Is the 2021 Ford F-250 reliable?

The 2021 Ford F-250 has 204 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: FUEL SYSTEM problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford F-250?

Top problems: FUEL SYSTEM (38 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (22 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (19 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford F-250?

No recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford F-250.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ford F-250?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ford F-250 is approximately $1,687/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Ford F-250

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ford F-250 has 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 384. The most common issue is fuel system problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: a 26000 miles the cp4 fuel pump failed and stranded my family (on the busiest road) in colorado while pulling a trailer. this is a known problem, with multiple manufactures, for more than a few years. yet here we are!?.

2 crash reports

204

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

38 complaints

19%

• A 26000 miles the cp4 fuel pump failed and stranded my family (on the busiest road) in Colorado while pulling a trailer. This is a known problem, with multiple manufactures, for more than a few years. Yet here we are!?
• The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and caused the vehicle to go into IDLE Mode before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and taken to a dealer. The dealer informed the co
• A hole has developed in the center of the diesel fuel filter located on the top of the engine. It is spraying fuel all over the top of the engine including the turbo and other high temperature areas.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“A 26000 miles the cp4 fuel pump failed and stranded my family (on the busiest road) in Colorado while pulling a trailer. This is a known problem, with multiple manufactures, for more than a few years. Yet here we are!?”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Ford F-250

Based on 52 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 46K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 48K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

High-mileage issuemedian 100K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ford F-250

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,687

Full coverage / month

$141

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

+1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1687

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-250 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2021 F-250, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 204 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
FUEL SYSTEM: A 26000 miles the cp4 fuel pump failed and stranded my family (on the busiest road) in Colorado while pulling a trailer. This is a known problem, with multiple manufactures, for more than a few years. Yet here we are!?
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: The 10-Speed Automatic Transmission shifts hard and randomly. Leaving a stop sign, at any rate of speed, causes slippage in the shifting. Sometimes it'll shift too slowly, resulting in a jerky motion of the vehicle. Sometimes when on the highway, usually traveling at 68mph (cruise control), the vehi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The front camera has a foggy spot that triggers the front pre-collision assist and related safety devices to not function properly. It is available for inspection. t has not yet been inspected by dealer. The warning lamps and related messages do warn of problem. Fords has recalled rear cameras for
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: The truck has has a vibration from the rear of the vehicle coming from either the drive shaft or within the rear end assembly. The vibration begins at 67 mph and goes away at 70 mph, comes back at 72 mph and goes away at 75 mph and then comes back at 77 mph. I have not driven the truck beyond the
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)