
NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford F-250
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty, full-size pickup truck aimed squarely at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability without compromising on daily usability. Sitting above the half-ton F-150 in Ford's lineup, the F-250 targets contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who demand a workhorse that can also serve as a family vehicle. It is one of the most recognizable and widely sold heavy-duty trucks in the United States.
The 2021 Ford F-250 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Ford F-250 as a benchmark heavy-duty pickup, praising its towing capability, powertrain options, and interior refinement relative to its work-truck roots. Most acknowledge it as a capable, well-rounded choice in the segment. Concerns typically center on its large footprint making everyday driving more demanding, and some reviewers note that the ride can feel stiff when the truck is unladen.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
156 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.