Recall 21V379 affects 1,796 2021 Ford F-450 Sd and F-350 Sd trucks for a cracked fifth-wheel bracket. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,796 2021 F-450 Sd and F-350 Sd trucks because the left-hand fifth wheel mounting bracket can be cracked. A cracked bracket can let the fifth wheel detach while towing, which raises the risk of a crash, and Ford dealers will replace the bracket free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The left-hand fifth wheel bracket is the mounting support that ties the trailer hitch assembly into the truck frame on the driver side. On 2021 Ford F-450 Sd and F-350 Sd trucks, this bracket helps carry fifth wheel trailer loads through the frame instead of letting the hitch assembly flex or shift under acceleration and towing force.
The concern starts in manufacturing. Bracket stamping and forming caused galling, a rough metal condition that leaves damage as the part is shaped. That damage can become a crack in the left-hand inner bracket. A cracked bracket reduces load carrying capability under trailer tow conditions, so the truck does not have the same strength Ford published for fifth wheel towing.
The warning sign is tied to towing. If a trailer is connected to the fifth wheel and the bracket is cracked, the driver can hear loud knocks or clanks while accelerating and feel abnormal vibration. The dealer repair replaces the bracket with one that does not have forming-related cracks.
Who's affected?
Both listed models are tied to the same left-hand fifth-wheel bracket.
| 2021 Ford F-450 Sd | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-350 Sd | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 1,796 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked mounting bracket can let the fifth wheel detach from the truck while towing, increasing the risk of a crash. Loud knocks or clanks during acceleration and abnormal vibration are warning signs to stop towing and call a Ford dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford F-450 Sd or F-350 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free fifth-wheel mounting-bracket inspection and replacement if needed, which addresses the cracked bracket tied to fifth-wheel detachment while towing.
- Bring the recall notice Ford mailed, or reference recall number 21V379 and Ford recall 21S23 when you call.
- Avoid towing with the fifth wheel until the Ford dealer completes the inspection and any needed bracket replacement.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket for cracking and replaces the bracket when the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the original warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 25, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 25, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 16, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 21, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V379?
Recall 21V379 covers 1,796 2021 Ford F-350 Sd and F-450 Sd trucks equipped with a fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket that can be cracked. A Ford dealer will inspect the bracket and replace it for free if the inspection finds a crack.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford F-350 Sd or F-450 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V379. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the fifth wheel mounting bracket inspection. Reference Ford recall number 21S23 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the fifth wheel left-hand mounting bracket and replace the bracket for free if the inspection finds a crack.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fifth wheel separation while towing. If the cracked mounting bracket fails, the fifth wheel can detach from the truck and increase crash risk. Have a Ford dealer inspect the bracket and complete the free replacement if needed.
When were owners notified about recall 21V379?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on June 16, 2021. Used-truck owners and owners who never received a letter still need to check the VIN, since the year and model alone do not confirm whether the free repair applies.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V379000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V379 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V379000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →