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At a glance
This page covers 45 recalls and 1128 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 F-150 centers on the powertrain, which accounts for well over a quarter of all owner reports. Transmission issues come up repeatedly, owners describe hard or jarring shifts, hesitation between gears, sudden downshifts at highway speeds, and grinding sensations during acceleration with the 10-speed automatic. A smaller but consistent group of powertrain reports involves fuel system faults, including stalling, no-start conditions, and fuel pump control codes. The electrical system is the second-named area, with owners reporting a range of malfunctions. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three, driven largely by LED daytime running lamp failures that owners report occurring well under 50,000 miles. A recurring secondary pattern in other complaints involves the electronic parking brake engaging unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion or stopped on an incline.
1,128
Total Complaints
18
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Ford F-150 has 45 recalls, the most serious involving steering that can lock up entirely, driveshafts that can fracture and cause sudden power loss or vehicle rollaway, and a transmission that can unexpectedly drop into neutral while driving.
Several of these drivetrain issues overlap, and prior repair attempts on some did not fully resolve the problem, requiring a second fix. Trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package face an additional risk: rear axle hub bolts can fatigue and break, wearing down axle splines and causing drive loss or rollaway. On the engine side, trucks with the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost can suffer broken intake valves and full engine failure. The electric parking brake wiring can chafe against the rear axle housing and trigger an unexpected brake application, and the low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. The electronic brake booster can leak fluid into its control unit and reduce braking performance, and front-door side impact sensors may fail to deploy airbags correctly in a crash. Front seatbelts on SuperCab models may be misrouted and not restrain occupants properly. Trailer brake and lighting systems have multiple software faults that can leave a towed trailer without brakes or running lights. Visibility issues round out the list: windshield wipers can fail through several separate defects, the rearview camera can freeze or go blank, reverse lights can be disabled by a software update, and the moonroof wind deflector can detach at speed.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
A software issue in the trailer module can cause trailer lights and brakes to stop working while towing. The dashboard shows a fault message and the turn signal blinks rapidly.
What the fix does
Ford will send a wireless software update to your vehicle, or you can schedule a dealership appointment to install the update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module may lose communication with the vehicle, causing brake lights, turn signal lights, or brake function to stop working.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the integrated trailer module software, or the vehicle will receive a software update over-the-air. Both are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Backup lamps may not turn on when reversing due to an incorrect software update in the body control module.
What the fix does
Ford will update the body control module software at a dealership to restore backup lamp function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the moonroof wind deflector to the moonroof frame may not be secure enough, allowing the deflector to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Ford is developing a fix. A second letter with repair instructions will be mailed when available, expected in Q2 2026.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The body control module software update from a previous recall may have disabled both reverse lights on certain 2021 F-150 vehicles with Onboard Scales.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the body control module software at no charge to restore reverse light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
What the fix does
The accessory protocol interface module software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control software incorrectly detects low fluid pressure, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission control software at no cost to correct the pressure detection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The powertrain control module may be programmed incorrectly, causing a false diagnostic code that shifts the transmission to neutral while driving, resulting in sudden power loss to the wheels. If speed drops below 3 km/h, the transmission may shift to park.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the powertrain control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer brake controller software may not apply trailer brakes when you brake. Previous recall repairs may not have been completed correctly.
What the fix does
Ford will update the integrated trailer brake control module software at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the trailer brake control module may prevent electric or electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes from working when towing.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag warning label on the dashboard may be missing, which means the vehicle doesn't have the required safety information label.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you the warning label at no cost. Letters were sent December 19, 2024. Call 1-866-436-7332 with questions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine intake valves may break during driving, potentially causing the engine to fail and loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A previous software update may prevent the backup lamps from turning on when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update your vehicle's body control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software update to the body control module may have disabled both reverse lights on certain 2021 F-150 vehicles with the Onboard Scales feature.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software at no cost to restore reverse light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package, rear axle hub bolts can break, causing axle shaft splines to wear. This can result in loss of power to the wheels and the truck rolling away if parked without the parking brake applied.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you a notification. Take your truck to a dealership to have the rear axle shafts replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle hub bolt can fatigue and break, potentially damaging the axle hub splines on 2021-2023 F-150s with Trailer Tow Max Duty package and 9.75-inch heavy duty axle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness near the rear axle can rub against the axle housing and wear down over time, potentially causing the electric parking brake to engage unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle wiring harness and secure it. If damaged, they will replace the harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the electric parking brake can be damaged where it contacts the rear axle housing, causing the parking brake to engage unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective tie strap and tape wrap around the harness, and replace the harness if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Windshield wiper arms may have been improperly manufactured, causing them to slip and fail to wipe the windshield properly, resulting in slow or erratic movement.
What the fix does
Windshield wiper arms will be replaced at a Ford dealership at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper arms can break, which causes the wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiper arms and replace them if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front windshield wiper motor may stop working, causing the wipers to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor may fail, causing the windshield wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the windshield wiper motor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Underbody insulators may have been incorrectly installed, causing them to loosen and damage the driveshaft. A broken driveshaft could stop power to the wheels, contact the ground causing loss of control, or allow the truck to move when in Park without the parking brake engaged.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the underbody insulators, add new attachments as needed, and inspect and repair the driveshaft if damaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Underbody heat and noise insulators may come loose and rub against the aluminum driveshaft, potentially damaging and cracking it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, repair it if needed, and securely reattach the underbody insulators.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank front attachment strap may not be properly secured due to a missing or incorrectly installed bracket during assembly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank strap bracket and repair it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the trailer brake controller may prevent trailer brakes from applying when you brake.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for a software update to the trailer brake control module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper arms can break, causing the windshield wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the trailer brake controller may prevent trailer brakes from engaging when you apply your vehicle's brakes.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update the trailer brake control module software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control software may trigger a false error code, causing the transmission to shift into neutral while driving and suddenly cut power to the wheels. If speed drops below 3 km/h, the transmission may shift to park.
What the fix does
A dealership will update the transmission control software to correct the faulty programming.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the integrated trailer brake control module can prevent a towed trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes from braking properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the trailer brake control module software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A sensor error may incorrectly trigger, causing the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission control software at no cost to restore proper transmission operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor may fail, causing the windshield wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Ford will send you a letter with instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the windshield wiper motor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front windshield wiper motor may stop working, causing the wipers to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Underbody insulation can loosen and damage the driveshaft. A damaged driveshaft may break, cutting power to the wheels, or contact the ground and cause loss of control. The truck may also move when in Park without the parking brake engaged.
What the fix does
A dealer will secure the underbody insulators with new attachments and inspect the driveshaft for damage, repairing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Underbody heat and noise insulators may come loose and rub against the aluminum driveshaft, potentially damaging and cracking it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, repair it if needed, and securely reattach the underbody insulators at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front-door side impact pressure sensors may have been damaged during assembly, preventing the side impact airbags from deploying properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seatbelt webbing may be routed incorrectly, affecting proper seatbelt function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front seatbelts and replace the retractor and pretensioner if the webbing is misrouted, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain SuperCab trucks, the driver and front passenger seat belts may not route correctly through their anchor points, preventing them from functioning properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Ford will mail inspection instructions. Depending on results, you may need dealer inspection and replacement of seat belt retractor and pretensioner assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic brake booster can leak brake fluid into the control unit, reducing braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering gear may develop an internal problem, causing the steering to suddenly become stiff or lock up while driving.
What the fix does
The steering gear will be replaced at a Ford dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering gear may develop internal damage, making the steering wheel difficult to turn or unable to rotate while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove and replace the steering gear at no cost. Your vehicle will be towed to the dealership for service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The two-piece driveshaft may have been assembled incorrectly, which could cause it to separate while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your driveshaft and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The two-piece driveshaft may separate while driving, cutting power to the wheels and potentially allowing the truck to move when in Park without the parking brake engaged.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to visit a dealer for driveshaft inspection and replacement if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not be properly bonded to the vehicle during manufacturing, which could cause it to detach in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
