€“55,000 mi Est. repair: $400โ€“$10,000 (16 reports)
Electrical System Issues (703 complaints)
Typical onset: 10,000โ€“30,000 mi Est. repair: $197โ€“$2,100 (31 reports)
Exterior Issues (401 complaints)
Typical onset: 4,500โ€“62,000 mi Est. repair: $2,000โ€“$2,100 (33 reports)

TIVCT

3.3L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.2)
194 complaints 64.7 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
35
fuel system
33
electrical
31
brakes
30
transmission
25

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (33 complaints)
Typical onset: 14,000โ€“56,000 mi
Electrical System Issues (31 complaints)
Brakes Issues (30 complaints)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford F-150 regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (2,035 complaints)
transmission serious
Electrical System Issues (1,287 complaints)
electrical critical
Exterior Issues (655 complaints)
exterior critical
Brakes Issues (632 complaints)
brakes critical
Safety Systems Issues (609 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Alternatives in Full-Size Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2021-2025 Ford F-150 problems?

The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 has accumulated 9,581 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Exterior. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford F-150 engine is most reliable?

The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2021-2025 Ford F-150 a good used car?

The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 9,581 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Ford F-150 have?

The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 has 9,581 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Ford F-150?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Ford F-150 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford F-150?

Before buying a used Ford F-150, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Exterior, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the F-150 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2021-2025 Ford F-150. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 9,581 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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