Some of the vehicles listed in the Model Statement above may exhibit a clunking noise from the rear suspension while turning at low speeds. This may be due to binding at the leaf spring clinch clips.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford F-150 suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 F-150 | 6 |
| 2018 F-150 | 18 |
| 2019 F-150 | 6 |
| 2020 F-150 | 8 |
| 2021 F-150 (this page) | 13 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
Certain 2021-2022 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped with 9.75 HD Axle þ Float Axle Rear Axle Half-Shaft and Hub Assembly Replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2022 F-150 Raptor vehicles built on or before 16-Jun-2022 may experience a clunk, thump, and/or rattle noise from the front and /or rear when going over bumps. This may be due to a concern with the shock absorbers. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Sections 100-04 and 204-00 to perform the appropriate noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnosis and inspections. If diagnosis leads to a shock absorber, replace only the affected shock absorber(s). Refer to WSM, Sections 204-01B (front) and/or 204-02 (rear). For claiming, use causal part 18124 (front) or 18125 (rear) and applicable labor operations in Section 03 (front) and/or Section 05 (rear) of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 21-2253 to update the vehicle lines affected. Some 2021 F-150 (non-Raptor/non-Tremor) vehicles with rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of 1542 kg (3,400 lb) or 1724 kg (3,800 lb) shown on the vehicle certification (VC) label may experience a pop/clunk/snap noise from the rear of vehicle when driving up/down an incline at an angle (frame twist). This approach angle would be similar to entering or leaving a driveway. This may be due to movement between the rear spring and the rear spring mounting plate on the rear axle. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to apply lubrication between the rear spring and the rear spring mounting plate mating surf
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021 F-150 vehicles with rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of 1542 kg (3,400 lb) or 1724 kg (3,800 lb) shown on the vehicle certification (VC) label may experience a pop/clunk/snap noise from the rear of vehicle when driving up/down an incline at an angle (frame twist). This approach angle would be similar to entering or leaving a driveway. This may be due to movement between the rear spring and the rear spring mounting plate on the rear axle. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to apply lubrication between the rear spring and the rear spring mounting plate mating surfaces on the rear axle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report multiple rear suspension and axle failures in 2021 Ford F-150s. The most frequent complaint involves rear axle bolts shearing off or cracking, typically discovered during tire rotations or reported as rattles and vibrations. Failures occur between 27,000 and 85,000 miles. When the bolt fails, owners describe high-pitched sounds, rattling, and dangerous vibrations at highway speeds—conditions dealerships acknowledge as unsafe to drive.
One owner reported a rear axle that detached, causing the navigation screen to blank and speedometer to zero at 45-50 mph. Another describes a rear-end failure requiring full axle replacement. Frame welding discovered on a brand-new truck raises structural integrity concerns unrelated to typical wear.
Several owners cite Recall 23S65 (also referenced as NHTSA 23V896) and campaign 25V315000, but face indefinite parts shortages. One owner waited two months for a dealer appointment with a failing bolt, then experienced vibrations while waiting. Another reports a crunching/clanging sound during turns on inclines that dealers couldn't isolate after three repair attempts and 27 days in service. One owner's loaner developed the same noise. A rear leaf spring off-center alignment issue is reported on at least one truck.
Driveshaft vibration causing violent shaking at 65+ mph is reported by one owner whose VIN fell outside an applicable recall. Multiple complaints suggest these failures are more common on Max Tow equipped trucks and may not be covered by recalls or Technical Service Bulletins.
Same Ford F-150 suspension reports on nearby years: 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Rear axle bolt shearing/cracking
The bolt securing the rear axle to the hub fractures or completely shears off, typically discovered during routine tire rotation or identified by rattling/vibration symptoms.
When: 27,000–85,000 miles; failures occur early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling sound from rear end; High-pitched noise from wheel area; Vibration during driving, especially highway speeds (65+ mph); Bolt found loose on ground during tire work
Repairs/costs cited: Rear axle bolt replacement; some owners report parts on indefinite backorder. One mechanic charged for replacement; dealers acknowledge failure as safety-critical but unable to source parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23S65/NHTSA 23V896 and campaign 25V315000 referenced by owners, but parts unavailable. Manufacturer denied buyback request in one case. One owner's VIN excluded from applicable recall.
Rear axle assembly failure requiring replacement
The rear axle assembly deteriorates and requires full replacement, not just bolt repair. One report indicates a complete rear-end failure.
When: 40,000–85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud sound from rear end; Rear axle failure diagnosis; Rear-view camera image black (concurrent issue in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Full rear axle replacement performed by independent mechanic in one case (~$1,000–$3,000 typical range, not stated by owner). Another case not repaired due to lack of dealer support.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not covered under related recall or extended warranty per one owner; recall repair attempted but failure recurred the next day with no further manufacturer assistance.
Driveshaft imbalance/vibration
Driveshaft malfunction causes violent vehicle shake at highway speeds despite tire, rim, and suspension replacement and multiple dealer inspections.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking at 65+ mph; Persists after tire replacement, rim replacement, and suspension work
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports video evidence of driveshaft/rear-end movement; independent shop identified driveshaft as cause. Dealer said VIN not part of applicable recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated VIN not covered under recall; no repair or TSB offered.
Crunching/clanging sound during turns on inclines
Repetitive noise occurs every time the vehicle turns on an incline or decline. Dealer spent 27 days over 4 visits attempting diagnosis, loosening and re-tightening body bolts, then suspecting springs without confirmation.
When: Early ownership; 4 dealer visits documented as of August 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Crunching/clanging sound during turns on inclines or declines; Same noise appeared on loaner vehicle, suggesting systemic issue
Repairs/costs cited: Body bolts loosened and re-tightened to factory specs without resolution. Dealer suspects spring issue but uncertain. 27 days in dealer service across 3 repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer representative suggested buyback was appropriate; no recall or TSB mentioned.
Rear axle detachment (partial or imminent)
During highway driving, rear axle began detaching, triggering instrument cluster and navigation failures as a symptom of the structural failure.
When: 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation screen turned blank; Speedometer dropped to zero; No warning light prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed rear end detaching and declared vehicle unsafe to drive. Second dealer determined rear axle in good condition; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied buyback request.
Frame welding defect (structural)
Certified independent inspection discovered welding on the main chassis front-left frame area of a brand-new truck with no accident history, raising frame integrity concerns.
When: Discovered post-purchase on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Visible welding on critical structural frame area; No prior warning lights or symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspected and held truck for ~3 weeks but provided no explanation or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford regional office delayed technical report for 5+ months with no response or resolution.
Rear leaf spring misalignment
Rear driver-side leaf spring off-center and not lined up properly; owner reports similar issues reported on other trucks of the same model year.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Leaf spring visibly off-centered on driver side
Rear-view camera failure (concurrent with axle issues)
Rear-view camera displays black image during reversing, occurring alongside axle failure. Failure recurred after recall repair attempt.
When: Concurrent with 85,000-mile axle failure; recurring after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Rear-view camera image black during reversing; Tailgate damage when camera failure caused driver to hit trailer while reversing
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) performed but failure recurred the next day.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V315000 attempted; failure recurred with no further assistance provided by dealer or manufacturer.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension trouble with your 2021 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2021 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, suspension 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.