Is the 2021 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

The 2021 Ford F-350 SD has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford F-350 SD?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (1 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford F-350 SD?

Yes, there are 15 recall(s): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS, STEERING, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS, POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY, TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, STEERING:COLUMN, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ford F-350 SD?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ford F-350 SD 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-350 SD

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ford F-350 SD has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: 1st when the truck is running it has 14.7v from cigarette lighter, and i had an app that reported over voltage since day one and have to replace the battery every 6-8 months. 2nd less than 60,000 miles had issues with drive train (could be something else as i’m not mechanical) and it went after th. There are 15 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ENGINE

2 complaints

33%

• 1st when the truck is running it has 14.7v from cigarette lighter, and I had an app that reported over voltage since day one and have to replace the battery every 6-8 months. 2nd less than 60,000 miles had issues with drive train (could be something else as I’m not mechanical) and it went after th
• The contact owned a 2021 Ford F-350 Diesel. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential yard, the contact noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact had just parked the vehicle and walked around to the back of the residence. The contact stated that the fire

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“1st when the truck is running it has 14.7v from cigarette lighter, and I had an app that reported over voltage since day one and have to replace the battery every 6-8 months. 2nd less than 60,000 miles had issues with drive train (could be something else as I’m not mechanical) and it went after th”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (15)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS18/02/2021

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."

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

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Ford F-350 SD

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-350 SD 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-350 SD, 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

DOORS/LATCHES(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 1st when the truck is running it has 14.7v from cigarette lighter, and I had an app that reported over voltage since day one and have to replace the battery every 6-8 months. 2nd less than 60,000 miles had issues with drive train (could be something else as I’m not mechanical) and it went after th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: ABOUT 7-8 TIMES NOW, THE TAILGATE HAS OPENED UNDER IT'S OWN POWER UNEXPECTEDLY. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE STATIONARY AFTER JUST STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHILE IN REVERSE AND IN FORWARD MOTION. ALL INSTANCES SEEM TO HAPPEN SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350 SD. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V090000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 1st when the truck is running it has 14.7v from cigarette lighter, and I had an app that reported over voltage since day one and have to replace the battery every 6-8 months. 2nd less than 60,000 miles had issues with drive train (could be something else as I’m not mechanical) and it went after th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 15 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)