NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford F-250 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford F-250 scores 88 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 Crew Cab 4WD registered zero recalls, a commendable record for its model year. This contributed to its NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. While NHTSA crash test scores were solid overall, the rollover rating merits consideration for those evaluating this vehicle.
The 2021 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and a 4-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, per federal NHTSA 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 ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 156 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 4 Trucks tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford F-250?
The 2021 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD carries a 3 out of 5 star rollover rating from NHTSA, with a 29 percent rollover risk. This result is consistent with the vehicle's design as a tall, heavy-duty truck. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 places it in the Strong band, a 5-point improvement over the 2020 model's score of 83. This gain reflects strong sub-scores: crash protection reached 62 out of 70, and the defect record stands at 18.5 out of 20. The defect record benefits from zero recalls on file for this specific model year. The avoidance technology sub-score of 7.5 out of 10 indicates a mixed offering of active safety features. While lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard, forward collision warning remains an optional extra, a notable omission for models not factory-equipped. NHTSA has logged 156 unverified owner complaints, with the Fuel System and Diesel categories most frequently cited. These complaints do not affect star ratings but warrant continued observation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford F-250 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash protection both received a perfect 5 stars. However, rollover performance stands as a notable exception, earning 3 out of 5 stars with a measured 29 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15434
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 have any recalls?
NHTSA shows zero recall campaigns on file for the 2021 Ford F-250. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies to this model year based on current federal records. That clean recall slate contributes directly to the vehicle's defect-record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has received 156 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 F-250. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel System with 27 reports, Diesel systems with 24, and Power Train with 22. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include 3 alleged crash incidents.
156 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford F-250?
Used shoppers should run this specific vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool before purchase. Although no recalls are on file for the 2021 model year, VIN-level checks can surface any open campaigns that postdate initial filing. Confirm remedy completion status on any campaign found.
- The 2021 model year shows a 5-point Safety Index improvement over the 2020 F-250, rising from 83 to 88 out of 100, driven by a zero-recall defect record and strong crash-protection sub-scores.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this specific year is 3 out of 5 stars with a 29 percent rollover risk, the weakest dimension in an otherwise high-scoring crash-test profile.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional equipment for this year, meaning individual trucks may or may not have the feature depending on how they were originally ordered and built.
- NHTSA has logged 156 unverified complaints for this model year, with Fuel System and Diesel categories leading at 27 and 24 reports respectively, three of which allege a crash event.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford F-250 places
The 2021 Ford F-250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford F-250 safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford F-250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford F-250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford F-250 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford F-250 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 156 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford F-250. 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 years
Rivals in Truck (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor | 83/100 | 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 15434), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-250 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 1 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.