Home > News & Blogs > 2021 Ford F-150 Active Air Dam Vanishes – Repair Costs $1,110
2021 Ford F-150 Active Air Dam Vanishes – Repair Costs $1,110
2021 Ford F-150 Limited Hybrid Active Air Dam: Impact, Replacement, and Cost
Understanding the Active Air Dam in the Ford F-150
The 2021 Ford F-150 Limited Hybrid comes equipped with an active air dam, a feature designed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. This deployable component engages at speeds above 40 mph, helping to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. Ford states that this mechanism can improve aerodynamic efficiency by up to 4%, contributing to overall performance.
How the Active Air Dam Functions
The active air dam is standard on all 2021 Ford F-150 models, irrespective of the powertrain. It retracts when the vehicle is stationary or at lower speeds but extends at highway speeds to manage airflow beneath the truck. While its primary function is improving fuel efficiency, many owners may not even realize if it becomes damaged or dislodged.
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How Our F-150 Lost Its Active Air Dam
During a long-term test of our F-150, the active air dam was unexpectedly lost, likely due to road debris. The incident occurred while driving at high speeds, where the air dam would have been fully deployed. A particularly hard impact with a tire tread on the road led to significant underbody damage, which included the detachment of the air dam.
Diagnosing the Missing Air Dam
Initially, there were no immediate indications that the air dam was missing. The truck continued to operate as usual, and there were no warning lights associated with emissions or major powertrain failures. However, a routine diagnostic check revealed an error code (C0630 - Active Air Dam Failure) in the powertrain control module. Upon further inspection, it was clear that the air dam had been completely torn away from its actuators.
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Cost of Replacing the Active Air Dam
Replacing the active air dam came at a significant expense. Below is a breakdown of the costs:
- Actuator 1: $241.52 (Part #ML3Z 17626 D)
- Actuator 2: $218.68 (Part #ML3Z 17626 E)
- Air Blade: $112.83 (Part #ML3Z 17626 F)
- Labor: $588.00
Total Cost: $1,161 (excluding sales tax)
Since the damage resulted from road debris rather than a manufacturer defect, it was not covered under warranty. However, depending on an owner's insurance policy, filing a claim might be an option.
Delays in the Replacement Process
Due to backordered parts, the truck remained without an active air dam for seven weeks. While this didn’t significantly impact daily driving, it highlights the importance of checking part availability when scheduling repairs.
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Impact on Fuel Efficiency
Surprisingly, our real-world fuel economy tests did not show a major drop after losing the air dam. Despite Ford's claim of a 4% aerodynamic efficiency boost, the difference wasn’t substantial during mixed driving conditions. The most fuel-efficient tank of gas we recorded occurred after the damage, suggesting that other factors like driving style and road conditions play a more significant role.
Should Owners Be Concerned?
For F-150 owners, losing the active air dam may not be immediately noticeable. However, it remains an essential component of the truck’s aerodynamic design. If it becomes detached, it's advisable to assess fuel efficiency over time and consider repairs if long-term highway driving is a priority.
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Final Thoughts
The 2021 Ford F-150’s active air dam is a small but meaningful feature designed to improve fuel efficiency. While losing it may not lead to immediate performance issues, replacing it ensures that the truck operates as Ford intended. Owners should remain vigilant about underbody damage, especially when encountering road debris.

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Last Updated On May, 12-2025