2021-2022 Ford F-150 Underbody Shields Recall (21V986)

Recall 21V986 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Ford F-150 in recall 21V986?

Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 F-150 with recall 21V986?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your F-150 shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the underbody shields, have it checked before driving further.

Which vehicles are included in recall 21V986?

Recall 21V986 covers 184,698 vehicles: 2021-2022 Ford F-150.

NHTSA lists 184,698 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the F-150 underbody shields recall?

Yes. Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge.

Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary, and properly attach the underbody insulators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S56.

When was recall 21V986 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 21V986 to NHTSA on December 16, 2021. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as February 4, 2022.

This recall was filed 58 months ago. If your F-150 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my F-150 is part of recall 21V986?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 21V986 is open on your F-150, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 21V986000 is open on your F-150, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 21S56. You can also ask any Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should F-150 owners do about recall 21V986?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 21V986000 applies to your F-150.
2. Call a Ford dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the underbody shields happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are F-150 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 1,609 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 21 of them about the body, doors and seats.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 1,609 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 21 of them involve the body, doors and seats. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Ford F-150: 1,015 complaints in total, 14 about the body, doors and seats
• 2022 Ford F-150: 594 complaints in total, 7 about the body, doors and seats

Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the exhaust baffles were making an abnormal ticking sound while the vehicle was idling. The contact also stated that the A/C outlet vent tab had separated from the vehicle, and the other tabs were loose.

2021 Ford F-150 owner, LA, NHTSA complaint 11675439, filed July 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormally loud booming sound. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, exited the vehicle. Upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driveshaft was fractured and damaged.

2021 Ford F-150 owner, TX, NHTSA complaint 11707786, filed December 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual grinding sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact noticed a lot of unusual clicking or rattling sounds. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated.

2021 Ford F-150 owner, TN, NHTSA complaint 11729380, filed April 6, 2026

Can recall 21V986 make my F-150 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Owners often ask whether this underbody shields recall means their F-150 qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Door latch, seat and body structure defects can affect safety in a crash and everyday use. If the recall repair does not solve the problem, the repeat visit is part of your record.

A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021-2022 Ford F-150 has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the F-150 went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 21V986