Ford F-150 Complaints (2021)

1,308 consumer complaints on file.

#11623275November 2, 2024
POWER TRAIN
When gearshift lever is in "DRIVE," it would not shift into "REVERSE" or "PARK." There were no warning lights. Gearshift lever would always move from "PARK" to "DRIVE" or "PARK" to "REVERSE." I was in traffic, I was unable to move the gearshift from "DRIVE" to "REVERSE" when I needed to backup. The only way to get the gearshift lever to move was to TURN OFF the vehicle while it was in "DRIVE" and on a 2021 F150, the gearshift lever will automatically move into "PARK." Then I was able to restart the vehicle and move the gearshift lever into "REVERSE." From "REVERSE" the gearshift lever would move into the "DRIVE" position. This failure resulted in my inability to control my vehicle when required. The dealership replaced a GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY to resolve the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623033October 31, 2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety issue affecting my 2021 Ford F-150, caused by a recent SYNC software update. On or around August 2024, Ford issued a software update that has resulted in significant malfunctions in multiple vehicle systems, including intermittent freezing and non-responsiveness shortly after vehicle startup. These issues persist for several minutes, severely impairing safety features—most notably the federally mandated backup camera that all vehicles sold after 2018 are required to have for driver and pedestrian safety. Following Ford's issuance of a recall number, I scheduled a service appointment with my local dealership and was later informed that Ford's specified service procedures would incur additional charges since my vehicle is now out of warranty. Ford has indicated that rolling back to a previous software version is not an option, as only Ford has access to the software. The company further requires an official diagnostic assessment at an estimated cost of $500 to $1,000 to even consider covering part of the repair costs. This approach is unreasonable, given that the malfunction originates from Ford’s own software update and directly impacts the safe operation of the vehicle. This is especially concerning as it compromises the backup camera and other critical driver-alert systems, which could lead to severe injury or even fatalities if the issue remains unaddressed. This issue is not isolated; a significant number of Ford F-150 owners are reporting similar problems on public forums, where Ford has acknowledged the software defect but has not offered a resolution without additional financial burden on affected customers. Given the safety risks posed by the non-functional backup camera and the importance of fully operational driver alert systems, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter. Ford’s reluctance to address this defect without cost to owners directly undermines the federally mandated safety standards that
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622492October 29, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Air Dam on my 2021 F-150 failed seemingly while driving down the interstate highway traveling within posted speed limits. While the Air Dam did not completely separate from the vehicle there are many reports of this occurring. These parts are plastic and metallic in nature at highway speeds can easily become projectiles threatening property harm and bodily harm including death. Ford should resolve issues with the Air Dams before someone is killed due to its improper construction and prone to breaking. To complicate matters Ford refuses to fix this part under its Bumper to Bumper warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621573October 23, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the Brake warning light illuminated and the "Parking Brake Limited Function - Service Required" message was displayed. The contact immediately drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer provided a temporary fix allowing the contact to continue driving the vehicle safely; however, the vehicle had to receive the temporary repair three times. The contact stated that the failure consisted of crunching while shifting gear which occurred after shifting to drive, with a ticking sound progressively becoming worse as the vehicle shifted into the higher gears or in reverse. The manufacturer had provided a loaner vehicle each time the vehicle was taken for temporary repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,210.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621479October 23, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS
Speaker system/amplifier created a loud sonic boom type noise while I was driving. Made my ears ring and felt very unsafe to drive afterwards. First time this happened, making an appointment with dealership to get it checked out. No error messages came up on the screen or dash. Still do not feel safe driving the vehicle if this can happen again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621403October 22, 2024
ENGINE
Right turn from stop then try to cleated there is no response from the pedal Will lunge forward and engage throttle if I’m lucky
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621335October 22, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621121October 21, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight /DRL out - no alerts or messages
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621007October 21, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Day time running lights burned out at 32,000 miles. The trucks Visibility during daylight has significantly been altered due to the DRLs malfunctioning so soon in a new vehicle. No warning or alerts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620974October 21, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud noise. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into drive or reverse. The contact exited the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact stated upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driveshaft was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured driveshaft. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,560.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619169October 10, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Ford issued NHTSA recall 22V142 for my 2021 F-150 truck. The windshield wiper motors were known to fail. I was told by the Ford customer service representative on CAS-51684816 that Ford has not replaced this part with a new one, and the faulty motors are still being installed. My wiper motor was "replaced" under warranty on 5/18/2023 with 39,836 miles. The "new" motor then failed on 9/24/2024 at 69,600 miles, so the wiper motor only worked for a little over a year and 30,000 miles. The wiper motor also failed during a thunderstorm, and I had to pull over to the side of the road. My truck was then hailed on later while parked waiting for the storm to pass by. The Ford dealership charged me $382.01 for the "replacement" motor. Either the replacement part was defective, or the part was not replaced at all, and it was just listed on the paperwork.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618451October 7, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1) Vehicle acceleration delays. From a stopped vehicle condition transitioning onto highway roadway the vehicle failed to accelerate for several seconds. Again from stopped or low speed idling condition following a turn there occurs a 1 to 10 second failure to accelerate. 2) Failure to accelerate puts into question the safety of anyone in any vehicle within proximity to the malfunctioning vehicle. 3) Our personal vehicle problems has not been observed by any dealer, we have not presented it for diagnosis at this time. We are actively monitoring and posting to the [XXX] group about our experience. A ford dealership employee has an advanced Ford factory representative working on understanding the problem. Otherwise, it seems, no one currently understands the issue as yet. 4) Our personal vehicle has NOT been inspected by the Manufacturer, police, insurance reps or others at this point in time. 5) There has never been a warning lamp or message in regard to this acceleration failure. The failure is not predictable in nature. We have never experience such failure at highway traffic speeds. It most often presents when accelerating from an idle or low speed driving condition, often following a turn. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618303October 6, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime running lights burn out with no remedy with the exception of replacing entire headlight assembly. Safety is impacted as DRL's are needed in places that my work is conducted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618000October 3, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I just got the car 3 weeks ago from the dealer and is leaking and I have this warning ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE INTAKE VALVE STEM TO FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING. Please some help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617979October 3, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Front Camera Fault causing Adaptive Cruise Control not to work therefore forfeiting any added measure of safety at highway speeds. The issue was investigated and was fixed at the local Ford dealer by installing a new camera, camera control module, and wiring. Warning message came on every time the truck was started and warning light came on saying that adaptive cruise control could. not be engaged
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617964October 3, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Passenger Daytime Running Light went out on me. Happened to other 2021-2024 Ford F150’s too. Hazardous to others due to confusion of lighting. No warnings at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617950October 3, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The daytime running lights started to begin to fail around August of 2023. As of today(10/3/2024) the passenger side has completely failed around the headlight assembly and the driver side has only failed along the vertical strip of the headlight assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617898October 3, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight Daytime running lights burn out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617881October 3, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The DRL on the 2021 F150 Quad Beam headlights burn out continuously. Ford needs to step up and fix this issue. This issue is a safety matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617867October 3, 2024
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering became functional. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the failure recurred. The contact was able to pull into a parking space. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the dealer by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with internal steering gear failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V407000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included due to the manufactured date. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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