The 2021 Ford F-650 shows a concerning number of recalls, primarily related to the fuel system and powertrain. With failures peaking within the first 20,000 miles, this raises red flags for prospective owners regarding reliability in early ownership.
Key Factor:Heightened risk in fuel system
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (3) than the average FORD vehicle (2.6). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
3 recalls for this vehicle2.6 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
These recalls primarily affect critical components like the fuel system and powertrain, which are vital for a heavy-duty truck's operation. If a pinhole develops in the fuel filter cap or if biodiesel deposits lead to pump failure, drivers could face stalling issues or even costly repairs, potentially leaving them stranded when they need their vehicle most. The frequency of these issues is particularly alarming given that many failures occur below 20,000 miles.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
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Summary: Ford has historically produced durable workhorses like the F-650; however, this model year presents a shift with multiple recalls raising concerns. Compared to industry expectations for reliability in heavy-duty trucks, this year's trend suggests a significant risk that buyers should carefully consider.
Safety & Reliability Score
71/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-0.2
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 FORD F-650
Model Year2021
MakeFORD
ModelF-650
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Oct20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
2 complaints (50% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 4 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
2(50%)
π‘Medium
1(25%)
π’Low
1(25%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that owners could face serious issues shortly after purchase. This is especially troubling for new owners who may believe their vehicle is still under warranty, only to encounter substantial problems right out of the gate.
π Mileage data extracted from 2 of 4 complaints (50% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (50%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (50%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELPOWER TRAIN
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Fuel System
Issue: Potential leaks from the secondary fuel filter cap leading to stalling.
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Check for any visible fuel leaks and ensure all recalls are addressed immediately.
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Verify that all recall work has been completed before purchase and inspect for any damage around the fuel filter area.
Campaigns:21V15721V25821V319
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (3)
Campaign: 22V013000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 20V691000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 7.3L gas engines. The transmission oil cooler line may contact the air conditioning compressor pulley, possibly causing a transmission fluid leak.
Consequence
Leaking transmission fluid may contact hot engine components, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect transmission oil cooler lines for proper orientation and damage, correcting the lines and replacing any that are damaged, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S66.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 24V957000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.
Consequence
High pressure Fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 9, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 F-650.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding F-650 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 25,234
Consumer Complaints
4 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 F-650.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning50%
Burn50%
Smell50%
Stall25%
Acceleration Issues25%
Leak25%
Odor25%
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-650. The contact stated while an employee was driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and stalled. The driver pulled to the right side of the road and waited for towing assistance. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000(Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 146,000.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-650. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure until after the recall was repaired; however, the contact was charged for the recall repair. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine/Powertrainβ οΈ High
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
The driver reported an intermittent burnt oil smell from rear of truck. We found the axle leaking gear oil, with gear oil soaking the brake pads and pooling in the wheel. Took to Ford dealer, where it was confirmed by the dealer and repaired under warranty.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V691000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Brakesβ οΈ High
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-650. The contact stated while releasing the brake pedal and driving from a complete stop, the brake pedal made abnormal sounds. The contact also stated that the parking brake was not operative. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found regarding the brake pedal and the abnormal sounds. However, the parking brake was repaired. The contact stated that the brake pedal continued to make abnormal sounds while driving from a complete stop. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ABS and the traction control sensors were replaced on the rear passengerβs side of the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer then replaced the master cylinder however, the brake pedal continued to make abnormal sounds while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that he smelled a burning odor coming from the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake caliper needed to be replaced; however, the parts for repair were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,700.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the reliability of the 2021 Ford F-650?
The reliability of the 2021 Ford F-650 is under scrutiny due to three significant recalls mostly affecting its fuel system and powertrain. Itβs essential to stay informed about these recalls as they can lead to serious operational issues like stalling.
Are there common problems with the diesel engine in the Ford F-650?
'Yes, common problems include potential leaks from faulty components such as the secondary fuel filter cap, which can compromise engine performance. Additionally, biodiesel deposits may cause high-pressure fuel pump failures, making it crucial for owners to monitor their vehicles closely.'
πYear-over-Year Context
πElevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new fuel system, diesel components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.
π§What This Means for You
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified FORD service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.