Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2021 Ford F-550 SD with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Ford F-550 SD. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2021peak 3Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Ford F-550 SD
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
PE24014Opened 9 May 2024Still openFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Davis, CAFire
ENGINE
Operator was driving a 2021 Ford F550 equipped with an Altec AT48M aerial upfit. As he was driving the operator noted that the check engine light came on and almost immediately followed by the message center displayed "Low Fuel Pressure" warning. As he was preparing to stop, he could see smoke coming out from under the hood of the truck. As he exited the cab, he could see smoke and flames coming out of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11667475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER
Operator was driving a 2021 Ford F550 equipped with an Altec AT48M aerial upfit. As he was driving the operator noted that the check engine light came on and almost immediately followed by the message center displayed "Low Fuel Pressure" warning. As he was preparing to stop, he could see smoke coming out from under the hood of the truck. As he exited the cab, he could see smoke and flames coming out of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11667475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, IN, INFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our benefit he had a pressure washer and 119 gallons of water that he was able to put into action to subdue the fire. Noting that the drivers side front fender melted off and a hole melted in the drivers side hood from the fire. The entire engine compartment was burned as well as melted components and plastic in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11433239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, IN, INFire
ENGINE
While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our benefit he had a pressure washer and 119 gallons of water that he was able to put into action to subdue the fire. Noting that the drivers side front fender melted off and a hole melted in the drivers side hood from the fire. The entire engine compartment was burned as well as melted components and plastic in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11433239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, IN, INFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our benefit he had a pressure washer and 119 gallons of water that he was able to put into action to subdue the fire. Noting that the drivers side front fender melted off and a hole melted in the drivers side hood from the fire. The entire engine compartment was burned as well as melted components and plastic in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11433239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Round Rock, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Parts Not Available Complaint: The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL) however upon having the vehicle diagnosed by a local dealer where the following code was displayed "P2291" The contact was advised that because of the code displayed that the remedy would not be performed. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer where the contact was advised that because the code had been wiped by the previous dealer that the remedy would not be performed. The contact emphasized that they do not feel safe driving the vehicle without the remedy being completed. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware.
NHTSA complaint #11757532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frankfort, KY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The local dealer was contacted several times for more than a year, and the contact was advised that the part was not yet available and that the manufacturer had paused the recall campaign. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11731105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11719798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colton, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11707908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11696083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact called a local dealer several times to schedule an appointment for the recall repair but was informed that the manufacturer would mail another letter whenever parts were available for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11694076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CAFire
ENGINE
Operator was driving a 2021 Ford F550 equipped with an Altec AT48M aerial upfit. As he was driving the operator noted that the check engine light came on and almost immediately followed by the message center displayed "Low Fuel Pressure" warning. As he was preparing to stop, he could see smoke coming out from under the hood of the truck. As he exited the cab, he could see smoke and flames coming out of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11667475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER
Operator was driving a 2021 Ford F550 equipped with an Altec AT48M aerial upfit. As he was driving the operator noted that the check engine light came on and almost immediately followed by the message center displayed "Low Fuel Pressure" warning. As he was preparing to stop, he could see smoke coming out from under the hood of the truck. As he exited the cab, he could see smoke and flames coming out of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11667475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Englewood, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11660858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesMiamisburg, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while an employee was driving 65 MPH and towing a vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway due to a loss of electronic power steering; however, the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesOlympia Fields, IL
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while his son was driving at unknown speeds and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear dual wheel axle had fractured inside the differential housing. The contact stated that the axle shaft had fractured. The contact stated that the wheels were still connected to the hub and the vehicle lowered to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was differential fluid still in the axle housing. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesOlympia Fields, IL
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while his son was driving at unknown speeds and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear dual wheel axle had fractured inside the differential housing. The contact stated that the axle shaft had fractured. The contact stated that the wheels were still connected to the hub and the vehicle lowered to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was differential fluid still in the axle housing. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparks, NV
STEERING
While driving and getting off the freeway at approximately 55 PMH truck when into a violent death wobble and had to slam on the brakes and come to a complete stop before it started. Truck has 36,384 miles on it and all front end steering is tight with no play, steering stabilizer was replaced with an aftermarket due to Ford's is an National back order and not known when will be available and Ford told me that this is not covered under warranty or any recall even though there are 5100 of them on back order! I am a 35 year ASE Master Mechanic with a Bachelor Degree is Diesel Power Technology and run a companies fleet of over 40 trucks, we have our own shop and inspected this truck ourselves and repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11479389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, IN, INFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our benefit he had a pressure washer and 119 gallons of water that he was able to put into action to subdue the fire. Noting that the drivers side front fender melted off and a hole melted in the drivers side hood from the fire. The entire engine compartment was burned as well as melted components and plastic in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11433239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, IN, INFire
ENGINE
While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our benefit he had a pressure washer and 119 gallons of water that he was able to put into action to subdue the fire. Noting that the drivers side front fender melted off and a hole melted in the drivers side hood from the fire. The entire engine compartment was burned as well as melted components and plastic in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11433239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, IN, INFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, under normal conditions, with no warning indicators the low fuel pressure light came on. When the driver stopped the vehicle he lost all power and observed smoke emanating from the underside and hood of the vehicle. Prior to him exiting the vehicle he observed flames shooting out from under the console towards his feet. Upon exiting the vehicle I saw flames under the hood of the vehicle and utilized his supplied fire extinguisher to attempt to put the fire out. This was futile and to our benefit he had a pressure washer and 119 gallons of water that he was able to put into action to subdue the fire. Noting that the drivers side front fender melted off and a hole melted in the drivers side hood from the fire. The entire engine compartment was burned as well as melted components and plastic in the passenger compartment of the vehicle from the fire.
NHTSA complaint #11433239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.