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U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Ford F-550 SD: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

12 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

148,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel System, Diesel is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 12 complaints (66.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior216.7%
Braking behavior18.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Fuel System, Diesel
8
Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
1
Fuel System, Other:Fuel Filter
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
1
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
1
Steering
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel System, Diesel8
Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel1
Fuel System, Other:Fuel Filter1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft1
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit1
Steering1

Fuel System, Diesel: 8; Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel: 1; Fuel System, Other:Fuel Filter: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft: 1; Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit: 1; Steering: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2021
1
2022
1
2024
1
2025
6
2026
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20211
20221
20241
20256
20263

2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 6; 2026: 3

Pattern summary

Fuel System, Diesel leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11433239 · 2021-09-16 (September 16, 2021)

While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11433239 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11479389 · 2022-08-15 (August 15, 2022)

While driving and getting off the freeway at approximately 55 PMH truck when into a violent death wobble and had to slam on the brakes and come to a complete stop before it started. Truck has 36,384 miles on it and all front end steering is tight with no play, steering stabilizer was replaced with an aftermarket due to Ford's is an National back order and not known when will be available and Ford told me that this is not covered under warranty or any recall even though there are 5100 of them on back order! I am a 35 year ASE Master Mechanic wi…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11479389 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11631487 · 2024-12-18 (December 18, 2024)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while his son was driving at unknown speeds and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear dual wheel axle had fractured inside the differential housing. The contact stated that the axle shaft had fractured. The contact stated that the wheels were still connected to the hub and the vehicle lowered to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was differential fluid still in t…

Owner-reported narrative. 101,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11631487 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11659733 · 2025-05-08 (May 8, 2025)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while an employee was driving 65 MPH and towing a vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway due to a loss of electronic power steering; however, the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failu…

Owner-reported narrative. 195,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11659733 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11660858 · 2025-05-14 (May 14, 2025)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11660858 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11667475 · 2025-06-17 (June 17, 2025)

Operator was driving a 2021 Ford F550 equipped with an Altec AT48M aerial upfit. As he was driving the operator noted that the check engine light came on and almost immediately followed by the message center displayed "Low Fuel Pressure" warning. As he was preparing to stop, he could see smoke coming out from under the hood of the truck. As he exited the cab, he could see smoke and flames coming out of the truck.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11667475 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11694076 · 2025-10-17 (October 17, 2025)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact called a local dealer several times to schedule an appointment for the recall repair but was informed that the manufacturer would mail another letter whenever parts were available for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11694076 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11696083 · 2025-10-28 (October 28, 2025)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11696083 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

21V090000 · Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | Visibility:Windshield

Reported: 2021-02-18 (February 18, 2021)

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 have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C06.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V390000 · Power Train:Axle Hubs

Reported: 2021-05-25 (May 25, 2021)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.

Consequence: A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S26.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V013000 · Fuel System, Diesel

Reported: 2022-01-14 (January 14, 2022)

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 engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V250000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Linkages

Reported: 2022-04-14 (April 14, 2022)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 24, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available 3rd Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S26.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V420000 · Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual

Reported: 2023-06-09 (June 9, 2023)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Consequence: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
24V957000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2024-12-20 (December 20, 2024)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Consequence: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V048000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Reported: 2025-01-31 (January 31, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.

Consequence: Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
25V455000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2025-07-07 (July 7, 2025)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
26V158000 · Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Reported: 2026-03-17 (March 17, 2026)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Consequence: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.

NHTSA campaign record ↗