NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Ford F-150. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the Brake warning light illuminated and the "Parking Brake Limited Function - Service Required" message was displayed. The contact immediately drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer provided a temporary fix allowing the contact to continue driving the vehicle safely; however, the vehicle had to receive the temporary repair three times. The contact stated that the failure consisted of crunching while shifting gear which occurred after shifting to drive, with a ticking sound progressively becoming worse as the vehicle shifted into the higher gears or in reverse. The manufacturer had provided a loaner vehicle each time the vehicle was taken for temporary repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,210.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V842000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH in torrential rain, the windshield wipers were activated at the highest setting however, the windshield wiper blades were moving extremely slow, preventing the contact from having clear visibility while driving. The contact slowed to 20 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer and had not received a call back. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
OBDii reader which connect to vehicle ECM reads perfectly independently, however when connected to a state emissions inspection machine, machine indicates no vehicle information available and results in failures due to ECM not responsive. Ford says it is a known issue but will not replace ecm unless recall is issued.
Catastrophic engine failure that left vehicle disabled on Highway. Neither I or recovery technician was able to put into neutral after. Truck was powered on it was not possible to move the shifting lever from Park after it was engaged.
While starting my truck, I was heard a very loud static sound coming from my speakers. It was so loud I could barely think. The static seemed to be at max volume and nothing besides turning the truck off and opening my door would make it stop. Even turning the volume down or screen/audio off completely would not help. I was parked at a store at the time and had to drive with the sound for 10 minutes. I was left disoriented and with a piercing headache that lasted over 24hours. That headache has subsided but I still have ringing in my ears.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the electric parking brake light illuminated, and the electric parking brake engaged independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal to release the parking brake. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V509000 (Parking Brake). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that approximately a month after the recall repair the failure occurred. The failure had become persistent. The contact stated that at one point the failure occurred three times in one day. The dealer had not been contacted again. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Driver side DRL are not working
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted into first gear. The contact then attempted to shift gear manually, and while on an incline or going downhill, the vehicle failed to accelerate or shift into the intended gear. No warning lights was illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility) and 22V142000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Parts distributions disconnect.
The reverse camera either doesn't work while backing up, or it freezes while backing up. I have video of it screen frozen showing in reverse while driving forward down the road.
At 30k I noticed the transmission start shifting hard especially when down shifting. I called the dealer and expressed by concerns when doing my normal oil changes. The dealer said it was normal. Now at 42k the truck skips 2nd gear and when shifting between 3rd and 4th it hits hard. Also an independent mechanic shop said the engine is making a weird winding sound. Sounds like the barring in the turbos are going. Again I tell the dealer and they said it's normal for the 3.5 ecoboost to sound like that. Currently it's at the dealer getting the transmission worked on. I know I will be having engine issues, that sound is not normal. I want it on record that it started happening around 30k.
Was driving less than 30 mph slowing down to turn on Hwy 185 in Port O Connor, Labor day 9-2-2023 busy day on road truck just locked up and stopped, could not push, engine was running truck would not move. County sheriff said it had to be moved now completely off the hiway or county would send a tow truck and put in impound lot since tires over the white line. THis is a 2 lane Hwy with no shoulders, part on private property part on hwy 185. We put in neutral towed it 1 1/2 blocks to friends property. Took 3 weeks for Ford to look at it and will not fix the REAR end which they say is damaged beyond repair and want Dealership will not warranty it truck has 55,000 miles. Truck just came to Sudden stop, and would not move 3 of us tried to push it off the road. if any cars was was behind me there would have been a crash them hitting me, it acted like the parking brake was slammed on with the auto parking brake system dealer says wires not chafed but refuses to claim warranty with ford.
Collision avoidance , headlight bright/dim , lane departure system not working. I’m for service five times over five weeks with no resolutions there may be others I don’t know about until I need them the dealer is Fred Grande of Richmond michigan
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the exterior passenger’s side daytime running lights failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,900.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the infotainment system and the rearview camera were operable, and the screen image was black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera system needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The front section of the panoramic sunroof on my 2021 Ford F150 unexpectedly shattered as I was driving down the road today. There were no cars immediately in front of or near me. None had passed by me. I was not driving underneath anything. The only thing I can deduce is that the glass spontaneously shattered due to unseen stress or faulty glass. I have owned the truck since new and had no issues or concerns with the sunroof previously. As a result of the glass shattering shards fell on me and inside of my truck. After getting out and shutting the door, the glass began collapsing inward and falling inside the truck. This is a safety concern as glass shards flying into a vehicle on a roadway can cause serious injury to the occupants inside.
Wheel end hub bolt sheared off of rear axle while driving. This causes an unstable axle and potential for increased wear on all connected wheel components which can lead to an accident with potential for injury or death.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V842000 (Visibility) and 23V163000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
HD rear axle bolt at end of axle shaft breaks. This WOULD be addressed by Ford customer satisfaction program 22B34, except the program only covers 2021 vehicles manufactured AFTER 01 May 2021. My vehicle was manufactured in November 2020. This program needs to be expanded to include ALL vehicles with the 9.75" 4/4-Float HD axle from the beginning of the model year build.
The Brake Pedal must be pressed very hard and the Pedal travels further than normal compared to my 2020 F150. The dealer told me the Brakes are OK but I can’t believe that Power Disk brakes don’t stop the vehicle easily. There’s is also extra brake necessary to come to a complete stop !
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear-end had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under a related recall or under an extended warranty. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was black. The contact stated that while reversing and towing a trailer on one occasion, the failure recurred, causing the tailgate of the vehicle to hit the trailer, and the tailgate sustained damage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred the following day. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
A/C lines freezing therefore the Air Conditioning stop blowing cold air and I was sweating. I had to stop my trip, power off engine and wait 30 minutes with the hood open on the side of the highway. I was reading online and is a lot of people dealing with the same issue and Ford Co. is not fixing because there is not codes coming up.
Heard a rattling noise from rear passenger side wheel. Axle nut is sheared off and freely moving around inside the hub. Looked online and this appears to be common with my vehicle. Ford has not issued a recall still.
3.3L V6 F-150 started to heavily vibrate when vehicle was started. Check engine light came on. Check engine code was cylinder 1 misfire. Coils and injectors were changed. It didn't fix the problem. Upon further investigation there was damage to piston. Full Engine replacement is required.
The exact circumstances highlighted in Customer Satisfaction Program 22B34, which outlines the recall necessary for replacement of axle bolts and axles after the axle bolt shears off while driving. The recall is for trucks from the Kansas City manufacturing plant and the recall only covers trucks made until 30 September 2021. My truck was manufactured in October 2021. This recall was in place for Certain 2021-2022 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped with 9.75” HD Axle – ¾ Float Axle Rear Axle Half-Shaft and Hub Assembly Replacements The axle bolt sheared off my truck's drivers side rear axle. Ford is replacing it under the drivetrain warranty. They are unwilling to replace the other side because I am not included in the current recall (outside of the parameters by only few days). The recall specifically identifies that both sides should be replaced if one side breaks. The pictures outlined in Customer Satisfaction Program 22B34 look identical to the defect that my vehicle has experienced. You can see the pictures and the details of the recall here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The electric trailer brakes only work intermittently. This results in dangerous situations where they fail without warning. An update was made in 2022 but failed to fix the issue. I have been on forums where many others are still having issues just like mine. It's very dangerous and needs to be addressed.
TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING HARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN. THIS REPEATEDLY HAPPENS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 7TH TO 6TH GEAR AND IT HITS EVEN HARDER WHEN IT GOES FROM 6TH TO 5TH. TRANSMISSION DELIVERS A SLAMMING HIT TO THE POINT IT FEELS LIKE REAR END ACCIDENT, TO THE POINT NECK HAS BECOME SORE FROM WHAT FEELS LIKE WHIPLASH. TRUCK HAS UPCOMING APPT AT DEALER TO LOOKED AT. NO LIGHTS OR WARNING MESSAGES APPEAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
The audio system suddenly put out loud static noises from the speakers. The volume level was so excessive, I felt my ear drums were going to be damaged. This could have caused an accident if driving since the noise was so instant and loud. I had to turn off the vehicle to eliminate the noise. I read that several others have complained of this with no resolution yet. My vehicle is available for inspection. I have not notified my dealer or others yet since this occured in the evening. That was some minor static from the vehicle before this occurred.
The daytime running lights started to begin to fail around August of 2023. As of today(10/3/2024) the passenger side has completely failed around the headlight assembly and the driver side has only failed along the vertical strip of the headlight assembly.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated he received an alert on the Ford Pass to service the vehicle. The engine malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was using an excessive amount of engine oil. The low oil pressure and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was no evidence of an oil leak, and the contact was offered an additional oil change. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle continued to consume engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, who added oil to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who completed the oil change. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 56,646.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear axle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear axle assembly bolt had detached. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22B34. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 87,700.
Since the recall was first issued on March 14, 2022, I contacted the local dealer 5 times (4 in person during normal maintenance and one by phone) to address the recall. Issues have happened continuously and the latest was on July 22nd, 2023. The dealer is: Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond - 600 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 - Phone: (405) 475-9000 Every time they stated they do not have the parts to perform the fix and they would contacted me once they received the part. This is over a year and I reported to them the erratic behavior of my wipers to no avail.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V509000 (Parking Brake) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The rear axel bolt sheared off. I started to hear a rattle called ford to see when I could get my truck in to get it looked at. Got an appointment set up 2 months down the road was the soonest they could get me in. While waiting for that time truck stated to vibrate. I decided to try a tire rotation and I had the rear axel bolt drop to the ground. Not sure exactly when I started hearing the rattle. They safety was the tire could have come off while driving which could have caused an accident which could have caused injuries or death of my family or others. I called ford back they told me to have it towed in so they could look at it right away. So in 4 days my truck will be towed there for inspection. No warning lights about the bolt but I did have one about 4x4 would not engage back on 27/MAR/2023. Ford checked the axel and suspension.
Rear passenger bolt that holds the hub was sheared off.
It's been back to Autonation dealership 3 times already, twice I had a appointment for this recall. After I get there, they tell me that they can't get the part until late this year. Went to a dealership in Texas they tell me the part is available put only to fleet and lease program trucks. My wiper are only working on the high setting. I drive a110 mile to work and back and never know when they are going to quit. The recall has been going on for 18 months. I asked them what happens if they quit completely. They just look at me and say we don't know. Can I use the Lemon Law for this
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while having the tires rotated, the mechanic became aware that the rear passenger’s side axle assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side axle bolt had sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.
Upon doing an oil change and tire rotation at the Ford dealer I was informed that the rear axle hub bolt had sheared off and was sitting lose at the end of the axle. Upon doing research I have found that many 2021 Ford 150s have had this problem and Ford knows about the problem but has not issued a recall. I am being told that Ford recommends that the axle and bolt be replaced. My dealer has no loaners available. Also, the dealer, Harris Ford in Lynnwood, WA, tells me the parts are back ordered and have no idea when the repair can be made. This is dangerous and Ford should have issued a recall. Now I have no use of my truck and no date that the repair can be completed.
The dealer removed tires and broken axel bolt was found. It is my understanding that this is a safety issue and Ford has no parts to fix the problem.
Rear camera becomes inoperable which poses risk to others and myself. Screen just goes black.
Bought truck brand new. The axle bolt sheered off at 76k miles which is a common problem which ford has issued a service bulletin for repair. Ford claims my truck is not drivable due to the manufacture defect of the bolt either being cross threaded or overtightened from the factory. Ford is insisting I pay for the mistake even though it's a manufacture defect with a service bulletin for a repair. Ford is refusing to pay for the fix due to miles. Axles, axle shafts and axle bolts should not have to be replaced before the differential fluid does in the axle at 100k miles. They are claiming the extreme premature wear is my fault. The truck is bone stock. Ford case #CAS-43720120-D7H6Y6. Worst part is Ford dealership telling me claim was denied to only find out Ford approved the claim partially. The Ford dealership was trying to double dip on profits. Dealership is wade Ford.called up akins Ford in winder and they told me they would cover it.
With the cruise control set to a speed of around 60mph and with no other vehicles around, the truck accelerates (uncommanded) to some value over 71mph. This occurs randomly but is repeatable and has only started occurring within the past week. A definite safety concern.
While driving, a warning light came on then the engine shut off. I was stranded in the middle of an extremely busy intersection. I could not put the windows up or in neutral to push it off the road. The hazard lights went to a very weak blinking that could not be seen. It was very dangerous to get out at the intersection. it was pouring rain and no one could see me. The truck had to be towed from the intersection to a dealer. Dealer allegedly identified the problem as a bad alternator that in turn damaged the battery.
I just purchased a 2021 F-150. Immediately after getting the truck home, I began having issues regarding the truck’s door and tailgate locks. Just by having my keys in my pocket and walking around my house and in the vicinity of the truck in the driveway or garage, the truck will unlock itself, all of the lights come on, and you can hear the electronics power up. This is a huge inconvenience if I’m working in the yard on a project and make multiple trips from the yard into the garage—every time I do, it’s puts that huge strain snd wear and tear on the lights, onboard computers, and battery. But it’s also a huge safety issue, too. If I put hazardous or dangerous items in the cab like cleaning products or chemicals and safely lock the vehicle expecting them to be secure, sometimes just by walking around the house or even just having the keys on the kitchen counter, the truck will unlock by itself!! What if kids then get into my truck and accidentally poison themselves or hurt themselves with tools or chemicals I had safely locked inside?! It creates a hugely dangerous situation! I don’t know if it’s just my truck, or a part of a bigger nationwide issue, but the ONLY way the truck should power the electronics is IF I have the keys in my pocket AND I touch the driver’s side door handle or specifically press the unlock button. I have had the truck in to Weber Ford in Granite City, IL four times and they have been unable to resolve this issue, and the Ford corporate customer relations number keeps disconnecting me, so I’m escalating this issue.
Ford has a felt protective cover installed under the transmission to prevent debris from getting to the oil pan and catalytic converters. The cover needs to be removed to service the vehicles engine oil. The felt is secured with just bolts and over time the felt fails and starts to separate from the vehicle. This could dislodge from the vehicle while driving and cause potential bodily injuries to other vehicles or motorcycles This could also leave extremely hot catalytic converters exposed to grass or other flammables which could cause property damage or bodily injury There are hundreds of threads online about this issue. Most with in def descriptions and photos. I can compile this information and provide if needed. This part has failed twice on my vehicle with only 35,000 miles. I have concerns for my own safety as well as others.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment center failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the infotainment center displayed a black screen. The contact stated that during one failure, the infotainment center screen displayed a black screen; however the radio continued to play. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was started, and the system independently reset. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the engine was idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact stated that the computer system was reprogrammed, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact feared driving the vehicle with his family inside the vehicle due to the failure. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V455000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The axle bolt (wheel hub end bolt) on the rear axle (driver side) broke leaving part of the bolt inside the axle and the broken end inside the wheel assembly along with the large washer the bolt had secured to the axle. A cursory exam of the broken piece indicates it occurred some time ago from the smooth end of the broken part of the bolt. There were no warning lights or indicators. The broken bolt and washer were discovered during a routine tire rotation. No one other than the Ford dealer I took the vehicle to for routine maintenance has inspected the vehicle. The vehicle has 20400 miles on it and no after-market modifications. This defect potentially endangered my family and I since the axle can now move and possibly reduce propulsion or cause a loss of power. There are hundreds of other owners with the same vehicle package ("Max Tow Package") posting online about the same issue. This is a known problem from Ford, yet they have neither notified owners or proactively offered a solution or recall.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while stopped the vehicle was at a stop light, the vehicle displayed a message reading "Service Advanced Auto Track," requiring the vehicle to be shifted into park and restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The engine kill switch warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three individual dealers, who were all unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000.
On occasions my F150 has without warning had my volume increase to the max volume when operating the vehicle. I have not adjusted the volume when this happens and I am unable to lower the volume until I turn off the vehicle and open the door to the vehicle. The decibel level when this happens is over 100 and it is absolutely terrifying. I took my vehicle to Ford and they told me because they are unable to recreate the issue that it is not their responsibility. I have had this happen 6 times over the 8 months that I have had the vehicle. Ford charges me $197 each time to simply look at the car but again refuses to fix anything. When this event occurs it is terrifying and the only resolution is to turn off my vehicle.