Recall 21V791 affects 8 2013-2016 Hme-modified Ford F-550 emergency vehicles for a missing emissions warning. Repair is free at a franchised Ford dealer.
Hme is recalling 8 2013-2016 Ford F-550 emergency vehicles under recall 21V791 because the dashboard malfunction indicator light can fail to warn the operator about certain emissions-control faults. That can leave the driver unaware of emissions-system issues that lead to loss of drive power and higher crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The on-board diagnostic system in these 2013-2016 Hme Ford F-550 emergency vehicles monitors parts of the emissions control system. Its dashboard malfunction indicator light, often called the MIL or check engine light, is supposed to turn on when the system detects certain emissions faults. That light tells the operator the vehicle needs diagnosis.
The problem is in the powertrain control module, or PCM, the computer that manages engine functions and emissions checks. In the recalled vehicles, the PCM programming does not command the dashboard light to illuminate for certain emissions faults. The vehicle can keep operating while the operator receives no dashboard alert for a fault that the onboard system detected.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is the missing dashboard alert itself, so an operator would not know from the MIL that those emissions faults are present.
Who's affected?
Spans four model years, with the instrument panel listed for each year.
| 2016 Hme Ford F-550 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2015 Hme Ford F-550 | instrument panel |
| 2014 Hme Ford F-550 | instrument panel |
| 2013 Hme Ford F-550 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 8 |
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?
Because the driver is not alerted to emissions-system issues, the vehicle can lose drive power and increase crash risk. If power drops while driving, slow down, move out of traffic when safe, and schedule the PCM reprogramming promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 Hme Ford F-550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free PCM reprogramming tied to the malfunction indicator light and emissions-control fault alert.
- Bring the recall notice if it is available. Reference recall number 21V791 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the PCM update is complete, since the dashboard warning light does not alert the driver to certain emissions-system faults.
- Call Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 with questions about the recall or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician reprograms the PCM so the on-board diagnostic system can trigger the dashboard malfunction indicator light when covered emissions control faults are present. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Hme has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this recall-related software work. Bring repair paperwork or payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Hme customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 20, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 23, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| May 23, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 27, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V791?
Recall 21V791 covers 8 2013-2016 Hme Ford F-550 vehicles with an on-board diagnostic system issue. The malfunction indicator light can fail to alert the operator to certain emissions-control faults, which can lead to loss of drive power and increased crash risk. Dealers will reprogram the PCM for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 Hme Ford F-550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V791. If it is included, contact a franchised Ford dealer or Hme customer service at 1-616-534-1463 to schedule the PCM reprogramming. Reference recall number 21V791 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V791, dealers will reprogram the PCM free of charge, so parts and labor are covered for included 2013-2016 Hme Ford F-550 vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power without the expected dashboard warning. If the malfunction indicator light does not illuminate for certain emissions-control faults, the driver can miss a problem that affects drivability and increases crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 21V791?
Hme mailed owner notification letters on May 20, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013-2016 Hme Ford F-550 is included before arranging the free PCM reprogramming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V791000 |
|---|---|
| Hme customer service | 1-616-534-1463 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V791 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V791000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →