This article supersedes TSB 23-2280 to update labor times from M-time to fixed time. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above, may exhibit an illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3000:41 and/or U3000:54 in the occupant classification system module (OCSM) and/or B00A0:09, B00A0:63, B00A0:64 and/or B00A0:68 in the restraints control module (RCM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford F-150 airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 F-150 | 20 |
| 2018 F-150 | 23 |
| 2019 F-150 | 15 |
| 2020 F-150 | 9 |
| 2021 F-150 (this page) | 3 |
Of the 17 model years of Ford F-150 we track for airbags problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2021 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 59,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.