Total Complaints
1083 filings
FORD F-150 · model year
1083 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash reports, and 27 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021FORDF-150 carries 1083 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 18 crashes, 5 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 F-150 is power train with 220 filings, followed by electrical system (97) and unknown or other (85). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 27 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2021 F-150, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1083 filings
Crashes Reported
18 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 220 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 97 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 85 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 76 |
| ENGINE | 65 |
| VISIBILITY | 65 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 53 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 46 |
| STEERING | 32 |
| WHEELS | 27 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 22 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 21 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 20 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 18 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 16 |
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The steering gear may have internal damage, which could result in difficulty steering, or the inability to rotate the steering wheel while driving.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-193. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydr
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a software error, a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system may not brake.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the veh
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The two-piece driveshafts may have been improperly assembled, which could result in driveshaft separation.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive p
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 Super Cab vehicles. The front seatbelt webbing may be incorrectly routed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V443. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 and 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requi
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicle
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 22V-188. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for low transmission fluid pressure may falsely activate and cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles. Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, which could damage the driveshaft and cause it to fracture.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 F-150 vehicle. A single vehicle may have been assembled without a fuel tank front attachment resulting in an unsecured fuel tank attachment strap.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Vehicle: 2021 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has been undrivable due to since Aug 4, 2025 and is currently at a Ford dealer in Amarillo, TX. Ford/dealer state it is undrivable due to a recall condition and that parts are not available / no ETA for remedy. Component: rear axle nuts and axle shafts, axle shafts are stripped, may cause rollaway or power loss while driving ,according to Ford. The vehicle has been inspected by Ford at Tri-State Ford in Amarillo, TX where the vehicle has been held since August 4th, 2025. Ford says the axles are under the recall, the recall claims parts are available, but the Amarillo Ford (Tri-State Ford) has NOT fixed the vehicle and states they have no idea when they will get the parts. Ford also sent a message several months ago saying they have no ideal when the parts will be available. Request: NHTSA review the recall remedy delay leaving vehicles undriveable for extended periods. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle stopped in the middle of the road and failed to move even while in neutral(N). Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair, which the contact approved. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Mileage: 60,000
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while stopped, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle stopped in the middle of the road and failed to move even while in neutral(N). Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair, which the contact approved. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Mileage: 60,000
The vehicle is experiencing a chronic, documented loss of engine coolant with no external leaks identified, accompanied by a persistent odor of burning coolant. Despite nine months of notification and two separate Ford authorized dealerships attempting repairs, the defect remains unresolved. To date, dealerships have performed only 'surface-level' pressure and dye tests. They have refused to perform thorough diagnostics despite the clear evidence of consumption. This creates a severe safety hazard: coolant loss on this engine platform is a known precursor to sudden engine stall and potential engine fire. By failing to identify the internal leak path, Ford is requiring me to operate a vehicle with an unpredictable mechanical deficit. The absence of a Warning Lamp (CEL) does not mitigate the risk; it confirms a mechanical failure that the current onboard diagnostics are failing to capture before a catastrophic event occurs.
The vehicle is experiencing a chronic, documented loss of engine coolant with no external leaks identified, accompanied by a persistent odor of burning coolant. Despite nine months of notification and two separate Ford authorized dealerships attempting repairs, the defect remains unresolved. To date, dealerships have performed only 'surface-level' pressure and dye tests. They have refused to perform thorough diagnostics despite the clear evidence of consumption. This creates a severe safety hazard: coolant loss on this engine platform is a known precursor to sudden engine stall and potential engine fire. By failing to identify the internal leak path, Ford is requiring me to operate a vehicle with an unpredictable mechanical deficit. The absence of a Warning Lamp (CEL) does not mitigate the risk; it confirms a mechanical failure that the current onboard diagnostics are failing to capture before a catastrophic event occurs.
Led Daytime running lights burnout. No repair by ford without replacing whole housing. No covered under warranty.
My 2021 Ford F-150 has been inoperable for over three months due to a safety recall involving the rear axle hub. The dealer and manufacturer have been unable to remedy the recall within a reasonable time due to parts unavailability, and no repair timeline has been provided. I requested a loaner vehicle from the dealer and was told there were six to seven customers ahead of me. The dealer reported to Ford corporate that I declined a loaner vehicle, which is not accurate. No loaner was made available to me, and I was forced to obtain alternate transportation through my employer. The dealer initially required payment to inspect my vehicle for the recall and held the truck for approximately one week before stating the issue was not recall related. When I asked how this determination was made, I was told additional payment was required to disassemble the rear hub for further inspection. After escalating the issue and expressing concern about the handling of the recall diagnosis, the deale
There is a hard jerk that happens when moving from a dead stop and then it will shift into gear. Its been reproduced by a maintenance shop. They stated it was the transmission. It has not been inspected by a manufacturer. There was no warning lamps which causes a high risk of safety, including a possibility of accident while on the road.
The passenger side daytime running light no longer illuminates or illuminates poorly. During daytime inclement weather, low beams must be manually turned on to ensure there's some form of lighting illuminated during snow, fog, etc. Problem is well known by the dealer and extremely wide spread in the 2021 to 2023 F-150. The component has not been inspected. There is no warning lamp to indicate daytime running light failure.
When the truck is put into reverse especially when cold the transmission does not initially go into gear. When it finally does the vehicle lurches rearward violently and I have to slam on the brakes to not hit anything. The transmission was just "bench" rebuilt under the Ford powertrain warranty supposedly with a CDF drum and valve body replacement along with software updates including adaptive reset and relearn with the appropriate drive cycles however the vehicle still exhibits this condition. I called Ford customer service and filed a complaint with them last month. They told me to bring to another dealer which the vehicle is currently at and has been for a month. They claim that it is normal for this transmission and refuse to fix it. I have video evidence of the truck being put into reverse and the RPM rising before it slams into reverse. I also demonstrated first thing one morning to a technician after a cold soak overnight and he agreed that the vehicle has a delayed engagement
I'm reporting that my driving/fog lights aren't working and haven't for some time. My truck only has 58,000 miles on it and is only 5 years old, I have been guided to report this issue to the NHTSA. I drive allot in the early morning and am NOT getting the lighting I should, it's agravating that you pay so much for a vehicle and the lights don't work properly. I have read 100's of post/emails and vlogs, there are thousands and thousands of these trucks with that same issue, what can I do to repair or replace these lights? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle reported a charging system failure alert and came to a jerking stop. The battery was completely drained and the alternator had failed at 71,000 miles. The vehicle stopped in the drive lane on a heavily trafficked road. The emergency release lever was found and pulled to allow the truck to pull over.
Right rear axle bolt sheared off. This was first reported to dealer in mid 2025 and recall repair has not yet been completed. This is Ford recall 23S65, NHTSA recall 23V896.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard with unintended upshifts. The contact stated that the vehicle was able shift out of a higher gear occasionally upon switching to manual mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Mileage: 78,000
Took my 2021 Ford F 150 in for recall 23s65 and oil change and was told vehicle was unsafe to drive and even though parts according to ford where available the dealer said they were on back order with no ETA of when they would be available and they would put me in a rental for the time being. Iâve been told 3 times now by Ford parts are available but yet the dealership keeps saying theyâre still on back order.
10 speed transmission is not working 1 still gear hyper extends dont wanna shift 2 gear bangs 3 rundown rough then sometimes dowshifts back to 2 nd gear the transmission dosent wanna get hot to normal level
Windhshield wipers suddenly stopped working.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected, and there was oil under the rear passengerâs side of the vehicle in the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle hub bolts were fractured and needed to be replaced. The differential fluid was refilled, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
Both Quad LED side strips (vertical daytime running lights) on my 2021 Ford Fâ150 have burnt out. The failure occurred gradually, with the left strip failing first around [insert approximate date] and the right strip failing shortly after. These LED strips are a safety feature, and their failure reduces visibility while driving. I have attached a photo of the burnt DRL, a photo of a working DRL for reference, and a screenshot of my Ford Live Chat showing my ticket number and that I am tracking this issue publicly in a Facebook group of other owners experiencing the same failure. This appears to be a recurring defect affecting multiple trucks in the 2021â2023 Fâ150 range. I am filing this complaint to document a safety defect that may require investigation.
My 2021 F-150 has burnt-out Quad LED side strips on both headlights. These are daytime running lights, a safety feature. I understand there is no TSB or recall, but many owners have the same issue. I am filing to document a recurring safety defect." Attach a photo of your burnt DRL
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Unintended Transmission Downshift
Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire
Brake Master Cylinder Failure
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.