2021 Ford F-150 Driver assistance Problems

The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of the steering wheel. This creates a serious risk of losing vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds, during lane changes, or in emergency maneuver situations. Because the failure occurs randomly and without any prior indication, there is no opportunity to safely prepare or pull over before it happens, putting both the driver and other motorists at risk. Yes. The issue has been acknowledged by multiple Ford dealerships and independent mechanics, all of whom confirmed this is a known and recurring problem with this vehicle’s EPAS system. Numerous online automotive forums also document other owners experiencing the identical failure, suggesting this is a widespread issue rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ford dealership, which confirmed the EPAS module failure and acknowledged familiarity with the issue. No warning lights, dashboard messages, unusual sounds, or handling changes occurred before the failure. The power steering loss happened suddenly and without any prior symptoms, leaving no opportunity to anticipate or react to the malfunction before it occurred.

NHTSA ID

11743418

Incident

May 28, 2026

My 2021 Ford F-150 intermittently displays the warning message “Reverse Brake Assist Not Available – See Manual” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this message appears, the reverse brake assist / parking collision warning feature is not available, which may reduce safety while backing up. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership. The dealership confirmed DTC U3000:49 in the IPMA module and identified Ford TSB 23-2040 as applicable to the concern. The dealer stated that the repair requires an IPMA software/module update and calibration. The quoted repair cost was approximately $1,100. This appears to be a software/programming-related condition affecting a driver assistance and brake-related safety feature, not normal wear and tear or a failed mechanical component. The warning is intermittent, but it has appeared multiple times. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred. Ford Customer Support was contacted and case number XXX was opened. Ford advised that no active warranty, recall, or customer satisfaction program currently provides repair cost coverage, and that because this involves Reverse Brake Assist, I may choose to file a safety concern report with NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11743311

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

RECALL 25V-315/25S49 has not been fixed on my truck. ive taken in multiple times since last year and programming doesnt fix the issue. final conclusion from the dealer is replace camera system. which they want me to pay $800 for. Since this is a recall Ford should take care of these charges. info. below [XXX] =aXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11740900

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

We left home and only made it about 100 yards. There was not a trailer attached. We had already stopped at a stop sign, then took off again. As we were going up a slight hill giving it a little gas, there was a loud thud and a sudden jolt, and the truck rapidly slowed down. I tried to give it gas to continued and the engine reved up, but our movement stopped. I realized that the emergency brake had engaged for some reason, so I pressed the button to turn it off, then we were able to continue. We haven't had anyone to look at it yet, and we haven't seen a recall yet

NHTSA ID

11725701

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

THERE IS A WARNING ON MY DASH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE: REVERSE BRAKE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE SEE MANUAL. THIS CONCERN HAS A TSB ATTACHED TO IT. MY CONCERN IS THAT GIVEN THE SAFETY NATURE OF THIS CONCERN AFFECTING F150S AND FORD MUSTANGS; THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND NOT THE CONSUMER. FORD WILL REPAIR, HOWEVER, INVOICE THE CUSTOMER FOR THE COST WHICH I DO NOT AGREE WITH. I AM NOT CERTAIN HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED OR IF IT RISES TO THE OCCASION OF A SAFETY RECALL; BUT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID

11725583

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera became inoperable and blank, and she crashed into a cement base. Although the pole was in her view. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police reports filed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that a software update was needed. The update was not completed. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Haley Ford, 10724 US-1, North Chesterfield, VA 23237, who confirmed the remedy was not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) but later determined it was an over-the-air update. The vehicle had not been fully repaired. The dealer informed her to sign a contingency letter. The manufacturer was contacted, and they referred her to a collision center. The failure mileage was approximately 86,444.

NHTSA ID

11725212

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

Mileage

86,444 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and while in reverse(R), the infotainment screen froze and went black. The vehicle was taken to a dealer in October 2025, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed for the infotainment system, but the manufacturer had not yet provided a software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11723511

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Mileage

120,000 mi

Giving an error of reverse assist and not available when starting truck and when placing truck in reverse. Have look up to seen if included in the recall that was issued 6 days ago. Have called dealership to confirm that not part of recall. The message just showed up last night. This truck should be included in the recall

NHTSA ID

11722094

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

Is say front camera is damaged

NHTSA ID

11713760

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

I was in the parking lot of my local grocery store, and the truck all of a sudden gave me an indicator that there is a "park brake fault-service now." I was stranded and had to have someone pick me up for this, This is after hours so I cannot call the Ford dealership until the following day. I now see Ford issued a recall for this under 23S35. However, when I look up my VIN under Ford, that did not show, and thus, we did not address this earlier when that should have happened. That is a problem and needs to be addressed with Ford ASAP. What if I was driving and this happened??!!

NHTSA ID

11713037

Incident

Jan 23, 2026

This report is being made within 1 1/2 hours after the incident. It has not been inspected by a dealer, service center, nor any other agency. I was stopped at a local fast food restaurant waiting to pay for my purchase. The 2021 Ford F-150 was in drive with my foot on the brake. No warning lights or other indication were present. Without warning, the engine revved to a high rpm and the truck shot forward about 15-20 feet before I could react by putting my full weight on the brake pedal. The engine quickly slowed. I then put the vehicle in reverse and backed up to the window and placed the transmission in park. The truck is equipped with adaptive cruise control but it was not active at the time of the incident. Had there been another vehicle in front of me, I would have rear-ended them. I work from home and use the truck a couple of times per week and it is available for inspection most days.

NHTSA ID

11708240

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Loss of engine power when transmission shifts from 3rd gear to 2nd gear. Truck will unexpectedly loose ability to accelerate, typically until shift to 1st or 3rd gear occurs. Return of power can cause vehicle to accelerate rapidly and unexpectedly. Malfunctions typically happens in parking lots and while yielding to make a turn, but also happens in stop and go traffic. Concerned of loss of acceleration while pulling out in traffic. No warning lamps or error codes when failure occurs. I've been working with the dealer to resolve for 1 year with nothing done. After 11 months the dealer acknowledged there is an issue, but is unsure of cause or how to repair. Now recommending an entire transmission replacement and not sure if that will resolve.

NHTSA ID

11708107

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Description of Incident: The vehicle exhibits a severe and unpredictable transmission "shudder," "stutter," and hesitation during gear synchronization, specifically during 1st–3rd and 8th–10th gear transitions. This manifest as a violent "shaking" sensation and a loss of momentary acceleration while merging into high-speed traffic. This issue was first reported to an authorized Ford dealership on December 17, 2024. At that time, the vehicle exhibited harsh shifting and "shuddering" consistent with Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2428. Despite being under a 150,000-mile service contract, the dealer misdiagnosed the mechanical transmission defect as an engine misfire, resulting in ineffective repairs. The defect has persisted and worsened. The internal failure has been identified as a defective CDF Clutch Drum (Cylinder) where an internal bushing moves out of place, obstructing fluid flow and causing mechanical "slip." This is a known manufacturing defect documented in multiple Ford TSBs (22-2428, 23-2250, and 24-2101). Safety Risk: The failure causes unpredictable power delivery. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has hesitated or "stuttered" while attempting to merge onto highways or cross intersections, leaving the vehicle vulnerable to side-impact or rear-end collisions. The lack of consistent throttle response and the violent nature of the shifting creates a significant safety hazard for the driver and surrounding motorists. Verification/Inspection: The symptoms were reported to a Ford dealership multiple times. As of December 2025, the dealership has opened a formal case with the manufacturer to verify the internal "cause of failure" by the Shop Foreman. No warning lamps or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) appeared on the dashboard, as the failure is a mechanical internal bushing slip that does not always trigger a software sensor until total failure occurs. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11706853

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

Ford has refused, on multiple occasions and at multiple dealerships, to address the NHTSA Recall Number 23V896 (MFG. Recall Number 23S65) issue with the Wheel End Hub Bolt in the rear axle. Well, this weekend, the bolt on the passenger side rear axle broke off, rendering the vehicle undriveable. I brought it in to the Lithia Ford Dealership (who's online information said they were open) to get it addressed. They were closed, no one was there, and they won't even give me a loaner vehicle while the F-150 is inoperable. This recall has been out for two years now and they still won't deal with it. Absolute neglect of their obligations and an unsafe practice!

NHTSA ID

11703551

Incident

Dec 6, 2025

My truck thinks my parking brake is engaged so it constantly flashes the “brake” light, constantly chimes while driving and says parking break malfunction, talk to dealer. I brought it to Webber family Ford in Detroit lakes MN 56501 and they checked it over including the safety recall location for recall 23S35. They said it was not the recall location and I would have to bring it in Monday for another appointment. When I got it home that day I crawled under to check that location. I see visible green which usually means corrosion and the protection around the harness seems warm. I also noticed the "recall" was not completed how it is shown on fords recall paperwork using the zip tie as a wear location so it isn't the harness itself. That is not how mine is. I have photos to prove that. I spoke with corporate ford today and they said they can't re open the recall because it has been closed and it is past its 12 month warranty being it was done in October of 2023 before my ownership and at a different dealer. I don't believe it is fair to me the current owner to pay for the cost of a rerepair of a recall that was done incorrectly.

NHTSA ID

11703294

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Transmission downshift to first gear on the highway

NHTSA ID

11699703

Incident

Nov 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated the infotainment center was frozen or blacked out intermittently, preventing the contact from being able to access the cameras and systems controlled through the infotainment system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, when the dealer was contacted, it was confirmed that the vehicle was not included. A second dealer was contacted, McClary Ford Inc (1104 US Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL 35611) and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11699365

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

Mileage

95,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V896000 (Power Train), 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention), 25V455000 (Fuel system, Gasoline), and 25V729000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the part to do the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000(Power Train) was not yet available. The contact stated that the first month that the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle experienced failures. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking and rattling sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to CarMax and then to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the rear-end axle hub bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. 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 22,000.

NHTSA ID

11698234

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

Mileage

22,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who had started the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be completed due to the 12-Volt battery only being at 42 percent charge. The contact was informed that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that recently, the display screen turned blue when he shifted into reverse (R). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11695493

Incident

Oct 6, 2024

Mileage

58,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The rearview camera was occasionally frozen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11684964

Incident

Sep 4, 2024

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V090000 (VISIBILITY), 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN), and 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. On another occasion, the tailgate failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. 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 failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11683963

Incident

Jun 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera was flashing, the image was blocked, and the camera became inoperable. The driver had to use the mirrors while reversing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the software update was completed, but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that further inspection of the vehicle was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11683237

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

Mileage

35,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11680912

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Mileage

85,000 mi

Computer screen goes black. Sometimes this happen right when I start the truck, sometimes when put it in reverse and sometimes just while driving down the road. This started shortly after i purchased the truck in Feb 2025 and seems to be getting worse.

NHTSA ID

11678804

Incident

Feb 20, 2025

While driving (on the highway or in town) get and error message "Intelligent Cruse Control Speed Sign Recognition Not Available" This results in the cruse control not adjusting for change in speed. Such as getting off a highway onto a side road, the Cruse Control continues at the old speed. It has been happening ever since early July 2025

NHTSA ID

11678800

Incident

Jul 5, 2025