Complaint volume
910 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Ford F-150 Complaints
910 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford F-150, grouped by component category.
910 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
6 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, exterior lighting, visibility. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 203 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 45,841 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, exterior lighting, visibility?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Ford F-150?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Ford F-150
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Ford F-150 complaints?
13 Crash
4 Fire
6 Injury
0 Fatality
27 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Ford F-150 complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 201
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 75
VISIBILITY 64
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 52
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52
VISIBILITY/WIPER 41
ENGINE 33
STEERING 24
SERVICE BRAKES 19
BACK OVER PREVENTION 18
910 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | STEERING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that three months after purchasing the vehicle, while her husband was driving, the vehicle was driving roughly, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact was unaware whether any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a misfire in cylinders #1, #3, #4, and #6. The spark plugs were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, a month after the repair, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearing and axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 56,000 |
| Sep 2025 | WHEELS | Brought the truck in to dealership July 22 for a recall and they said 1 day till ready so we left it. Now it is still sitting at the dealership 62 days later and still waiting on parts 23S65 rear axle half shaft. 23V896. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact noticed an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rear axle failure. The contact was informed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted several times to schedule an appointment for the recall repair, however the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 55,000 |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | 24E08 for catalytic converter. Ford has a customer service program for other VINs. This is not included. This is a widespread failure based on forms I have read across various year. I have 95k miles and have owned for 4.5 years. They also stated the PCM software needs to be updated related to the catalytic converter. This is about a 3k repair. 24E04 covers this exact issue, but my VIN was on included. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal metallic sound. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the brake pads were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was determined that the rear axle hub bolt had fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall part was on backorder and would be available in October. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 82,500 |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Pro power onboard doesn’t work. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My truck will not update its internal software that controls everything from windows to ABS braking system. My truck has numerous pending updates, verified by my dealer and FMCO update section, that are not being sent to my truck. The updates are there for a reason, to improve and to prevent issues. I asked my dealer to do them, they said it would cost $1500 to do it since they would not install over the air as they should. I contacted Ford on 9/12/25 and they refused to assist by either paying the dealer and or by using my Ford ESP warranty. My safety is at risk because these updates address transmission issues, braking issues, electical issues etc all that could fail and cause an accident. Add these failure to update with the exisisting fuel pump problem and the truck is a serious problem . I am told by Ford that my updates are "stuck" and that there is nothing that they can assist with and I must take to a dealer and pay for the updates that others get for free. But, should there ever be a "recall" for my trucks failure to update, I can apply for a refund. I have about 12 different updates that will not download to my truck. In the history of the truck, this is not the first time it would not download updates. Shortly after it was built it was taken to Ford and a "forced update for the Bluecruise technology" had to be done. Critical software updates to the trucks main computer that do not initiate is not acceptable and a danger to this truck! Thank You! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was towing an empty horse trailer on [XXX]. I had left Clemson, SC and although I had a half tank, because of my long trip I decided to top the tank off before I left. I had no issues on the drive until suddenly, on a hill, in the middle of a construction zone with barriers on both sides and no shoulders, I lost power, in what felt like the transmission had quit. There was no warning at all, no warning lamps, no messages, no suspicious sounds or behavior. The engine was still running, but very rough. I coasted to a stop and shut if off. I was blocking a lane of traffic, and immediately exited the vehicle through the passenger door because cars were not expecting a stalled vehicle and were narrowly missing hitting my trailer, which had hazard lights on. I ended up blocking a lane of traffic for 3 hours after waiting for the first tow truck which did not show up, and then waiting for another. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealership. They have diagnosed the failure as the low pressure fuel pump related to recall 25S75. There is no Ford directed action to take in order to resolve the issue. The fuel pump will simply be replaced with another at this point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The alternator failed at 60,000 ish miles. Specific mileage can be provided upon request. It appears this is a common problem as alternators and alternator parts are unavailable. I have had to order a custom alternator. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The passenger side daytime running lamp has burned out in one section. Ford says in order to replace this the whole headlight must be replaced at a cost of $1,400. Daytime running lamps are a requirement for safety and the inability to repair the running lamp without replacing the entire headlight poses a safety risk to both the driver and other vehicles on the road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The failure persisted, and the ABS, Hill Start Assist Not Available, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and several other messages appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the wheel hub bolt in the rear axle was fractured and caused the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and requested a status update on the part. The contact was then informed that the dealer would call the manufacturer and request the part to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 45,000 |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | Truck has been at Ford dealership since July 9th for this recall. After updating the computer as mentioned in the recall, a “trailer brake fault” was displayed and we were left with no trailer brakes while towing our camper. It has beyond a “reasonable amount of time” to get this safety issue fixed. Compaign recall number: 25S15/25V132 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Fords 10r80 transmission is a known failure point. Why are they not recalling it?????? I bought my vehicle used from a ford dealership with 36k miles. Quickly realized it was a lemon but nothing I could do. The biggest issue is the transmission. The transmission does not shift properly, it slips, it has major clunking and hard downshifts sometimes pushing through brake pressure, etc. I fought with two separate dealerships to take a look and after months of them trying to convince me it was fine, they tore it apart and it was damaged. Now the "rebuilt" trans is doing the same thing even leaving me in limp mode just now until I turned the vehicle off and back on. You guys need to do something about this please. Ford is not doing anything and its hurting consumers and going to cause an accident if it hasn't already. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair and needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | I have a safety recall notice 24S55 / NHTSA recall 24V635 on my F-150. Ford requires 2-3 days to diagnose the problem due to current workload. During this diagnostic period, Ford refuses to provide a rental or loaner, leaving me without transportation. I use the truck for work, so I do not have a way to take the truck in for the recall without coming out of pocket for a replacement vehicle. My understanding is that this is a gray area, as Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving, so are not legally required to provide a rental vehicle during the diagnostic period. The fact remains I would have to take a financial loss to bring my vehicle in for this recall due to the diagnostic time. A simple solution would be for Ford to provide a replacement vehicle during this time. I discussed this with the dealership and the corporate number, to no avail. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | On my 2021 Ford F-150, the passenger-side LED daytime running light (DRL) has become noticeably dim compared to the driver’s side. This issue is widely reported by other owners of 2021-23 F-150 trucks. The problem is not electrical. Owners who have disassembled the headlight assemblies have found that the fiber-optic style light tube that distributes the LED’s light becomes heat-damaged over time. This burned spot blocks light from passing through the DRL, leaving one side of the vehicle significantly dimmer or out. Safety Concern: DRLs are a safety-critical feature designed to increase vehicle visibility during daytime driving. When one DRL is dim or inoperative, it reduces the truck’s visibility to oncoming drivers and creates an inconsistent lighting pattern that can cause confusion for other road users. This increases the risk of daytime collisions. This is not a cosmetic issue — it directly affects vehicle safety. The failure is common across this model year, but Ford only sells the DRL as part of the entire headlight assembly. The cost of replacement ($800–$1,200 per side) places a heavy burden on owners, especially since the defect appears prematurely and outside warranty coverage. Request: I urge NHTSA to investigate this widespread defect in Ford F-150 headlights. The DRL failure clearly reduces vehicle visibility and poses a safety risk, making it a safety-related defect that warrants further action, including the possibility of a recall or extended coverage. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that, upon routine maintenance, it was noticed by the local dealer that the axle shaft bolt had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 33,000 |
| Sep 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The truck hesitated at a section in the highway where it almost stalled out and I needed to cross over and almost got hit by on coming traffic. Also it has happened multiple times going down the highway the vehicle will start to stop and go it feels like the vehicle is going to stall out. This is very dangerous and I feel like this needs immediate attention | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | I had driven the car about 15 residential miles to Home Depot and back. As I was driving into my driveway I smelled smoke and looked forward to see a puff of smoke coming out from the front, driver's side wheel well. I put the car in park and pulled the hook release control under the steering wheel. Suddenly flames were coming out the sides of the hood, about 12" high. I pulled the car quickly away from the house and trees. Put the car in park, as the flames were now engulfing the entire hood. I quickly got away from the car and called 911. The Fire Department is close to my house, yet by the time they arrived the car, including interior cabin, was fully engulfed in flames. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Left Side Day Time Driving Light went out on top half on my 2021 F150 Ford Truck. Ford has many complaints of this happening to the Day Time Driving Lights from 2021 to 2024. The light is a complete replacement of the entire head light assembly for $ 2000 at the dealer. Day Time Driving Lights are a Safety Feature of Automobiles and should be part of warranties. This is a major problem with the Ford lighting system and it shouldn't cost $2000 to replace a daytime driving light. Being a Safety Item it should be recalled and Ford should be made to replace these head light assemblies to ensure the safety of all drivers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I was driving in a torrential rain storm in Florida. My wipers were on as I have the Platinum edition which has numerous sensors. I heard a strange sound then nothing the wipers stopped and I could not see a thing. I was in traffic so i put my hazard lights on and I indicated to the right and pulled over. I could not drive the vehicle so I had to wait the storm out before I could drive. When I got home I noted that this was a common problem with the 2021 F150 and in Particular the Platinum edition. I called Greenway Ford who told me it was covered under warranty but when I got there they advised me that my vehicle was not part of the recall. They advised that a technician could take a look at $179 to assess the damage. I said its clearly wiper motor as there is no sound at all when you try to turn on the wipers its completely dead. I wondered if any other owners had suffered the same fate. Unfortunately I cant drive the vehicle right now as we have regular storms in Orlando. I have only had the vehicle a few months and I was pretty disappointed in their response as it was really dangerous when this happened. I am not a mechanic but it appears by the VIN my vehicle was not part of the recall. I am reporting this in case there are other owners who suffered the same issue and it may warrant a recall. I thank you in advance for any help you can provide and thank you for keeping us safe. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |