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
On June 23rd while driving my 2021 XL SuperCrew with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, the engine quit while I was driving about 30mph. I pushed the accelerator slightly intending to accelerate to 35mph and when the truck downshifted, the engine stalled, and I think the transmission tried to move to park. I got a notification of parking brake error on the dash and started hearing a ticking/clicking noise while still rolling, now down a hill. I moved the column shifter to neutral and it didn't do anything to stop the ticking. I pulled onto the shoulder and slowed down and, and as I neared stopping, the truck finished shifting into park and it jolted to a stop. I then saw a bunch of other errors like engine coolant too hot, stability control disabled, and forward collision warning disabled. There may have been others but I don't recall. The tachometer was frozen showing roughly 2000 rpm until I turned the key to off. Then the dash said to be careful exiting because the parking brake wasn't on. After turning the key to off, I restarted it, the lights on the dash cleared, and I was able to shift to drive, and make it home 3 min later. There are no lights on the dash, so I'm hoping this can still diagnosed at this point. The truck has 793 miles on it as it sits now. The soonest service appointment I have been able to make is for July 8th, but the dealer won't guarantee that it will be seen then.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster and the infotainment system reset independently, which affected the trailer blind spot setting while towing a trailer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and to a second dealer, Kenly Ford, Inc. (500 S Gardner Ave, Kenly, NC 27542), to be diagnosed; however, the dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: SSM 50975. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
1. The passenger and drivers side modules were replaced by the dealership but the issues still persist and are available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety could be at risk. Reverse Brake Assist error issue could potentially cause a small child or person to be in danger if sensors are not working or cause an accident. 3. It has been reproduced and verified by the dealer. The dealer is Sill-Terhar Motors in Broomfield, CO. 4. The passenger and drivers side rear modules were replaced by the dealership, but the issues still persist. 5. The system failure messages did appear at the time of failure. They started appearing approximately a week after we purchased the truck. First warning is logged in the FordPass app on June 13, 2021 I get three warnings pretty consistently when the system fails. So far the FordPass app has over100 error messages regarding my issue. The warning messages all show up at the same time. They are usually: 1. Blind Spot System Fault 2. Cross Traffic System Fault 3. Reverse Brake Assist Not Available See Manual (even though it IS turned on) 4. Hill Start Assist Error occurs as well 5. Sometimes when I am in reverse and these go off and I then brake with the foot pedal, the electronic emergency brake engaged without any manual intervention. First 3 errors have happened while reversing AND while driving in normal city street and highway speeds. Taking into the dealer to have it looked at again on Nov. 4, 2021. Issues started 06/13/2021 and continue to present (as of this writing 10/25/2021).
The rear window shattered after closing a door on my 2021 F-15 XLT. It was 68 degrees, 11am and the truck was parked in the shade. There's approximately 3800 miles on the odometer. There was no one in the truck. The window blew out onto the tonneau cover. I have a call into my insurance and have yet to have it inspected by either the insurance or the Ford dealer, as it happened on a Saturday.
Vehicle was purchased new 06/08/2021. Since that time it has been back to the dealer 4 times with 3 being for repairs to the problem. There is a crunching / clanging sound every time a turn is made on an incline or decline. The vehicle has been inspected and gone over with body bolts loosened and re-tightened to factory specs to no solution. It was taken back again and now the dealer thinks it is something with the springs. The truck has been with the dealer a total or 27 days as of this date. ( 08-21-2021 ) and repair attempted 3 times. The dealer is not sure if springs are the problem, just chasing possibilities down. I have a loaner which myself and my wife heard the same noise starting. We feel unsafe with this vehicle and Ford seems to be passing the buck although the dealer rep believes it is time for a buy back.
I’m reporting that this recall repair is overdue and not completed in a timely manner. I was first alerted to the recall in December 2023. There was supposed to be a fix by the first quarter of 2025 and I’ve heard nothing. I have been driving a truck with a defective axle for 4 years. Rediculous!
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the brakes failed on two separate occasions. The first failure occurred while the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway. Several unknown warning lights were flashing however, the warning lights self-adjusted. The second time the failure recurred, the vehicle was parked. While attempting to start-up the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. After the failure, while driving 5 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The ABS activated and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the trailer brake module had failed. The vehicle was repaired but remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,900.
My complaint is in regards to my truck not being repaired in a timely manner. My truck is over 4 years old and I still don’t have recall 23V896 completed. I called my dealer on June 10 to as per the recall letter to confirm they had the parts in stock. They said they were. I made an appointment for June 18 to get the recall completed. The service advisor then told me they had to send photos of my door sticker to Ford so they could order the parts that they told me 9 days prior that they had. They said it would take a couple of days. Here we are 20 more days later and no parts to perform the recall. This is totally Rediculous and unacceptable. My truck is into its 5th year. Does the NHTSA not have authority to enforce these recalls? I also got a letter about my rear camera freezing (25V315). It says there is no fix available, unbelievable!
When a trailer is connected the right side trailer brake light fails to operate; the lights on the truck work properly. When the trailer has been recently disconnected warnings on the dash appear saying "Blind spot and cross traffic alert deactivated trailer attached". I also get trailer left and right turn lamps fault check lamps warnings and the turn signal indicators flash at double speed. These things always clear up after a couple of days until a trailer has been connected and disconnected again. I have two different trailers and they both do the same thing. Just for the record, the right turn signal and hazard flashers on the trailer work correctly. My dealer has observed everything that I stated above but claims he is unable to get parts to fix it. The cross traffic alert malfunction and the non operative trailer brake light would appear to be safety issues. So far, no one has been involved except my dealer's service department. If I don't hook up a trailer everything has and does work correctly. I took this truck in to the dealer a couple of years ago due to the dashboard warnings but did not take my trailer with me at that time; they were unable to fix it. I was unaware at that point that I had no right trailer brake light; this is not easy to see unless someone is following me.
This vehicle was purchased NEW from the dealer with this OPEN SAFETY RECALL. This is a violation of 49 USC 30120(i) Sale and delivery of un-remedied, recalled vehicles. The dealership told us in person on the date of purchase that there were NO open recalls on the vehicle, safety or otherwise. In the event of an accident this defect could pose harm not only to the occupants but innocent bystanders. This NEW vehicle was purchased for its safety and reliability, not to be exposed to risk and neglect. This dealership needs to be investigated for breaking federal regulations and exposing me, my family, as well as others, to unnecessary risk. There were at least two other customers whom the dealership was contacting to inform them of the recall AFTER they purchased their new vehicle. It is my opinion that there are likely many others as well. I have all the sale documentation for my vehicle ready to add to this complaint.
Antilock brake fault Hill start assist warning Pre collision assist not available
While attempting to drive the vehicle out of the driveway the brake pedal and went all the way to the floor and the vehicle would not stop. Then, after approximately 10 to 15 feet the brakes locked up completely. The ABS fault light, hill descent control not available light, and pre-collision assist not available light all were flashing on the dash. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership was able to confirm the issue and has determined that there was an issue with the brake booster.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD INADVERTENTLY TURN OFF AND ON, CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER AND WARNING LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 233.
truck lurches and shudders when sifting, been back to dealer several times but they can't fix the problem.
My emergency brake engages in its own. It has done it more than 20times since I have owned the vehicle. The first time it happened was about a month after purchasing. The last time it engaged I was pulling into a parking spot a couple weeks ago. Sometimes it come on when parked and other times The brake light on the dash will flash at me if I am in motion as it engages. When I disengage the brake I can hear the noice as it retracts. I assume typically there is a safety if it engages at high speeds but If this can have a glitch it makes me nervous if it would engage at highway speed and cause an accident. I have small children that ride with me and makes me nervous. I have brought it to the attention of the dealership I bought the vehicle from and they could not find anything wrong. I plan on taking it to a Ford dealership closer to my home as I drove a distance to purchase my vehicle. I believe this to be a huge risk if it would lock up while driving.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door failed to close properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
No Brake Controller on 2021 F150 with Class 4 trailer hitch as ordered and equipped from Ford as a new vehicle. I purchased and order a new 2021 Ford F150; truck was ordered with and equipped with a Class 4 trailer hitch; from my research, during early 2021 F150 production dates, Ford had no stock of trailer hitch brake controllers and placed a cheap, small coin holder where the brake controller was to be located; the wiring and connector for the brake controller is located in the dash, just behind this coin holder and is not connected to anything. The issue is that I have no trailer brakes whatsoever; when a trailer is attached to the vehicle hitch and the 7 pin trailer connector is connected to the 7 pin receptacle on the truck and when pulling that trailer and attempting to stop without a brake controller, the trailer will shove the truck forward; also, in a quick stop condition, the truck and trailer will begin to “Jack Knife”, thus causing a very unsafe and potentially fatal condition. When approaching the dealer from where I purchased my 2021 F150, I was informed that they were aware that those trucks that were assembled early in the production year were assembled without a brake controller; however, Ford is not retrofitting these vehicles with the missing brake controller but that I could, for a little more than $500, have a Ford controller installed in my truck by the dealer (the controller that should have been in place at the time the truck was assembled at the factory). Footnote: I am able to purchase a Ford brake controller from the Ford dealer and install it myself, except that unless the Ford dealer re-flashes the computer on the truck, the Ford controller that I installed still will not function, thus the $500 charged to install and re-flash a functional brake controller on a new 2021 Ford F150.
The 2021 F150 active air dam does not function properly. The top stationary piece becomes lodged inside of the bottom retractable part every time it opens and closes. It's becoming weaker and loosely attached to the vehicle. I'm afraid one day driving it will completely fall off and fly into another vehicle's line of sight causing damage or a wreck. The dealer I went to service advisor called it a "wrinkle" like it was a joke to him and I should just deal with it. He supposedly put in a "TSB" but never calls me back when I ask about it. I need it replaced or repaired. It makes me extremely nervous. There are multiple threads complaining about it so it's not just a one truck issue.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DURING THE FAILURE, THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND THE REAR BRAKES WERE DELAYED IN ACTIVATING, CAUSING THE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. SEVERAL MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALERTED THE DRIVER THAT THE HILL ASSIST, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, AND DRIVE MODE FUNCTIONS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JIM BURKE FORD LOCATED AT 2001 OAK ST, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE BOOSTER WAS FAULTY. THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED, THE BRAKE MODULE WAS UPDATED, AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 660.
THIS VEHICLE DOESN'T APPEAR TO HAVE SAT IN A HOLDING YARD FOR 30 DAYS AFTER BEING EXPORTED FROM CANADA. IT WAS SERVICED 03/24/21 IN ALBERTA CANADA AND THEN OFFERED FOR SALE 04/14/21 IN THE USA. ATTACHED IS THE CARFAX TO SHOW THE TIMELINE AND HISTORY
INTRUSION ALARM GOING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT FOR NO REASON. VEHICLE IS PARKED AND LOCKED IN THE DRIVE WAY, HAPPENS EVERY NIGHT. MUST DISABLE MOTION SENSORS PRIOR TO PARKING OVER NIGHT EVERY TIME.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that from the time the vehicle was delivered to him, the brake pedal had been making abnormal loud clicking sounds when depressed. The contact also stated that the brake booster had been making abnormal sounds whenever he depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failures would occur while driving above 15-20 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who informed the contact that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V533000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100.
2021 FORD F150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DRIPPING DARK LIQUID COMING FROM ENGINE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS
VEHICLE INTRUDER ALARM ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON. HAS HAPPENED 5 NIGHTS ACROSS 83 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 3500 MILES AND LOCAL FORD SERVICE CANNOT FIND ROOT CAUSE.
TRUCK DOES NOT DETECT SPECIFICALLY SILVER FORD CARS WHEN AUTO PARKING. IT WILL TRY TO PARK IN THE SAME SPOT AS THEM ON SUNNY DAYS.
THE VEHICLE HAS A STUTTER AT IDLE. VEHICLE HAS SHOWN THIS CHARACTERISTIC SINCE DRIVEN OUT OF THE LOT. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 1,800 MILES. THIS DOES NOT SEEM 'NORMAL'.
IF THE TRUCK SITS FOR MORE THAN 2 DAYS THE BATTERY WILL BE DEAD AND UNABLE TO BE JUMPSTARTED WITH JUMP PACKS. HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED IT WAS SO DEAD ALREADY.
MY BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY ON THE DASH IS HAZY AND GREY, SIMILAR TO THE ISSUE FORD HAS WITH THE 2020 MODEL YEAR.