Car Yearsto Avoid

2021 Ford F-150 Transmission Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Ford F-150?

318 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2021 Ford F-150, 31% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 30,000–82,000 miles. 7 recalls cover this area.

318 complaints 31% of all 2021 complaints 57,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Automatic transmission 4
Axle hubs 3
Axle shaft 2
Driveshaft 2
Transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE) 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (72 of 318). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.

Transmission complaints by F-150 year

2008 F-150 50
2009 F-150 33
2010 F-150 121
2011 F-150 826
2012 F-150 681
2013 F-150 1,342
2014 F-150 425
2015 F-150 423
2016 F-150 603
2017 F-150 546
2018 F-150 1,014
2019 F-150 736
2020 F-150 357
2021 F-150 318
2022 F-150 160
2023 F-150 158
2024 F-150 58
2025 F-150 25

Related recalls

Automatic transmission

The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage. Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.

Recall 26V402000 · Jun 2026

False fluid alarm can shift transmission into neutral

Crash risk

The transmission's warning system for low fluid pressure can falsely trigger, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral. Losing drive power suddenly raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the powertrain control module software at no cost to you.

Recall 25V169000 · Mar 2025

Axle hubs

Can stall

75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines. Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge.

Recall 23V896000 · Dec 2023

Driveshaft, Underbody shields

Can stall

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture. 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft, as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge.

Recall 22V623000 · Aug 2022

False fluid alarm can shift transmission into neutral

Crash risk

The transmission's warning system for low fluid pressure can falsely trigger, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral. Losing drive power suddenly raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the powertrain control module software at no cost to you.

Recall 22V188000 · Mar 2022

Driveshaft, Underbody shields

Can stall

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture. 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge.

Recall 21V986000 · Dec 2021

Driveshaft

Can stall

The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation. Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge.

Recall 21V381000 · May 2021
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2021 Ford F-150 gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Ford F-150, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Other 2021 Ford F-150 problems

All 2021 Ford F-150 problems Wipers and Visibility (131)Electrical (130)Lights (115)Engine (101)

Common questions

What are common 2021 Ford F-150 transmission problems?

Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, axle hubs and axle shaft.

At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 transmission problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 30,000–82,000 miles. The middle value is about 57,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2021 Ford F-150 transmission problems?

Yes: 26V402000, 25V169000, 23V896000, 22V623000, 22V188000, 21V986000, 21V381000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which F-150 year has the most transmission complaints?

The 2013 F-150, with 1,342 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.