2021 Ford F-150 maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2021 F-150, with its interval and an estimated cost.
The 2021 Ford F-150 oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: change the oil when the information display shows the oil change message (within two weeks or 500 mi of it appearing), and never exceed one year or 10,000 mi between oil changes. If the display resets prematurely or is inoperative, change the oil every six months or 5,000 mi. Ford's guideline for when the message appears: normal use 7,500-10,000 mi; severe use (moderate to heavy load or towing, mountainous or off-road driving, extended idling, extended hot or cold operation) 5,000-7,500 mi; extreme use (maximum load or towing, extreme hot or cold operation) 3,000-5,000 mi. Severe schedule, dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi or six months. Hybrid vehicles may go longer than 10,000 mi between oil changes but must not exceed the one-year maximum.
- Brake Fluid
- 36mo
- Tire Rotation
- 10,000mi
- ≈ 16,000km
- 12 mo
- Brake Inspection
- 10,000mi
- ≈ 16,000km
- 12 mo
- Cabin Air Filter
- 20,000mi
- ≈ 32,000km
Service intervals
From the 2021 Ford F-150 schedule.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & FilterSafety itemFord uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: change the oil when the information display shows the oil change message (within two weeks or 500 mi of it appearing), and never exceed one year or 10,000 mi between oil changes. If the display resets prematurely or is inoperative, change the oil every six months or 5,000 mi. Ford's guideline for when the message appears: normal use 7,500-10,000 mi; severe use (moderate to heavy load or towing, mountainous or off-road driving, extended idling, extended hot or cold operation) 5,000-7,500 mi; extreme use (maximum load or towing, extreme hot or cold operation) 3,000-5,000 mi. Severe schedule, dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi or six months. Hybrid vehicles may go longer than 10,000 mi between oil changes but must not exceed the one-year maximum. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Tire RotationAt every oil change interval indicated by the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (never more than one year or 10,000 mi): rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth. Dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | $25–$50 | |
| Brake InspectionAt every oil change interval (never more than one year or 10,000 mi): inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake. | 10,000 mi / 12 mo≈ 16,000 km / 12 mo | — | |
| Cabin Air FilterReplace every 20,000 mi. | 20,000 mi≈ 32,000 km | $25–$60 | |
| Engine Air FilterReplace every 20,000 mi. Dusty or sandy roads, extensive idling, or off-road use: inspect frequently and replace as required. | 20,000 mi≈ 32,000 km | $20–$45 | |
| Fuel Filter (3.0L diesel)3.0L Power Stroke diesel: replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters every 30,000 mi. Severe diesel conditions: every 30,000 mi, six months or 600 engine hours (B20: 300 engine hours). | 30,000 mi≈ 48,000 km | — | |
| Spark PlugsGasoline engines: replace every 100,000 mi. Trucks with a pickup-bed power outlet (Pro Power Onboard): every 60,000 mi. Severe (towing a trailer or car-top carrier; extensive idling or low-speed driving in commercial use): every 60,000 mi. | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | $100–$250 | |
| Drive Belt InspectionInspect the accessory drive belt(s) at 100,000 mi, then every other oil change until replaced. Replace at 150,000 mi if not replaced within the last 100,000 mi. Trucks with a pickup-bed power outlet: inspect at 60,000 mi and replace at 100,000 mi. | 100,000 mi≈ 161,000 km | — | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid10-speed automatic: change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $200–$400 | |
| Front Differential Fluid (4WD) (4x4 only)Four-wheel-drive vehicles: change the front axle fluid every 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $150–$300 | |
| Rear Differential FluidChange the rear axle fluid every 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $150–$300 | |
| Transfer Case Fluid (4WD) (4x4 only)Four-wheel-drive vehicles: change the transfer case fluid every 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | $150–$300 | |
| Engine CoolantInitial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi, then every five years or 100,000 mi. | 200,000 mi / 120 mo≈ 322,000 km / 120 mo | $120–$250 | |
| Brake FluidSafety itemChange the brake fluid every 3 years; do not exceed the designated time. Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at an authorized dealer. | 36 mo | $100–$200 | |
| Battery InspectionOwner check every six months: check the battery connections and clean if necessary. Battery performance is also part of the multi-point inspection at each scheduled service. | 6 mo | — | |
| Timing Belt (3.0L diesel)3.0L Power Stroke diesel: replace the timing belt and the fuel pump drive belt at 150,000 mi. | 150,000 mi≈ 241,000 km | — | |
| Spark Plugs (PowerBoost)Every PowerBoost has the pickup-bed power outlet (Pro Power Onboard), and Ford's schedule shortens the spark plug interval for trucks with it. | 60,000 mi≈ 97,000 km | $100–$250 | |
| Drive Belt Inspection (PowerBoost)Every PowerBoost has the pickup-bed power outlet (Pro Power Onboard): inspect the accessory drive belt(s) at 60,000 mi and replace them at 100,000 mi. | 60,000 mi≈ 97,000 km | — |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
- 0 Due now
- 0 Within 5,000 mi
- 0 Later
Ask Rev about my F-150
GarageHub · Free · Your AI MechanicOpenThe 2021 Ford F-150 is a light-duty truck with multiple engine options, each with distinct service intervals and fluid capacities. This schedule covers all powertrains and applies to both standard and extended-cab configurations. Adhering to Ford's recommended intervals is essential for warranty coverage and long-term reliability in a vehicle that may see towing, off-road, or severe-duty use.
What happens if you skip it
- Skipping transmission fluid changes leads to slipping, delayed shifts, and potential 10-speed automatic failure—a $3,000+ repair.
- Neglecting differential fluid service causes gear wear and catastrophic failure, especially under towing loads.
- Ignoring brake fluid flushes results in moisture-contaminated fluid, reduced braking power, and brake system corrosion.
- Delaying spark plug replacement on EcoBoost engines causes misfires, reduced fuel economy, and potential catalytic converter damage.
- Skipping coolant flushes on EcoBoost engines leads to overheating, head gasket failure, and engine seizure.
- Neglecting suspension inspections on heavily-loaded or towing F-150s accelerates tire wear and increases accident risk.
Common issues at higher mileage
- 80,000+ mi
- 10-speed automatic transmission hesitation or delayed engagement; often requires software update or fluid service.
- 100,000+ mi
- EcoBoost engine carbon buildup causing rough idle and reduced fuel economy; direct injection engines prone to intake valve deposits.
- 120,000+ mi
- Rear differential bearing wear and whining noise, especially in 4WD models; requires differential rebuild or replacement.
- 150,000+ mi
- Transmission fluid degradation and slipping in 10-speed automatic; fluid change often resolves issue if caught early.
- 100,000+ mi
- Spark plug fouling and misfires on EcoBoost engines due to carbon accumulation; may require fuel system cleaning in addition to plug replacement.
Common questions about the 2021 Ford F-150
How often does a 2021 Ford F-150 need an oil change?
The 2021 Ford F-150 oil change interval is every 10,000 mi or 12 months, whichever comes first (estimated cost $35–$75). Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: change the oil when the information display shows the oil change message (within two weeks or 500 mi of it appearing), and never exceed one year or 10,000 mi between oil changes. If the display resets prematurely or is inoperative, change the oil every six months or 5,000 mi. Ford's guideline for when the message appears: normal use 7,500-10,000 mi; severe use (moderate to heavy load or towing, mountainous or off-road driving, extended idling, extended hot or cold operation) 5,000-7,500 mi; extreme use (maximum load or towing, extreme hot or cold operation) 3,000-5,000 mi. Severe schedule, dusty or sandy roads: every 5,000 mi or six months. Hybrid vehicles may go longer than 10,000 mi between oil changes but must not exceed the one-year maximum.
What maintenance does a 2021 Ford F-150 need?
The services not to skip on a 2021 Ford F-150: engine oil & filter every 10,000 mi / 12 mo; brake fluid every 36 mo. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.
What goes wrong on a Ford F-150 at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 80,000+ mi: 10-speed automatic transmission hesitation or delayed engagement; often requires software update or fluid service. 100,000+ mi: EcoBoost engine carbon buildup causing rough idle and reduced fuel economy; direct injection engines prone to intake valve deposits. 120,000+ mi: Rear differential bearing wear and whining noise, especially in 4WD models; requires differential rebuild or replacement. 150,000+ mi: Transmission fluid degradation and slipping in 10-speed automatic; fluid change often resolves issue if caught early. 100,000+ mi: Spark plug fouling and misfires on EcoBoost engines due to carbon accumulation; may require fuel system cleaning in addition to plug replacement.
Keep this schedule for your F-150
Log what you've done, get reminded what's next. Rev knows the intervals for your F-150.