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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The day time running light on the driver side is out and is a known problem for the 2021+ F-150’s with LED headlights that I have seen. It would be in everyones best interest if we could have this recalled and have Ford fix this issue that is not covered by warranty and without having to scavenge $2100 to replace one side of a headlight which is a safety feature for the truck. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact called about a 2021 Ford F-150 company vehicle. The company received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V193000 (Electrical System); 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Driver door latch and lock failure at extreme cold temperatures. Failed last year could not exit vehicle at Ford dealership. Ford dealership added grease and problem did not occur again for 11 months. Same problem occurred this December. Door latch stays open and will not latch so door has to be held shut by driver while moving down the road. Problem occurred on 4 different days of single digit temperatures during the past 2 years. The ford dealership in Gaylord observed the stuck latch and door not latching. Warning light of door ajar when put into gear and constant warning beeping while driving with an unlatched door. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was traveling 47 mph and suddenly the parking brake was activated, causing the car to brake instantly. Luckily, no one was behind me and luckily it did not cause an accident. There were no lights on the dashboard. I took it to the Ford dealer to have it inspected and they gave me an appointment for 8 days later and let me go home knowing that I could not drive it since I almost caused an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Drivers side head light is half working | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | There has been an issue with front LED lights where they go out. It’s an electrical issue where my truck had both replaced and still in warranty this caused almost hit accidents a night. Many vehicles warned me by flashing the high beams. Also another issue is the transmission where it creates a huge jerk on the transmission causing a change in shift. Almost had an accident caused by it. No police involved and no accidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Rear axle failed while driving. Had vehicle towed to Malloy Ford in Winchester, VA. They replaced the failed components, at no cost. When I asked about reimbursement for towing, they were not able to assist me in filing my claim for towing reimbursement. I contacted FORD Customer Service, who said they only way they may help me is if I return the vehicle to Ford Service (must be in their possession) and have Ford Service contact them directly and ask for "reimbursement assistance" by 16 Jan. However, stated there is absolutely no guarantee they will reimburse towing. Are you able to assist me? The towing cost was $185.40 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | DRL lights are dead after three years of ownership. Dealer wants $1600 per light assembly to repair them. Cannot afford to repair them. makes the truck less visible day and night. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 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 repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | I was pulling out into traffic, I eased out to make the turn, when I pressed the accelerator in order to merge to traffic speed, the truck did nothing. It did not stall, the engine was running, but it would not go. The transmission did not act like it was in gear, it is an automatic. I could have been hit by other cars by having my truck sitting in the road. The problem has occurred twice, but I cannot force the issue. it occurs randomly. I am calling service center today 12/17/24 to have it looked at. Vehicle has had the transmission replaced by manufacturer at a factory authorized dealership. There were no warning lights or any indications that the truck was malfunctioning. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Running light led strip in both headlights has gone out before 40k miles. Numerous issues with these all over the road having the same problem. Causes an issue with visibility and is unsafe. Manufacturer wants 1700 per headlight to fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | I was stopped at red light intersection my truck went into idle mode (start/stop) when light changed I tried to proceed through the truck engine/electrical transmission locked up. I had to turn the truck completely off and open one of the doors to be able to restart the truck and move through the intersection. it has done this repeatedly I have taken it to Ford they have tried to charge me an astronomical amount to diagnose it.. with no guarantee of it being fixed. I have almost been rear ended 3 times! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Recall with no remedy. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Led DRL burned out both driver and passenger side. Extremely common issue in this generation of F150/similar year model. $1200 per head light assembly replacement to fix the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Daytime running lights have failed. Both sides in my ford f150 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Both daytime running lights, which also serve as part of the headlights have burnt out. First the drivers side vertical strip of the LED light went out, then the passenger side same vertical strip only. Recently, the horizontal top strip of the headlight went out too. Just happened around 30,000 miles, little past 3 years since I bought my truck | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While driving there were no warning indicator lights illuminated on the dash. He stated there were no mechanical defects, noises, or smells to be noted. Near Milepost [XXX] on [XXX] both occupants saw smoke begin to come from under the hood. The employee pulled the vehicle to the side of the road. Both employees exited the vehicle to open the hood. Employee stated he reached down to pull the hood release and when he looked up flames were visible above the hood. Employees moved away from the vehicle and called 911. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood street at approximately 25 MPH, a faint whistling sound could be heard from the rear passenger side, and when accelerating the sound progressed. The sound was also present while turning. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop where it was inspected and informed that there was a bolt and washer that had been sheered off causing further damage to the axle of the vehicle. The contact was advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that NHTSA campaign number 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN) was a probable cause for the failure. The contact has stated that the dealer and manufacturer have not been very transparent with the process of remedying the vehicle and received a loaner vehicle. 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 made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 62,000 |
| Nov 2024 | STEERING,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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH when a loud grinding noise was emitting from underneath the vehicle. The contact had lost power causing the vehicle to drift to the right. The vehicle ended up hitting a trash can nearby before it came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. A police report was not filed. The contact had to place the vehicle in 4-wheel drive mode to be able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was not able to diagnose the vehicle at the time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 86,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | 86,000 |
| Nov 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight suddenly became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlamp housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Nov 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The LED daytime running lights in both of my headlights are going out. The vertical portion is out on each the driver's side, and passenger side headlights. This started on the passenger side headlight about 6 months ago and has progressed to both lights. The diminishes the visibility of my vehicle to other vehicles. Puts all at risk. The headlights are still attached to my truck and available for inspection. I have not taken my truck in for inspection as I am beyond the factory warranty. I have conducted research into the problem and learned there are hundreds, if not thousands of owners with the same issue. There were no warnings of the light failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | The intake valves failed in my 2021 ford f150 and has caused major engine damage the truck is un drivable now and ford REFUSES to help me in any way they said the recall is expected to have a remedy in 2025 so until then I’m just stuck they will not give me a loaner vechile or anything | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | XLT model with quad LED headlight. The Daytime Running Lamp failed 3000 miles past factory 36k mile warranty. Very common failure, Ford won’t acknowledge. Safety issue for other drivers in daytime as well as distracting to other drivers looking to see why the lights are not symmetrical. I have polled 14 people randomly and 13-14 said that it would distract them, while others have acknowledged they have seen several others like it. Trying to get a recall on this as the lights are 1200$ to replace each and they fail on both sides. The issue is quality control. I have torn down one light and examined the issue. I can provide evidence to support. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | WHEELS | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was rust on all four wheels. The mechanic was unable to remove the wheels due to the rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 48,000 |
| Oct 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 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 | Unknown |