2021 Ford F-150 body & structure problems

Related recalls

• Recall 22V623000Aug 12, 202258,203 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

  Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S53.

• Recall 21V986000Dec 16, 2021184,698 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

  Risk: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026FLBody & StructureElectrical System

   While driving truck, it had an electrical fritz that caused the car to become undrivable, with systems not responding. when stopped to power cycle, the car would accessory on but not attempt to start. the horn would go off randomly. was able to manually put the truck into neutral and push into a safe spot, at what point a battery clear was attempted with no results, and required towing to dealership where water had intruded into the BCM

   NHTSA complaint #11769880 · source
2. Filed Jun 5, 2026GABody & StructureElectrical SystemSteering

   After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/firewall seam due to inadequate factory sealing, tracking down and pooling directly…

   NHTSA complaint #11742278 · source
3. Filed Apr 6, 2026111,000 miTNFireTowedBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual grinding sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact noticed a lot of unusual clicking or rattling sounds. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fire underneath the vehicle. In addition, the drive shaft was detached. The contact stated that…

   NHTSA complaint #11729380 · source
4. Filed Mar 22, 2026OHBody & Structure

   Astro white exterior paint is chipping on the roof of the vehicle in multiple locations. See pictures attached of sever chipping above windshield and wear the roof meets. Also chipping occurring above both rear doors on roof. This was not due to an accident or normal wear and tear.

   NHTSA complaint #11726170 · source
5. Filed Mar 4, 2026MIBody & Structure

   My 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat has a door latch defect that occurs in freezing or near-freezing temperatures. The failure occurs without warning in cold conditions, causing the door latch to freeze and not fully engage. When this happens, the door is able to freely swing open while the vehicle is in motion and also freely open when the vehicle is parked. This creates a serious safety hazard, including the risk of occupant ejection and loss of vehicle control. The vehicle has no…

   NHTSA complaint #11721907 · source
6. Filed Jan 27, 2026NHBody & Structure

   Please see Ford TSB SSM50543. In my case the driver's door has been freezing in the lock position. Door will not unlock and cannot be opened either from the inside or outside. The key in the outside will not unlock the door and pulling up on the knob inside cannot be done (even tried with pliers). The electric door locks for the frozen door do nothing. This made it possible for me to only get out of or into the driver's seat by climbing in/out from the passenger's side. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11713665 · source
7. Filed Dec 30, 202574,000 miTXTowedBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormally loud booming sound. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, exited the vehicle. Upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driveshaft was fractured and damaged. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the heat shield had…

   NHTSA complaint #11707786 · source
8. Filed Dec 2, 2025AKBody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   A certified independent inspection company discovered welding on the main chassis of my Ford F-150. The welding is located on the front left frame area. I purchased the vehicle brand new, and it has never been in any accident or collision. This welding on a critical structural part creates a serious safety risk. Frame integrity may be compromised in normal driving or in the event of an impact. I transport my children daily in this vehicle, and I am afraid to drive it due to…

   NHTSA complaint #11702403 · source
9. Filed Jul 22, 202548,000 miLABody & StructureEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11675439 · source
10. Filed Jul 9, 2025ALBody & Structure

    The dash pad in front of steering wheel is coming apart and peeling back. It appears to a defect in installation, material use or wasn't glued down properly

    NHTSA complaint #11672264 · source
11. Filed Jun 14, 2025MSBody & StructureOther / Unknown

    The side rails that come out when door is opened to assist with getting inside the truck does not work properly. It has come out and will not go back in. The door is closed and I have to drive the truck with the rails hanging down. That is a hazard.

    NHTSA complaint #11666896 · source
12. Filed May 24, 2025FLBody & Structure

    The saggy diaper is a hazard and major manufacturer defect that must be corrected ASAP. It needs to be metal period the end. The paper like cover bolted on the undercarriage is an awful engineering hazard. I have changed this item four times. The dealerships well established pattern of services for this issue and Google searches speak for themselves. I don’t know why Ford refuses to address this concern and blow me off.

    NHTSA complaint #11662939 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology