2021 Ford F 250 Regular Cab
Common Problems
Ranked from 65 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
20 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Death Wobble at High Speeds
8complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering wheel shakes uncontrollably at high speeds, potentially leading to loss of control.
- 2
Fuel System Failure
8complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel system, particularly the high-pressure fuel pump, has repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall or lose power.
- 3
High-pressure fuel pump failure leading to loss of motive power
6complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe high-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing the vehicle to stall or lose power while driving.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Back-over prevention system failures
5complaintsMedium severityOtherIssues with the back-up camera and detection system can lead to poor visibility and increased risk of accidents.
- 5
Electrical system failures affecting multiple systems
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalMultiple electrical system failures impact various components such as the check engine light, camera, and mirrors.
- 6
Electrical System Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system experiences issues such as camera failures, TPMS malfunctions, and battery swelling, leading to poor visibility and safety concerns.
- 7
Engine Performance Issues
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine performance issues include knocking sounds, loss of power, and stalling, often due to internal component failures.
- 9
Transmission Problems
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently fails to shift properly, resulting in erratic shifting and difficulty in starting the vehicle.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Transmission shifting issues and failure
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe 10R140 10-speed transmission exhibits shifting problems, including delayed and harsh shifting, and may fail completely.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Steering Issues
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering system experiences death wobble and loose steering, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
- 12
Suspension Failures
3complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension components, including rear axle tubes, have repeatedly failed, leading to dangerous swerving and loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Visibility issues
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe vehicle received a recall notice for visibility issues but the repair parts were unavailable.
- 14
Air bag system failures
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe air bag system may fail to deploy in a collision, posing a safety risk.
- 15
Steering system failures leading to loss of control
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering issues, such as death wobble, can lead to difficulty controlling the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
- 16
Steering Wheel Becomes Inoperable
2complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering wheel becomes inoperable, leading to loss of control of the vehicle.
- 17
Tailgate malfunction
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving, posing a risk of cargo spillage and damage to the vehicle.
- 18
Transmission Hard Shifting
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission experiences hard shifting between gears, especially during acceleration and deceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Unintended Acceleration
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle accelerates independently, posing a risk of collision or injury.
- 20
Visibility Issues with Rear Window
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe rear window spontaneously shatters without any apparent cause, reducing visibility.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.