Recall 21V986 affects 184,698 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks for loose underbody insulators that can damage the driveshaft. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 184,698 2021-2022 F-150 trucks because underbody heat and noise insulators can loosen, touch the aluminum driveshaft, and damage it until it fractures. A fractured driveshaft can cause loss of drive power, loss of vehicle control if it hits the ground, or parked movement without the parking brake; Ford dealers will repair the insulation free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The underbody heat and noise insulators on 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks are pads mounted under the cab to control heat and road noise. They sit above the driveline area, near the aluminum driveshaft. The driveshaft is the rotating tube that carries engine power toward the rear axle, so it needs clear space as it spins.
On affected F-150 trucks, the adhesive holding the insulators to the underbody does not hold them firmly enough. The pads can loosen and sag until they touch the spinning aluminum driveshaft. That contact can scrape or score the driveshaft, and continued damage can lead the driveshaft to fracture.
You can see or hear this problem before the driveshaft fails. Look for a loose underbody insulator, rattling, clicking, or clunking from underneath the truck, or visible marking on the driveshaft where the loose insulator has rubbed it.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2021 and 2022 F-150 in both body structure and driveline categories tied to the passenger-side underbody insulator.
| 2021 Ford F-150 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-150 | driveline |
| 2022 Ford F-150 | body structure |
| 2022 Ford F-150 | driveline |
| Units affected | 184,698 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured driveshaft can cut drive power, affect vehicle control if it hits the ground, or let the truck move while parked if the parking brake is not set. Rattling, clicking, clunking, loose underbody insulation, or driveshaft scoring are reasons to park safely and call a dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free inspection and repair that secures the loose underbody insulators and addresses any driveshaft damage.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V986 when you call.
- Engage the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the driveshaft for damage and repairs it as needed. The technician also secures the underbody heat and noise insulators so they stay clear of the aluminum driveshaft. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford excludes separate reimbursement because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 21, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 4, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V986?
Recall 21V986 covers 184,698 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks with underbody heat and noise insulators that can loosen, contact the aluminum driveshaft, and damage it. Ford dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as needed and secure the insulators for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V986. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the driveshaft inspection and underbody-insulator repair. Reference Ford recall number 21S56 when you call. The dealer 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 and repair the driveshaft as needed and properly attach the underbody insulators free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of drive power, loss of vehicle control if the fractured driveshaft contacts the ground, or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of those conditions increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Ford F-150 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2021-2022 Ford F-150 is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 21V986 or Ford recall number 21S56.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V986000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V986 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V986000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →