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2021 Ford F 350 Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor and open recall alerts for your 2021 Ford F 350.

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RecallsFull scheduleKnown issues8

How Ford schedules service: Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor

Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

🛢️

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

🔄

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

🛑

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

🧪

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

💨

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

⚙️

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

🔩

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

🔧

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

⚡

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

🌡️

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🌬️

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Ford F 350.

Reported to NHTSA

High-pressure fuel pump failure and loss of power

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

27 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, where it lost motive power…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743498
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653947

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Back-over prevention camera failure

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to function as intended. In addition, an error message indicated that the camera was unavailable and to contact the dealer…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655026
“Back up camera screen goes blue when put in reverse. Then after 20 seconds says camera unavailable see dealer. I had dealer repair with a software reset. Worked for about 2 weeks then same symptoms. Noticed Ford has a recall for the same symptoms on other vehicles…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689583

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuse box water intrusion and electrical shutdown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that on several occasions while parked, the vehicle was turned off but remained running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an electrical…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538440
“I was driving my truck home when it completely shut off, I lost all power to everything, including the power steering brakes. When I got home, I did some research on the Internet to see possible causes. Apparently there is a service bulletin for the fuse box…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749077

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end steering oscillation at speed

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2025-01

“Death wobble: while driving approximately 60 MPH over a bridge and construction zone over rough pavement the steering oscillated rapidly and I drifted into another lane applied the brakes causing other vehicles to swerve and emergency brake. This occurred [XXX] in Denver…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633920
“While driving on a road with moderate potholes at about 45 miles per hour the steering wheel and front end stared violently shaking and did not stop until i came to a stop. I took it to the local ford dealership (Cavender Ford) and the service manager said it is a known issue…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491815

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger-side windshield wiper failure

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2023-03

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH while it was sleeting…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499060
“Turned on wiper and passenger side wiper assembly only moved an inch. Does not clear windshield. Wiper arm assembly failure, striped. Can not safely drive vehicle. Manufacturer Recall Number 22S26…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11511708

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate opening while driving

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2025-01

“Electronic tailgate on the 2021 Ford F-350 is opening on its own while driving. Doesn't matter the speed...its happened at 10 mph and at 60 mph. This is a critical issue since it is damaging RVs. My latest occurrence is noted in the Additional Details section…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429268
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the tailgate opened inadvertently, and landed on the jack for the trailer that was being hauled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639880

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2025-12

“The contact owned a 2021 Ford F-350 Diesel. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential yard, the contact noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact had just parked the vehicle and walked around to the back of the residence…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567872
“On highway for 2 hours, pulling 5th wheel trailer. Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaning alert went on. Immediately truck lost power, a few other alerts flashed on the screen that couldn't read in time then alert that truck was being put in Neutral which it did…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604955

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear axle deformation recall

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2023-03

“I was recently informed by Ford that my vehicle is subject to a recall (21S31) because the rear axle may deform and detach from the vehicle. I believe the Ford Safety Recall Report (and NHTSA Recall Number) is 21V-536. My concern is related to the proposed remedy…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427543
“The rear axle repair was not completed and yet they reported that the dealer fixed it. Not true. The truck was taken in for repairs but the dealer was not able to fix it and told me that. They said I will have to get it fixed on my own. The rear axle is a known flaw…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475328

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2018 Ford F 350 →
  • 2019 Ford F 350 →
  • 2020 Ford F 350 →
  • 2022 Ford F 350 →
  • 2023 Ford F 350 →
  • 2024 Ford F 350 →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Ford F 350 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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