Ford F-150 Complaints (2021)

1,308 consumer complaints on file.

#11755692August 8, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Both factory LED headlamp assemblies are experiencing premature LED failures. The vertical LED/DRL section has failed on both headlights, and the horizontal LED section has failed on one and is beginning to fail on the other. These are factory-installed upgraded LED headlamps and the LED components are not individually replaceable, requiring replacement of the complete headlamp assembly. The failures occurred before the vehicle reached five years old. Ford was contacted regarding the issue and declined goodwill assistance. I am concerned about the premature failure of the factory exterior lighting and the potential safety implications if additional portions of the headlamp assemblies fail. It does affect viability for other vehicles and both went out within 3 months of each other. I have noticed several other vehicles on the road specifically with my headlights with the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755402August 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The safety daytime running lights are failing prematurely. My car has 32,000 miles and my DRL is burnt out on the passenger side. Online forums confirm that this is happening to many, many people. It’s a safety hazard for other drivers because the cost to repair is substantial and people aren’t fixing them. Ford should fix this as a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755290August 6, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start whenever the outside temperature was hot. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle started and then shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755145August 5, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
was wanting to know if or when this recall will have a fix it has been 14 months when the recall was issued. I bought my auto thinking it would be drivable for long trips and ford is still selling new auto. Not right for the people with the recall. Thanks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754598August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a recurring, hazardous transmission failure during highway and incline driving (specifically experienced on mountain highway passes in Arkansas). While driving at highway speeds on uphill inclines, the transmission severely hesitates and struggles to downshift under load. When it finally engages, it violently slams into gear. During these episodes, the truck experiences a sudden loss of motive power and acceleration lag, accompanied by an engine RPM flare of over 400+ RPM. And most recently, I have Live diagnostic data captured during operation revealed a downshift delay of over 3 seconds where the powertrain control module commanded 8th gear, but the transmission physically remained stuck in 10th gear due to severe internal hydraulic pressure loss. This defect presents a severe safety risk on high-speed roadways. Sudden, unexpected loss of power while climbing grades or merging into traffic creates an immediate risk of rear-end collisions from surrounding vehicles. This issue directly correlates with Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 26-2287, which identifies axial movement/slippage of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve as the root cause of internal fluid leaks and gear failure. Because this internal hardware failure causes unpredictable power delivery and driveability loss at highway speeds, I request that the NHTSA investigate the 10R80/10R80-MHT transmission CDF drum sleeve defect as a critical safety hazard. Finally, Ford motor company, and most cases refuses to repair this known defect under warranty, many owners are experiencing this dealership pushback leaving them with a critical safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754597August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle is having bad shifting and jerking from 1st to 2nd. It has now gotten worse and does the jerking through all gears at 81,000 miles. A certified Ford dealer is doing a diagnosis on it. But Ford wont cover anything as the transmission it has is widely know issue. The CDF drum is only a bulletin no full recall. This issues occures while driving and will shoot up to gear 8 and try to shift its self to 1st gear at 5 miles per hour struggling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754519August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and upon inspection of the rear passenger’s side wheel end hub bolt, the dealer discovered the bolt was fractured. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was advised that the vehicle should not be driven until the vehicle was repaired under the recall. 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 but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754406August 3, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power steering functionality. The contact opened and closed the driver's side door to reset the vehicle, and the power steering function was restored; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a PSCM internal failure and steering mechanism ball retainer failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V407000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the issue was confirmed after a diagnostic test, but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754379August 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly downshifted hard, with a jolt that shook the whole truck, then went into emergency limp mode, where I had to pull over to the shoulder, on Interstate 240 in heavy traffic. I was attempting to accelerate to merge into merging traffic. Because of this it created a dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. Other times I have had hard shifting, but did not result going into limp mode. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754238August 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly has lost propulsion and RPMs flare while driving steadily uphill. This occurred while merging onto a fast moving highway and while traveling at a steady speed going uphill, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754246August 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Ive noticed that the electric motor sometimes doesnt want to disengage quickly when I step on the brakes. In this incident I had to make a hard brake because someone pulled out in front of me. I had the cruise control on. When I slammed on the brakes the vehicle did not stop fast the vehicle felt as if it was still being pushed by something. Then a small jolt was felt and then the vehicle finally slowed. Had I been going faster or had the car that pulled been closer. This fault would have resulted in an incident
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754321August 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly shifts hard/lags on gears 3-5 and sometime higher gears 7-9 at higher speeds. I’ve also noticed a buzzing/metallic rattling coming near the engine from inside. There is also times i can tell i have no power when trying to speed up and the other day i almost thought i was going to get T-Boned. This occurred while on my daily traffic commute to work, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754313August 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Intermittent hard downshifts when going from 3rd to 2nd gear. When merging onto the highway or periods of brief acceleration the transmission fights to find the correct gear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754280August 2, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Outer LED light burned out. Makes for lights to seem dimmer at night while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754157August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly slipped at least twice, and shifts violently often. The truck while driving on a 35mph road after just going over a railroad track I went to accelerate and lost gear and the transmission slipped really bad and violently caught a gear after reaching around 4000 rpm. The truck also shifts violently when under moderate acceleration at almost all times in gears 2-5 creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754192August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I'm reporting a transmission problem on my 2021 Ford F-150 with the 10R80 automatic transmission that I believe is a safety issue, not just a reliability one. The truck currently has about 55,000 miles on it. Right now the truck shifts hard and jerks every time I drive it, and it's especially bad at low speed. The worst situation is creeping through a parking lot looking for a spot, the transmission drops down into first with a clunk and a jerk, and then kicks again when it shifts back up out of first. It's rough enough that I've taken to putting the truck in "Eco" drive mode on purpose, because that softens the shift profile and takes a little of the edge off. Once I'm out of the low-speed stop-and-go and up to normal road speed, it seems to smooth out and drive okay, but the low-speed shifting is genuinely excessively rough. From what I've read, this matches the known 10R80 problem where the CDF clutch sleeve can move axially and cause hydraulic-circuit leaks, which leads to slipping, RPM flares, delayed or harsh engagement, and unexpected shifts. Everything I've found says this condition progressively worsens as the transmission degrades. That's exactly why I'm filing now rather than waiting. A hard, unpredictable shift or a loss of propulsion at the wrong moment — pulling into traffic, crossing an intersection, merging — can easily cause a collision. I don't want to wait until it fails in a dangerous spot and someone in my family gets hurt. I'd like NHTSA to investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition on Ford F-150s and to review Ford's warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, and other owner complaints to determine whether this is a defect requiring a recall. Owners shouldn't have to wait for a dangerous failure before a known condition like this is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754194August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving, the transmission would unexpectedly hesitate before engaging the selected gear and then shift harshly with a noticeable bang. On multiple occasions, the engine RPM would flare before the transmission engaged, resulting in delayed or inconsistent acceleration. The transmission has also exhibited harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and unpredictable gear changes. These events occurred during normal driving, including accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, and driving at highway speeds. The transmission did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Delayed engagement and sudden harsh shifts make it difficult to judge available power when entering traffic or changing lanes. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks, resulting in harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can cause slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected hesitation, delayed engagement, or loss of propulsion while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, or traveling at highway speed creates an increased risk of a crash. Because I personally experienced these unexpected transmission events, I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150 vehicles. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this represents a safety defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754193August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly slammed into the next gear, i had never felt that before, it happens when it shifts from 2nd gear to 3rd, and someone’s after i have already been driving at highway speeds for a while it will rev up as if it’s slipping or missing a gear. This occurred while driving on a main highway, and also happens right when i leave my driveway, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. A loss of power in the middle of busy traffic could cause an accident. This happens every single time i drive my truck, currently my truck has less than 55k miles. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754168August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly downshifts aggressively resulting in the rear tires locking up and sliding for a moment. This occurs while driving in stop and go traffic as well as coming to a stop light/sign, creating a potentially dangerous situation. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754159August 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem l experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly will shift gears violently, unexpectedly downshifted. This occurred while accelerating, merging onto a highway, turning, crossing an intersection, traveling at highway speed, stop-and-go traffic, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that NHTSA investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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