2021 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 25owner reports
- 32,899median miles
- $1,200median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
286 of the 1,015 complaints on this car are about the engine. 25 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 25 reports
Misfire on other F-150 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
8 recalls on the engine cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function.
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.
A single vehicle may have been assembled without a fuel tank front attachment resulting in an unsecured fuel tank attachment strap.
Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
All 29 recalls on the 2021 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the F-150
Low-pressure fuel pump failure. Closed sep 19, 2025, led to recall 25V-455.
Loss of motive power. Closed oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V-635.
Reduced power during hard acceleration. Closed apr 7, 2014.
Fuel tank strap failure due to corrosion. Closed aug 19, 2011, led to recall 11V-385.
Fuel tank strap corrosion/rust. Closed may 23, 2011.
Cng regulator leak. Closed feb 27, 2009.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Ford f-series dual fuel tank leakage. Closed nov 4, 1999, led to recall 93V-125.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed aug 31, 1994.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed jul 30, 1993.
What owners paid
5 of the 25 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,200 to $1,400.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 4,000 and 56,000 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 41 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 Ford F-150 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Harsh engagement Delayed engagement Harsh shift Delayed shift Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes ...
Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the ...
Some 2021-2025 F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and may also exhibit a rattle noise from the turbocharger.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with DTCs P0301-P0306, P0201-P0206 and/or various other powertrain DTCs stored in the PCM.
37 more on the 2021 Ford F-150 page.
What owners wrote
“fuel pump has failed, vehicle shut off while driving, ford dealership has confirmed failed fuel pump under the 25s75 recall, check engine light illuminated with fault code P008A (fuel system low pressure) fault code moments prior to vehicle shutting off, vehicle would not restart”
Filed Sep 29, 2026
“The truckâs fuel system can cut out under acceleration. This is very dangerous. Various times it has nearly stalled out under acceleration while trying to merge. The worst time was driving up a bridge, the truck began to hesitate nearly causing a crash. Every time it signals cylinder misfire, but that whole system has been replaced. Very dangerous, very disappointing.”
Filed Jul 1, 2026
“Check engine light coming on and off with an emissions code, transmission shifting really hard”
Filed Apr 13, 2026
“My son is a mechanic and realized there was an issue. He found this issue: The engine loss compression on number four-cylinder severe power loss inspected; found damage to top of number four piston, most likely due to valve failure. He took to Ford dealership in Tuscaloosa, AL. They agreed with the assessment. Ford Motor Co.would not repair, stating this issue was not caused by recall.”
Filed Feb 28, 2026
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 94 reports
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 85 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 80 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 72 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 67 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 64 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 51 reports
- Windshield wipers stop working 35 reports
- Fuel pump failure 31 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 30 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 29 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 26 reports