See attached document for complaint.
2021 Ford F-350 electrical problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 11 electrical complaints filed for the 2021 Ford F-350, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a range of electrical failures in 2021 F-350s. The most dangerous is engine shutdown while driving—one owner's truck dies almost daily with a fuel pressure fault code (P0191), cutting off steering control at stop lights and highway speeds; that dealer refuses to diagnose it. Another owner's truck enters limp mode due to severe corrosion inside the main electrical connector under the bed above the spare tire, taking out climate control, windows, blind spot monitors, and mirrors at once.
Trailer brake systems are failing: one truck's factory brake controller melted internally while towing, and another shows false "no trailer detected" messages. A third owner lost cruise control, GPS, and instrument cluster functions after the APIM (infotainment module) failed three times in two days at 22,000 miles.
Moisture is getting into electrical boxes. One battery junction box corroded from condensation at 47,000 miles, preventing the truck from shutting off. Another owner's fuse box shorted from condensation, leaving the engine running after being turned off. A third found corrosion so severe in the under-bed connector that wires crumbled when touched.
Other reported issues include the truck staying on after shut-down, a rear camera failure, and false trailer disconnect warnings. Several owners report dealers refusing diagnostic work or honoring warranty.
Same Ford F-350 electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Trailer brake controller failure and wiring issues
Factory trailer brake controller malfunction and melting, causing loss of trailer brakes or false trailer-not-detected messages. Associated wiring corrosion and harness problems.
When: 200,000 miles (complaint #1); during towing (complaint #8)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning wire smell while towing; Trailer brakes lost or non-functional; Disconnect/Reconnect message on instrument panel; System indicates no trailer detected despite trailer connected; Factory trailer brake controller melted internally
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses, wiring harness, and trailer brake control replaced (complaint #1); controller melted beyond repair (complaint #8)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V193000 (Electrical System) cited but VIN not included in recall; no repair authorization given in complaint #8
APIM module failures
Infotainment control module (APIM) failing repeatedly, causing loss of cruise control, navigation, and instrument cluster functions. Multiple module errors detected.
When: 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of cruise control; Navigation (GPS) malfunction; Problems with other electrical functions on instrument cluster; APIM failed 3 times in 2 days per dealer diagnostics
Codes mentioned: 3 module errors (specific codes not listed in narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: APIM part ordered from California; dealer unable to clear faults with code clearing alone
Engine shutdown and fuel system fault codes
Engine dies without warning while driving, causing loss of steering control. Fuel pressure sensor fault code P0191 appears repeatedly; dealer refuses to diagnose or repair despite check engine light coming on daily.
When: Ongoing, occurring almost daily
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on almost every day; Engine shuts down without notice while driving; Occurs usually when making a turn or coming to stop light; Loss of all steering control when engine dies; Fuel pressure readings abnormal
Codes mentioned: P0191 (fuel pressure rail fault), P0191 appears 2-3 times per day per complaint #2
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic and owner's scan tool confirm P0191; fuel filters changed every 5,000 miles by dealer; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer will not honor warranty; manufacturer not honoring warranty per complaint #3
Battery junction box moisture intrusion
Battery junction box defective due to moisture entering the electrical box, causing start/stop button failure and multiple warning lights.
When: 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle failed to shut off when pressing START/STOP button (required multiple attempts); Multiple warning lights appeared on instrument panel while driving to dealer
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; battery junction box identified as defective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; stated no recall exists; provided case number but no repair offered
Main under-bed electrical connector corrosion
Corroded wiring inside main electrical connector located under truck bed above spare tire, causing widespread electrical failures and limp mode.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters limp mode; Climate control stops working; Passenger window inoperative; Blind spot monitors malfunction; Mirror functions lost; Multiple fault codes present (all codes listed per ForScan)
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes per ForScan (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Main plug connector found corroded; wires insulation degraded, requiring stripping back at least 1/2 inch to access sound conductor; connector location described as poor design placement
Fuse box electrical short from condensation
Electrical short circuit inside fuse box caused by condensation moisture, preventing engine shut-off and triggering check engine light.
When: 195,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle remains running after being turned off while parked; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no action taken
Trailer disconnect warning light false activation
Trailer disconnect warning light illuminates while trailer is properly connected, causing driver confusion and requiring dealer diagnosis.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer disconnect warning light illuminates while driving 65 MPH; Warning appears despite trailer being properly connected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure; no diagnostic fault found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no resolution provided
Rear camera CHMSL failure
Rear center high-mounted camera on CHMSL (center high-mounted stop lamp) stopped working after one year of ownership.
When: One year after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Rear center high-mount camera non-functional
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shut off upon depression of the START/STOP button after several attempts. While driving to the dealer, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the battery junction box was defective due to moisture intrusion. The manufacturer was notified of…
Rear center high mount camera on chmsl has stopped working after one year after purchase
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Ford F-350?
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 electrical problem on the 2021 Ford F-350?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 121,550 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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-350.
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.