2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid · symptom sheet
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems
- 50owner reports
- 18,288median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 24, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
122 of the 252 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 50 of those describe drivetrain problems, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 F-150 Hybrid.
Tick what matches of 50 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the CV joint or axle (47 reports) and the driveshaft (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
7 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S24.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.
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 and remedy
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 12, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S15.
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 and remedy
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S25.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 13,000 and 26,836 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Passenger rear axle bolt sheared off at 13,3xx miled# now the dri ers side axle bolt sheared off at 18,288 miles.”
Filed Jan 4, 2023 · 18,288 miles
“2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Lariat, 3.5 V6, with Max Tow package - right rear axle bolt sheared off at about 11,000 miles. Cause to look included squeaky/screeching sound in right rear on both braking and with acceleration. Upon removing center wheel cap discovered axle bolt had sheared off and was simply sitting in the cavity of the center wheel cap.”
Filed Dec 8, 2022 · 11,000 miles
“Passenger rear axle bolt broken. This seems to be happening only on Max tow equipped vehicles, LOTS of them.”
Filed Sep 19, 2022
“Heard a metal grinding coming from the rear axle on . Took it to Ford dealer maic Haik in Georgetown Texas. The found the axle bolt had sheared off. It is in the shop currently waiting a warranty repair and the shop indicated this was not the first one they had seen.”
Filed Sep 12, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 50 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 27 reports