NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford F-250 Tremor Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 156 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor presents a mixed safety profile. A substantial 83/100 NHTSA Safety Index places it firmly in our "Strong" band, yet the basis for that score warrants closer examination. While crash-test performance was solid and its recall record clean, the model's notably low rollover rating and the optional nature of key collision-avoidance technologies temper an otherwise robust showing.
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor received a 2-star rollover rating and an overall 4-star NHTSA crash-test score, per NHTSA NCAP data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Trucks from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 2 stars |
| Rollover risk | 32.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 156 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 4 Trucks tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor?
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor earned a concerning 2-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 32 percent rollover risk. This specific test result is the defining safety liability for the model year and significantly affected its overall crash protection score. While frontal and side impact protection both achieved 5 out of 5 stars, the rollover performance pulled the crash protection sub-score down to 58 out of 70. This year's model registered a Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a 12-point decline from the 2020 model year's Exceptional rating of 95 out of 100. The defect record component remained robust at 18.5 out of 20, reflecting zero recalls on file for the 2021 F-250 Tremor. However, the avoidance technology score of 6 out of 10 indicates that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems were optional, not standard equipment. Owners have also filed 156 unverified complaints, with a notable number alleging fuel system and diesel-related issues. These complaints bear watching, even in the absence of any official recall action.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor presents a notable concern in rollover protection, receiving just 2 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This rating corresponds to a 32 percent rollover risk, despite the dynamic tip test yielding a No Tip result. In areas of impact protection, the vehicle performed strongly, achieving the maximum 5 stars for both frontal and side crash safety. The truck's overall safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15391
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor. NHTSA records show zero recall actions for this specific model year configuration. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with it. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as campaigns can be added after initial publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor?
NHTSA has received 156 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel System with 27 reports, Diesel with 24, Power Train with 22, Suspension with 18, and Electrical System with 17. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
156 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor?
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor's safety profile is marked by the absence of any federal recalls on file, a notable distinction. However, consumers should remain vigilant, as new recall campaigns can be initiated by NHTSA at any time. It is crucial for buyers to verify the specific vehicle's configuration for optional safety features such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning, as their inclusion varies by trim level and original order.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index fell 12 points to 83 out of 100 from the 2020 model year's 95, the largest year-over-year drop in recent F-250 Tremor history tracked by MotorCaliber.
- The 2-star rollover rating with a 32 percent rollover risk is the weakest individual score in the 2021 NHTSA test results for this vehicle and should weigh heavily for buyers who frequently carry high loads or travel rural roads.
- Zero recalls are on file for this 2021 configuration, which contributes a near-maximum defect record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20 and distinguishes this year from model years carrying active campaigns.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as optional for this model year, meaning buyers inspecting a used example should verify the as-built options to know whether those systems are actually present.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor places
The 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford F-250 Tremor safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 2 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 32.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 156 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other F-250 Tremor years
Rivals in Truck (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-250 | 88/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Titan | 78/100 | 4 of 5 | 5 |
| 2021 Nissan Frontier | 76/100 | 4 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15391), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-250 Tremor 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 2 of 4 in the Truck class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.