Recall 21V381 affects 4,436 2021 Ford F-150 trucks for improperly assembled two-piece driveshafts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 4,436 2021 F-150 trucks because the two-piece driveshaft was improperly assembled and can separate. If it separates, the truck can lose drive power or move unintentionally when parked without the parking brake, increasing crash risk; Ford dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear two-piece driveshaft on the 2021 Ford F-150 carries engine power from the transmission and transfer case to the rear axle. It is built in sections so it can fit the truck's wheelbase and still spin smoothly as the suspension moves. A small retaining ring, called a circlip, locks the connection between the driveshaft halves.
On affected trucks, that circlip was not installed correctly during supplier assembly. Without the ring fully seated, the connection between the two driveshaft sections is not held the way Ford designed it. The halves can separate while the truck is in use, which stops power from moving through the rear driveline and leaves loose driveline parts under the truck.
The warning sign Ford identified is a loud clunking or banging noise. Treat that noise as a driveline warning, especially if it comes from under the truck during acceleration, shifting, or low-speed movement.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Ford F-150 | driveline |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,436 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Ford F-150 pickup is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separating driveshaft can cause sudden loss of drive power. It can also let the vehicle move while parked if the parking brake is not applied, increasing crash risk. A loud clunking or banging noise is a warning sign. If you hear it, park safely, set the parking brake, 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-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free driveshaft inspection and replacement, if necessary, for the improperly assembled two-piece driveshaft.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V381 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driveshaft and replaces it if the inspection shows replacement is needed. The recall covers the inspection, replacement driveshaft, and labor at no charge. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because that warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how the original warranty applies to any prior driveshaft 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 14, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 14, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V381?
Recall 21V381 covers 4,436 2021 Ford F-150 trucks with two-piece driveshafts that were improperly assembled. The driveshaft can separate, which can cause sudden loss of drive power or unintended movement while parked without the parking brake. Ford dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V381. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the driveshaft inspection. Ford will replace the driveshaft if needed. Reference Ford recall number 21S25 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V381?
The safety risk is driveshaft separation. Under recall 21V381, separation can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or the truck can move unintentionally while parked if the parking brake is not applied. That increases crash risk.
What if I bought my 2021 Ford F-150 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall 21V381 or Ford recall number 21S25 if your truck is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V381000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V381 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V381000 |
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 →