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150 platform

2021 Ford F-150

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 F.

The 2021 Ford F-150 is built on Ford's full-size 150 platform and specified with a 6.0-quart oil capacity running 5W-30 viscosity — conventional figures that underscore its role as a mainstream workhorse rather than a specialty offering. By the numbers most researchers track, the model year has accumulated 937 owner complaints, with the powertrain identified as the dominant problem area, alongside 28 recalls — a heavy but not unprecedented paper trail. Context matters here: the F-150's complaint history between 1990 and 2009 has swung from a low of 21 filings in 1990 to a high of 2,991 in 1997, which places the 2021's count firmly in the middle of the nameplate's long record rather than at either extreme. For anyone studying the model, the practical read is that this generation behaves like the F-150 of recent memory — a high-volume truck with familiar mechanical complaints, neither a regression nor a recovery.

Model year2025202420232021

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque150 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 750 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 750 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size265/60R18 110TOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length161.4 in
Overall width69.3 in
Overall height65 in
Wheelbase99.2 in
Curb weight3020 lb
Track (front / rear)59.8 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the F of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.2–6.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.20 sec — 2021 F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (37 Performance Pack) (5'7.1" Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (37 Performance Pack) (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.20 sec14.00 sec450 hp4x4
2021F-150 Raptor SuperCrew (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.20 sec13.90 sec450 hp4x4
2021F-150 Lariat FX4 EcoBoost SuperCrew (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.30 sec13.90 sec400 hp4x4
2021F-150 Lariat PowerBoost SuperCrew (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 + Elec 1.5-kWh5.30 sec13.80 sec430 hp4x4
2021F-150 Lariat PowerBoost SuperCrew (Sport) (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 + Elec 1.5-kWh5.30 sec13.80 sec430 hp4x4
2021F-150 Tremor SuperCrew (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.30 sec13.90 sec400 hp4x4
2021F-150 XLT EcoBoost SuperCrew (Chrome) (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V65.30 sec13.90 sec400 hp4x4
2021F-150 Lariat PowerBoost SuperCrew (Sport) (5'7.1" Bed) 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 + Elec 1.5-kWh5.40 sec13.90 sec430 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, 75W-85 · Synthetic in the differential, Dot 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 150 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10R80
Brake FluidDot 4
Differential Gear Oil75W-85 · Synthetic
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine Coolant Capacity15.1 qt
Engine CoolantMotorcraft Yellow Concentrated
Engine Coolant Capacity13.7 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)4.41 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.08 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.16 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.91 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.16 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.91 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFront: 18.0; Rear: 38.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts150 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug11.08 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug11.08 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug35.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.028-0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11.08 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.812 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeYN-35
Oil Capacity2.70 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.81 lbs.; Hybrid
Oil Capacity2.71 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum62.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-62.0
Residual Pressure51.0-62.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-87.0
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-87.0
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)Turbo: 51.0-87.0
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-87.0

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 24.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 184.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.6
Minimum Pad Thickness0.118 in
Minimum Pad Thickness0.118 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.280; Rear: 13
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
15.91 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.91 ft. lbs., Step 3: 60°5.91 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-35.91 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
18.83 ft. lbs., Step 2: 8.83 ft. lbs., Step 3: 60°8.83 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 32.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 105°17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 180°, Step 3: 24.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°24 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 32.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
117.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 32.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 28.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 105°14.75 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 60°37 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs, Step 4: 270°166 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 60°37 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1103.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 74.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90°103 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 45°14.75 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 2 complete rotations., Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 180°014.75 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.75 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 90°, Step 5: 90°, Step 6: M6 Bolt: 7.14 ft. lbs., Step 7: Studs: 9.5814.75 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1018 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-814.8 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
143.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°43 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-8 in order: 3.66 ft. lbs., Step 2: Bolts 1-8 in reverse order: 7.141–8 in
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
145°
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
18.50 ft. lbs., Step 2: 35°8.5 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 360°, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 180°30 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Install bolts and tighten finger tight., Step 227 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.58 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.142.58 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.25 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 180°, Step 3: 2.252.25 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.25 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 180°, Step 3: 2.252.25 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.50 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.14 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45°1.5 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°7.14 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 200,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 200,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miAir Filter Restriction Gauge (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 200,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Across the federal record, complaints peaked dramatically in the late‑1990s (2,991 in 1997) before falling to a low of 324 by 2009, while recalls followed a similar arc, rising to 26 in 1997 and then stabilizing around 2‑3 per year after 2008. Investigations and TSBs also contracted sharply after the early 2000s, indicating a broader improvement in vehicle reliability for this generation. The 2021 data point is not present in the year‑by‑year record, so we cannot quantify its exact complaint or recall counts, but the historical downward trend suggests that the model year likely benefits from the post‑2008 reliability gains. With power‑train issues (210 complaints) as the leading problem area in 2021, the vehicle still shows some concentration of defects, yet the overall trend points to fewer systemic failures than earlier years. **Takeaway:** Based on the long‑term improvement pattern, 2021 appears to be a comparatively safe year to buy, provided the buyer verifies that the specific power‑train concerns have been addressed.

28
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
626
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
937
Owner complaints
13 involved a crash · 4 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 937 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train210
Exterior Lighting79
Visibility64
Unknown Or Other54
Electrical System52
Visibility/Wiper42
Engine34
Steering24

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 626 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 26-22942026-07-09Power TrainThis bulletin supersedes 26-2066. Reason for update: To remove "(2024 only)" from the…
TSB 26-23042026-07-01Power TrainThis bulletin supersedes 25-2383. Reason for update: to add 2023-2026 F-150 2.7L…
TSB 26-22972026-06-24Electrical SystemSome of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may…
BCMC-26.DG F-1502026-06-18Electrical SystemQuality improvements include: -Addresses a false trailer brake fault message when…
TSB 26-22872026-06-18Power TrainThis article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific F. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 65 batteryVehicles taking 6.0 qt150-platform vehicles

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 F take?

6.0 qt of Motorcraft 5W-30 Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 F have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 28 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.