The 2021 Ford F-150 lasts around 250,000 miles with some average trailer brake controller and oil consumption issues reported. At $29,290 to $74,600, it’s a good value for a capable large truck paired with a lot of the latest safety tech.
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a very good year for the Ford F-150 since it offers new features while still having a class-leading towing capacity. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, advanced technology, along with the efficient engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a large truck, the seats are comfortable on longer drives and the three bed lengths are great for hauling cargo.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Ford F-150. Models from 2011–2021 are all reasonably reliable as they age.
- Performance 9/10 – Performance is okay from the base engine, while the V8 and turbocharged V6 engines offer great power for a truck of its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 F-150 is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control as well as lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 552 miles of range out of the 23 gallon tank. Gas costs are $30 cheaper than average at $288 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Ford F-150 is a great value since depreciation rates are lower than many other full size trucks, and ownership costs are reasonable as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford F-150?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ford F-150 offers an upgraded cabin along with ride improvements, giving it a high owner satisfaction score.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 F-150 at 3.7/5, enjoying the very easy to use infotainment system, but doesn’t like the lack of interior storage.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Ford F-150 a 4.3/5, praising the very high towing capacity for a truck its size, but owners don’t like that it’s hard to maneuver.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ford F-150 Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ford F-150 include issues with the electronic trailer brake controller, excessive oil consumption, along with premature brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to many other full size trucks on the market, leading to average repair bills as the F-150 ages.
Issues with the electronic trailer brake controller are the most widespread complaint, showing up in the first 20,000 miles. The trailer brake controller simply does not send the correct voltage to the trailer brakes. The problem is usually covered under warranty while the truck is reasonably new, although out of warranty it costs about $200 to fix.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem reported by some F-150 owners at around 5,000 miles. The problem is most common with the turbocharged V6 engine. In general, turbo engines consume more oil than naturally-aspirated ones. We recommend checking your oil regularly and topping it off as needed.
Premature brake wear also shows up on some 2021 F-150 models in the first 10,000 miles. The problem is more common when you use the truck to tow or haul heavy weight, which requires more braking force to slow down. Replacing the brake pads costs around $250, while rotors are an additional $450.
There are 15 recalls on the 2021 Ford F-150, which is worse than some other full size trucks on the market. The most serious recall covers damaged steering gears, which can cause a loss of control. Ford will replace the steering gears on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the windshield wipers along with a damaged driveshaft, which Ford will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Ford F-150 Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ford F-150 can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than the very long-lasting Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large trucks, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $738 per year.
As a used 2021 Ford F-150 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission shift cable for $175, starter motor costing $350, along with the alternator which costs $700.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great for a full size truck offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a 12-inch central screen, along with a more powerful Bang and Olufsen stereo system.
Standard safety features are good for a truck, offering:
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward collision warning
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Intersection assist
- Cross traffic alert
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Evasive steering assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Active drive assist which is a semi-autonomous driving system
Is the 2021 Ford F-150 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ford F-150 is a good value since it’s a very capable truck with decent reliability ratings as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,290 to $74,600, making it more than a Chevy Silverado or Ram 1500. When new, the price range was $29,290 to $76,530. Depreciation is nearly nonexistent in current market conditions, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford F-150?
There are eight main models of the 2021 Ford F-150 offered from the base XL all the way through to the more luxurious Limited and King Ranch, up to the performance-focused Raptor. The F-150 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
XL is the entry-level model with:
- Trailer sway control and pre-wired trailer connections
- Manual mirrors and windows (power windows are standard on the SuperCrew)
- Single-zone air conditioning
- Vinyl flooring
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
- Safety features:
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision mitigation
XLT is a step up, adding:
- Fog Lights
- Carpeted flooring
- Cruise control
- Power door locks and power windows
- Power-locking tailgate
- Front-seat lumbar adjustments
- Safety features:
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear automatic braking
- Lane keeping assist
Lariat offers more upgrades including:
- Class IV trailer hitch
- LED bed lighting
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
- 12-inch center touchscreen
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable pedals
- Remote start and remote tailgate release
King Ranch is a luxurious model which has:
- LED headlights and taillights
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Heated steering wheel
- Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column
- Heated rear seats
- Eight-speaker B&O stereo
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
Platinum offers minor changes such as:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Unique Interior Changes
Limited is the most luxurious with:
- Trailer Tow package with Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system
- Power running boards
- Two-panel moonroof
- Power up-and-down rear tailgate with Ford’s tailgate step and work surface
- Specialized leather upholstery
- Massaging front seats
- 18-speaker B&O stereo
- Pro Power Onboard
- 360-degree camera system
- Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0 Prep package and later BlueCruise system (subscription required)
Tremor offers some off-road performance with:
- Standard 4WD
- 18-inch alloy wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Selectable terrain driving modes
- Trail turn assist
- Uniquely tuned off-roading suspension
- Locking rear differential
Raptor is the high-performance off-road model which has:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires
- 36-gallon gas tank
- Raptor-specific off-roading suspension with adaptive Fox shock absorbers
- Raptor-specific fender flares and grille
- Six upfitter switches
Raptor 37 Performance package (optional):
- Beadlock-capable wheels
- 37-inch tires
- Retuned shock absorbers
- Recaro sport front seats with unique upholstery
- Special exterior graphics and interior trim
What Engines Come In the Ford F-150?
- 3.3-liter V6: The base engine generates 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is around 21 mpg, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.
- Turbocharged 2.7-liter V6: This engine produces 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It also uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is around 22 mpg, and its towing capacity reaches up to 10,100 pounds.
- 5.0-liter V8: This powerful V8 engine offers 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its combined fuel economy is about 18 mpg, and it can tow up to 13,000 pounds.
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6: This diesel engine generates 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is around 23 mpg, and its towing capacity is up to 12,100 pounds.
- Turbocharged 3.5-liter V6: This engine provides 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It also uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is around 20 mpg, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds.
- Raptor-specific turbocharged 3.5-liter V6: The high-performance Raptor model features an engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is about 16 mpg, and its towing capacity is up to 8,200 pounds.
- Hybrid Powertrain (Ford’s PowerBoost): This powertrain combines the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor and a battery pack, delivering 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. It uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy is around 24 mpg, and it can tow up to 12,700 pounds.
What Colors Does the Ford F-150 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford F-150?
The 2021 Ford F-150 is well-known for its comfortable and refined cabin, which is available in three cab configurations, offering a pleasant driving experience for both drivers and passengers. With various trim levels to choose from, you can find an F-150 that suits your preferences regarding comfort and luxury. The truck features a lot of passenger space with ample headroom and legroom, even in the rear seats of the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations.
The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives more enjoyable. The F-150 also comes with an array of standard and optional features, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and upscale materials like leather upholstery in higher trims for a premium feel. Additionally, the F-150 boasts impressive noise insulation and a smooth ride, further enhancing its overall comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford F-150 Have?
The Ford F-150 is a versatile full-size pickup truck that offers various storage options depending on the cab and bed configurations. The bed lengths include a 5.5-ft bed with around 52.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, a 6.5-ft bed with roughly 62.3 cubic feet, and an 8-ft bed providing around 77.4 cubic feet.
The 5.5-ft bed, available with the SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations, can accommodate items such as bicycles, camping gear, or a small piece of furniture. The 6.5-ft bed, which can be found with the Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, is suitable for carrying items like a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood, a motorcycle, or a large lawnmower. Lastly, the 8-ft bed, available for the Regular Cab, can fit longer items like kayaks, full-size ladders, or extended construction materials.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 14th generation of the Ford F-150 was launched for the 2021 model year.
2015: Fully redesigned for the 13th generation with new technology, styling, and engines.
2016: Sync 3 infotainment system available, Pro Trailer Backup Assist system added.
2017: New Raptor model introduced, the 3.5L-V6 offers more power.
2018: Minor exterior styling changes, 10-speed automatic transmission upgraded, and new engines available.
2019: Diesel engine available, Limited and Raptor models have a larger 36 gallon tank, forward collision warning added.
2020: New exterior trim on the XL, XLT, and Lariat models, more standard driver assistance features.
2021: Fully redesigned for the 14th generation with new engine choices including a hybrid, upgraded safety features, along with more entertainment technology.
How Does the Ford F-150 Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ford F-150 is a great full size truck, offering plenty of space, technology, good performance, along with decent reliability ratings as it ages.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is another full size truck which costs around $2,500 less. Where the Chevy Silverado 1500 stands out is with more powerful V8 engine options, while the safety technology is better in the Ford F-150. We recommend the Ford F-150 since it’s more reliable as it ages.
The Toyota Tundra is a popular competitor which costs around $5,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better on the Toyota Tundra, while the Ford F-150 offers more powerful engine choices with a higher towing capacity. We recommend the Toyota Tundra unless you need to tow larger trailers.
