2021 Ford F-150 Owner Complaints

Daytime Running Lights stopped working. Unable to fix unless the whole light assembly is replaced.

NHTSA ID

11766824

Incident

May 1, 2026

Daytime 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 ID

11765572

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

ON 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 ID

11765354

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

Fuel 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 ID

11764898

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

The 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 ID

11764618

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

Mileage

113,468 mi

The 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 ID

11764607

Incident

Sep 16, 2024

Mileage

53,000 mi

My 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 ID

11764236

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

Led 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 ID

11764019

Incident

Sep 12, 2026

Trailer 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 ID

11763895

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

I 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 ID

11763680

Incident

Jan 22, 2026

ABS 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 ID

11763671

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

I’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 ID

11763169

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

When 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 ID

11762326

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

We 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 ID

11762158

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

Subject: Steering Rack Failure Reimbursement Request, VIN [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting review and reimbursement for an electronic steering rack replacement on my 2021 Ford truck, VIN [XXX]. The electronic steering fault first appeared at start-up and when turning the wheel to full lock. Initially, I could pull over, shut the truck off, restart it, and the warning would clear. After a battery replacement, battery monitoring system reset, and multiple steering relearns, the steering failed completely. When the failure occurred, steering became extremely difficult. After hitting a bump, the steering wheel jerked suddenly and caused pain to my hand and thumb. This also created a serious safety risk for me and others on the road due to the reduced ability to steer. The dealership replaced the electronic steering rack at a cost of over $2,000. The truck had only about 40,000 miles at the time. I later found Ford Recall 21S28, which appears to cover certain trucks built between XXX. Based on my VIN and build date, my truck appears to fall within that range, but the dealership advised my VIN was not included. Given the low mileage, safety risk, and apparent build-date match with Recall 21S28, I request that Ford and NHTSA review my vehicle’s eligibility under this recall or any related program and reimburse me for the repair. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762148

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety-related transmission issue involving my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. On multiple occasions during normal driving, the transmission has behaved unpredictably and, at times, dangerously. The transmission has suddenly lost the selected gear, slipped or failed to engage, shifted violently, experienced significant RPM flares, unexpectedly downshifted, and harshly clunked into first and second gear while coming to a stop. These events have occurred under a variety of normal driving conditions, including while accelerating, merging onto a highway, making turns, crossing intersections, traveling at highway speeds, driving in stop-and-go traffic, and coming to a stop at red lights. In several instances, the vehicle did not provide the expected acceleration or propulsion when commanded, creating a potentially dangerous situation because I could not reliably predict how or when the truck would respond to throttle input. Of particular concern is the possibility of losing propulsion or experiencing an unexpected gear change while merging into traffic, crossing an intersection, or traveling at highway speed. The unpredictable nature of the transmission makes it difficult to safely operate the vehicle and creates a significant risk of a collision. I believe these symptoms may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve issue. Ford technical information has identified axial movement of the CDF sleeve as a condition that can affect hydraulic circuits and contribute to abnormal transmission operation. The symptoms I have experienced appear consistent with this type of failure. Because these transmission problems have occurred repeatedly and under multiple driving conditions, I believe this issue should be investigated as a potential motor-vehicle safety defect rather than treated solely as a drivability or comfort concern.

NHTSA ID

11761795

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

On [XXX], I was driving westbound from Missouri into Oklahoma in my 2021 Ford F-150 XL. While traveling approximately 75 mph on the highway, I moved into the passing lane to overtake another vehicle. As I accelerated and applied additional throttle to pass, the transmission downshifted into passing gear. After completing the pass, the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own even after I released the accelerator pedal. The engine remained at a high throttle setting, and the truck increased speed to approximately 85 mph. At that time, I was not using cruise control, nor had I pressed the cruise control switch, which was involved in a previous acceleration-related incident I experienced with this vehicle. To regain control, I carefully created distance from surrounding traffic, applied the brakes, and maneuvered the vehicle onto the shoulder. After coming to a stop well off the roadway, I shifted the vehicle into Park and turned off the engine. I then restarted the truck, and the unintended acceleration condition was no longer present. Because of the incident, I did not attempt to use the cruise control system again during the trip, and I avoided using heavy throttle or passing gear out of concern that the condition could reoccur. The vehicle has since been inspected by a Ford dealership. As of this report, their evaluation has not identified the cause of the problem, and no fault has been found despite the incident occurring on the highway. This incident created a significant safety concern because the vehicle continued to accelerate after the accelerator pedal was released, resulting in an unexpected increase in speed and requiring me to pull off the highway and shut off the vehicle to regain normal operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761702

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

Ford has a VERY well-documented flaw in their LED headlight assemblies on 14th generation F150s (2021 +). The daytime running lights regularly burn out within several years / 35,000 miles, and each headlight costs over $2000 per side to replace with OEM components! They cannot be repaired; they can only be replaced. Ford specifically excludes these headlight assemblies from their extended warranty as well. The problem is so common that, when you see a 14th generation F150 on the road that's a few years old, it likely has one of the LED DRL lights out. Ford dealers verbally acknowledge how common of an issue it is, but Ford Motor Company refuses to issue a TSB or recall. Customers are left with shockingly high bills for what really is safety equipment. As you know, DRLs are indeed considered safety equipment! Customer shouldn’t have to pay over $4000 to fix this clearly common OEM supplier flaw that Ford has yet to remedy. Of course, what many owners do is simply allow the DRLs to fail because of the prohibitively expensive repair costs. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11761602

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The CDF drum is going bad cause the transmission to slip and downshift while going at highway speeds. Many many many owners report this and Ford created a new CDF drum for owners to put in. However this costs thousands of dollars to replace when they know the CDF drum is faulty.

NHTSA ID

11760526

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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.

NHTSA ID

11759665

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to activate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V842000 (VISIBILITY). The failure mileage was 97,000.

NHTSA ID

11759565

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

97,000 mi

Vehicle Information 2021 Ford F-150 XL Supercrew approximately 35,000 miles. While traveling southbound on [XXX] near [XXX], Ok, I was operating my 2021 Ford F-150 XL at approximately 75 mph with the cruise control engaged. As I approached slower traffic ahead, I attempted to disengage the cruise control by pressing the cruise control cancel/off button on the steering wheel. Despite pressing the button multiple times, the cruise control would not disengage. Same thing while tapping the brakes it would not disengage. The vehicle continued to maintain speed, and the cruise control system remained unresponsive to my commands. In response, I applied the brakes to safely reduce speed, I did not perform a panic stop or abrupt braking maneuver. Once I had the vehicle slowed, I moved safely onto the shoulder of the highway, well away from traffic. I then shifted the vehicle into park, shut off the engine, and restarted the truck. After restarting the vehicle, I elected not to use the cruise control system for the remainder of my trip, which lasted approximately eight additional hours to Houston, Texas, I have not used the cruise control since the incident because I am concerned that the condition could recur and create a safety hazard. No collision, property damage, or injuries occurred. However, the apparent failure of the cruise control system to disengage when commanded raises significant safety concerns and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11759473

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from fourth to first gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that two days prior to the failure, a message was displayed indicating that an over-the-air software update was performed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that an unknown sensor inside the transmission had damaged the transmission and that the unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,449.

NHTSA ID

11759467

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Mileage

82,449 mi

Within the last 6 months, the driver's side front door, the driver's side rear passenger door, and the passenger side rear doors actuators stopped working and the doors do not lock. The doors do not lock manually with the key fob or lock automatically when the truck reaches 13 mph. This is a safety issue as passengers could inadvertently open the doors when driving when the doors should be locked. This also prevents the factory installed alarm to work properly. it seemed odd that the 3 actuators seem to stop working around the same time.

NHTSA ID

11759360

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was 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 issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the engine shut off and the vehicle failed to restart. A mobile mechanic was called to the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ID

11759320

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

Mileage

31,000 mi