Complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 peaked in 2025, with 303 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 26, 2021 to Sep 30, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-489 | Jul 28, 2026 | Software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse | Back-over prevention | 47,587 | Software update |
| 26V-402 | Jun 24, 2026 | Transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage | Powertrain | 741,195 | Software update |
| 26V-104 | Feb 20, 2026 | When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn… | Electrical system | 4,381,878 | Software update |
| 25V-729 | Oct 24, 2025 | Moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle | Visibility and wipers | 174,853 | Repair or modification |
| 25V-455 | Jul 7, 2025 | Low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving | Fuel system | 850,318 | Software update |
| 25V-348 | May 23, 2025 | Over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights | Lighting | 10 | Software update |
| 25V-315 | May 9, 2025 | Software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse | Back-over prevention | 1,076,138 | Software update |
| 25V-169 | Mar 14, 2025 | Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral | Powertrain | 567 | Software update |
| 25V-132 | Feb 28, 2025 | Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake | Electrical system | 10,952 | Software update |
| 24V-852 | Nov 8, 2024 | Air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard | Equipment | 27,678 | Label or owner notice |
| 24V-635 | Aug 23, 2024 | Engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power | Engine and cooling | 90,736 | Part replacement |
| 24V-443 | Jun 14, 2024 | Over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights | Electrical system | 159 | Software update |
| 23V-896 | Dec 22, 2023 | Rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines | Powertrain | 112,965 | Part replacement |
| 23V-509 | Jul 21, 2023 | Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly | Brakes | 870,701 | Part replacement |
| 23V-163 | Mar 10, 2023 | Windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail | Visibility and wipers | 222,454 | Part replacement |
| 22V-842 | Nov 15, 2022 | Front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail | Visibility and wipers | 483,082 | Part replacement |
| 22V-623 | Aug 12, 2022 | Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture | Powertrain | 58,203 | Repair or modification |
| 22V-414 | Jun 10, 2022 | Single vehicle may have been assembled without a fuel tank front attachment resulting in an unsecured fuel tank attachment strap | Fuel system | 1 | Repair or modification |
| 22V-250 | Apr 14, 2022 | Windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail | Visibility and wipers | 652,996 | Part replacement |
| 22V-193 | Mar 25, 2022 | Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake | Electrical system | 391,836 | Software update |
| 22V-188 | Mar 25, 2022 | Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral | Powertrain | 47,084 | Software update |
| 22V-142 | Mar 11, 2022 | Front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail | Visibility and wipers | 157,306 | Part replacement |
| 21V-986 | Dec 16, 2021 | Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture | Powertrain | 184,698 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-805 | Oct 15, 2021 | Front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not… | Airbags | 777 | Part replacement |
| 21V-653 | Aug 23, 2021 | Front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed | Seat belts | 16,430 | Part replacement |
| 21V-533 | Jul 15, 2021 | Electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance | Brakes | 56 | Part replacement |
| 21V-407 | May 29, 2021 | Steering gear may have internal damage, which could result in difficulty steering, or the inability to rotate the steering wheel while drivingDo not drive | Steering | 223 | Part replacement |
| 21V-381 | May 24, 2021 | Two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation | Powertrain | 4,436 | Part replacement |
| 21V-090 | Feb 18, 2021 | During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash | Visibility and wipers | 79,017 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1,018 complaints on file, page 1 of 51.
This vehicle was purchased new. It currently has about 56000 miles. Over time there have been numerous incidents where the battery was suddenly dead. The dealer repeatedly replaced the battery with out addressing the cause. This was done under warranty until recently when there was a charge of $1138. This supposedly resulted in the electronics being reset to factory settings. On a subsequent trip of about 2000 miles , there were numerous incidents (at least 8-10) where the Google Maps program, installed by the dealership, malfunctioned. My question is, what other electronic issues were installed with the factory settings. This has been reported to the dealer, with no response. On August 31, 2026, a request was made to the dealer for copies of service records for this vehicle so that this problem and lack of correction could be challenged. There has been no response, other than their saying “they will make it right “. They are apparently unable to provide service records.
NHTSA complaint 11768043On September 10, 2026 about 9:10 am, I experienced an engine stall as I was approaching an intersection. I was slowing down and entering a left turn lane. Vehicle bucked like a horse and stalled. No warning lights or codes. It costed to a stop at which time I attempted a re start. The motor turned over for about 10 seconds and then started up. It seemed like there was a loss of fuel. This incident reminded me of a recall letter a got in the mail last year. After research I saw recall #25V455 with no fix yet. Called my local dealer and they said there is no codes so they would probably have to charge me a diagnostics fee of $250.00 and nothing they can do about the recall. Made an appointment and then I cancelled it. What is a person supposed to do? Drive until something bad happens? Take chances and pray for the best?
NHTSA complaint 11767836fuel pump has failed, vehicle shut off while driving, ford dealership has confirmed failed fuel pump under the 25s75 recall, check engine light illuminated with fault code P008A (fuel system low pressure) fault code moments prior to vehicle shutting off, vehicle would not restart
NHTSA complaint 11767742The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the ECM failed to pass the emissions test. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that the failure was recognized by the manufacturer, but there was no remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,855.
NHTSA complaint 11767710The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshift. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted and the dealer disassembled the transmission and replaced the hub assembly, Part Number: ML3Z7H351B; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where a service technician test drove the vehicle with the contact and the technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. After months of waiting for a response, the contact took the vehicle to another dealer for assistance. The second dealer test drove the vehicle and disassembled the transmission and recommended that there was an adjustment of the clutch clearance, replace the necessary seals, and replace the C-clutch and seal. The technician acknowledged the failure and provided the recommendation, and the contact was later informed that the dealer would only clear the codes. The technician suggested that the contact monitor the vehicle for future issues. The contact stated that the failure immediately returned after the codes were reset. The failure mileage was 19,605.
NHTSA complaint 11767700Should be able to simply repair my daytime running lamps at a reasonable cost. One of them is now dim, causing lower visibility for other drivers. Ford's cost for me to repair was quoted today at over $2,100. Simply put, unreasonable! This is an issue that has effected several vehicles.
NHTSA complaint 11767015Daytime Running Lights stopped working. Unable to fix unless the whole light assembly is replaced.
NHTSA complaint 11766824Daytime Running Light in the headlight assembly overheated and stopped working. Thousands of 2021-2023 F150 owners have had the same issue. This is clearly a mass scale manufacturer known defect and Ford already tried sending an update to lower the LED brightness but the issue still happens.
NHTSA complaint 11765572ON YOUR VEHICLE, THE WHEEL END HUB BOLT IN THE REAR AXLE MAY BECOME LOOSE OR BREAK. CONTINUED DRIVING WITH A BROKEN BOLT MAY LEAD TO WEAR WITHIN THE AXLE AND DAMAGE THE AXLE HUB SPLINES. I’ve been contacting ford dealerships in my area trying to get this safety recall replaced over the last year every two or three months. I get the same excuse the part is on back order, we have 70,000 on back order others have said 35,000. Yet there is no timetable for when the part will be available. In the meantime I have to drive a vehicle that has had the top of the bolt connecting the tire to the axel snapped off. Ford has completely failed in remedying this issue since the recall and by their numbers making it so 70,000 people possibly have a broken vehicle that they are not repairing or replacing like the safety recall states.
NHTSA complaint 11765354Fuel pump failed while driving causing vehicle to be disabled in a roadway blocking traffic. The vehicle was then incapable of shifting to neutral so that it could be moved out of the roadway. A Ford dealer confirmed the faulty fuel pump and replaced the part. Ford appears to know this is a safety issue as per recall campaign 25S75/25V455 but they have refused to pay for the replacement fuel pump.
NHTSA complaint 11764898The contact's son owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that her son reported that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated significantly and shifted hard while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train), which the contact associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that reimbursement could only be provided when the recall remedy became available in April 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 113,468.
NHTSA complaint 11764618The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park (P), the gear shifter became stuck, requiring the contact to remove the key from the ignition or depress the brake pedal until a whining sound ceased in order to shift into park (P). The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in reverse (R), the vehicle suddenly shifted into park (P) and stopped immediately. The failure recurred several times while in reverse (R). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
NHTSA complaint 11764607My husband was driving on the highway with my two daughters in the car when the vehicle stopped driving and he was barely able to pull off the road. It appears to be a defective low-pressure fuel pump. This is an active recall for this model and year, however Ford says that our specific VIN was not involved in the recall. My family could have been killed in this incident!
NHTSA complaint 11764236Led headlight drl strip turned blue on one side. Have seen many with this issue in the led module ballast. Safety concern because its a common running light issue that hinders people from seeing the vehicle as easily.
NHTSA complaint 11764019Trailer brake controller installed in truck by manufacturer. We wanted to tow our travel trailer and was doing the setup process to test before we left for a trip. We were unable to set the gain for the trailer brake controller. Trailer was connected to truck and plugged in, but unable to change gain or feel brakes when we took a drive around the neighborhood. If we had not taken the steps to test prior to heading out on our trip could have been a serious result. Contacted our local Ford dealer and made an appointment for July 8, 2026. Was told the trailer brake controller connected in the back was not connected. They said this could have happened during manufacturering or just fell out while driving. Still either way could result in serious issues. Not sure if my truck was the only one or are there others on the roads with an issue. If an invoice was provided by the dealership, I have misplaced. They wanted to charge me almost a $100 for them to find it was not connected. The split the cost with me.
NHTSA complaint 11763895I am reporting a severe safety defect where Ford Motor Company's sequential safety recall software updates are actively corrupting powertrain modules and inducing physical mechanical failures while the vehicle is in operation.Following the completion of the 24S55 Engine Intake Valve Recall (which reflashed the PCM and wiped the transmission's adaptive learning tables), my 2021 Ford F-150 developed an immediate operational shudder. Shortly after, a forced Over-the-Air (OTA) update for the 26C10 Trailer Brake Module triggered a secondary network reset via the CAN-bus. The intersection of these two software-driven actions caused an operational fault that physically broke the torque converter clutch.A compromised torque converter clutch can cause sudden vehicle stalling, unpredictable acceleration lags, and catastrophic powertrain locking while driving at highway speeds, creating an imminent crash hazard. The local Ford dealership service department confirmed the hardware failure and noted that pushing automated software updates over unstable tables leaves the entire transmission highly vulnerable to total systemic failure.Ford is currently refusing to open an escalation file or address this issue. Because Ford's official remedy for safety recalls 24S55 and 26C10 directly introduces a secondary, severe safety risk to the vehicle's powertrain integrity, I request that NHTSA investigate the technical compatibility and safety of these sequential software updates.
NHTSA complaint 11763680ABS Control module and brake booster assembly failed. Vehicle would not crank or start. Disconnected battery negative pole for one minute to reset PCM. Vehicle started. Drove immediately to independent service center without difficulty. Service center confirmed vehicle no start the next morning. Found several DTC codes including U3001 (Control Module Improper Shutdown) U300A (Ignition switch) U0121 (Lost communication with ABS) U0554 (Invalid Data recieved from Accessory Protocol Interface) and U0415 (Invalid Data Received from ABS) Flowchart determined ABS module is bad. Anti Lock Brake System control module failed which rendered the system inoperative. Warning on dash that Anti Lock Brake System failed was prominent among other warnings. (Traction Control, Service Needed, Door Ajar (was closed), Hood ajar (was closed) Assembly was replaced and ABS module reprogrammed by independent service center. They retained the bad assembly.
NHTSA complaint 11763671I’m concerned about the 1080R transmission CDF drum issues that ford had on these year models.Mine is downshifting hard at times not every gear but more between 5-8 gears, or especially coming to a stop light it will down shift hard from 3rd to 1st. Shifting up is not as bad as the downshifting but it still does shift harder than normal.Just doing research on others that had the bad parts in their CDF drum issues seem like mine is having same issues.
NHTSA complaint 11763169When I begin the accelerate from a stopped position I apply the accelerator to begin driving and after a couple seconds after entering the roadway, the vehicle looses power and appears to stall, after a couple more seconds or less the vehicle revs and accelerates very quickly in a jerking fashion and resumes moving forward. Sometimes the vehicle will do this several times in a short distance. This loss of power and erratic motion have happened several times when I have entered into traffic form a stopped position and while driving. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I have it regularly serviced and described the problem. After they investigated the issue I described they were able to re-create the issue and told me that the transmission needed repair. I was able to look up similar complaints and have identified that this is a pervasive issue with the 10R80 transmission in this model year, there is a Ford TSB 26-2226 that identifies the symptoms that I experienced and pointed to a defective part in the Transmission that is the likely cause of the erratic behavior of the transmission and power train. Loosing power and stalling unexpectantly while entering an intersection or in traffic could cause a collision and injuring persons or damaging property. The Service Department where I have the vehicle serviced was very aware of the issue with the Transmission and Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins to include TSB 26-2046 and TSB-26-2226. This may also be related to Ford Special Field Action 25-L02 regarding the Transmission Control Module and/ or the Safety Recall Notice Ford Number 26S48,/ NHTSA 26V402.
NHTSA complaint 11762326We broke down because the fuel pump broke, which has a recall out there. We had stopped at Buc-ee’s for a break and when we got back to the truck, it wouldn’t start back up. We got it fixed at Banner Ford and were forced to pay $1822.50 for a fix that a known recall is out for that they claim there’s no remedy for. But, then you’re telling me you can fix it for $1800. It makes no sense that we have to pay for something that there’s a recall for. We are just trying to get our money back.
NHTSA complaint 11762158Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.