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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer to file a complaint. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, the case was denied, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 15,000 |
| Aug 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | POWER TRAIN | TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING HARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN. THIS REPEATEDLY HAPPENS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 7TH TO 6TH GEAR AND IT HITS EVEN HARDER WHEN IT GOES FROM 6TH TO 5TH. TRANSMISSION DELIVERS A SLAMMING HIT TO THE POINT IT FEELS LIKE REAR END ACCIDENT, TO THE POINT NECK HAS BECOME SORE FROM WHAT FEELS LIKE WHIPLASH. TRUCK HAS UPCOMING APPT AT DEALER TO LOOKED AT. NO LIGHTS OR WARNING MESSAGES APPEAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The audio system suddenly put out loud static noises from the speakers. The volume level was so excessive, I felt my ear drums were going to be damaged. This could have caused an accident if driving since the noise was so instant and loud. I had to turn off the vehicle to eliminate the noise. I read that several others have complained of this with no resolution yet. My vehicle is available for inspection. I have not notified my dealer or others yet since this occured in the evening. That was some minor static from the vehicle before this occurred. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lurched and jerked. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Aug 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V842000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Since the recall was first issued on March 14, 2022, I contacted the local dealer 5 times (4 in person during normal maintenance and one by phone) to address the recall. Issues have happened continuously and the latest was on July 22nd, 2023. The dealer is: Joe Cooper Ford of Edmond - 600 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 - Phone: (405) 475-9000 Every time they stated they do not have the parts to perform the fix and they would contacted me once they received the part. This is over a year and I reported to them the erratic behavior of my wipers to no avail. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS | The rear axel bolt sheared off. I started to hear a rattle called ford to see when I could get my truck in to get it looked at. Got an appointment set up 2 months down the road was the soonest they could get me in. While waiting for that time truck stated to vibrate. I decided to try a tire rotation and I had the rear axel bolt drop to the ground. Not sure exactly when I started hearing the rattle. They safety was the tire could have come off while driving which could have caused an accident which could have caused injuries or death of my family or others. I called ford back they told me to have it towed in so they could look at it right away. So in 4 days my truck will be towed there for inspection. No warning lights about the bolt but I did have one about 4x4 would not engage back on 27/MAR/2023. Ford checked the axel and suspension. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | WHEELS | Rear passenger bolt that holds the hub was sheared off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | It's been back to Autonation dealership 3 times already, twice I had a appointment for this recall. After I get there, they tell me that they can't get the part until late this year. Went to a dealership in Texas they tell me the part is available put only to fleet and lease program trucks. My wiper are only working on the high setting. I drive a110 mile to work and back and never know when they are going to quit. The recall has been going on for 18 months. I asked them what happens if they quit completely. They just look at me and say we don't know. Can I use the Lemon Law for this | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while having the tires rotated, the mechanic became aware that the rear passenger’s side axle assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side axle bolt had sheared off and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN | Upon doing an oil change and tire rotation at the Ford dealer I was informed that the rear axle hub bolt had sheared off and was sitting lose at the end of the axle. Upon doing research I have found that many 2021 Ford 150s have had this problem and Ford knows about the problem but has not issued a recall. I am being told that Ford recommends that the axle and bolt be replaced. My dealer has no loaners available. Also, the dealer, Harris Ford in Lynnwood, WA, tells me the parts are back ordered and have no idea when the repair can be made. This is dangerous and Ford should have issued a recall. Now I have no use of my truck and no date that the repair can be completed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Rear camera becomes inoperable which poses risk to others and myself. Screen just goes black. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Bought truck brand new. The axle bolt sheered off at 76k miles which is a common problem which ford has issued a service bulletin for repair. Ford claims my truck is not drivable due to the manufacture defect of the bolt either being cross threaded or overtightened from the factory. Ford is insisting I pay for the mistake even though it's a manufacture defect with a service bulletin for a repair. Ford is refusing to pay for the fix due to miles. Axles, axle shafts and axle bolts should not have to be replaced before the differential fluid does in the axle at 100k miles. They are claiming the extreme premature wear is my fault. The truck is bone stock. Ford case #CAS-43720120-D7H6Y6. Worst part is Ford dealership telling me claim was denied to only find out Ford approved the claim partially. The Ford dealership was trying to double dip on profits. Dealership is wade Ford.called up akins Ford in winder and they told me they would cover it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | With the cruise control set to a speed of around 60mph and with no other vehicles around, the truck accelerates (uncommanded) to some value over 71mph. This occurs randomly but is repeatable and has only started occurring within the past week. A definite safety concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | While driving, a warning light came on then the engine shut off. I was stranded in the middle of an extremely busy intersection. I could not put the windows up or in neutral to push it off the road. The hazard lights went to a very weak blinking that could not be seen. It was very dangerous to get out at the intersection. it was pouring rain and no one could see me. The truck had to be towed from the intersection to a dealer. Dealer allegedly identified the problem as a bad alternator that in turn damaged the battery. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | After recent software updates sent out by Ford, my rear view camera display freezes and sometimes displays a distorted image. The freezing image makes it difficult to judge the distance between the vehicle and objects behind it, and it can also give the driver the impression that the road behind them is clear when it is not. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Ford has a felt protective cover installed under the transmission to prevent debris from getting to the oil pan and catalytic converters. The cover needs to be removed to service the vehicles engine oil. The felt is secured with just bolts and over time the felt fails and starts to separate from the vehicle. This could dislodge from the vehicle while driving and cause potential bodily injuries to other vehicles or motorcycles This could also leave extremely hot catalytic converters exposed to grass or other flammables which could cause property damage or bodily injury There are hundreds of threads online about this issue. Most with in def descriptions and photos. I can compile this information and provide if needed. This part has failed twice on my vehicle with only 35,000 miles. I have concerns for my own safety as well as others. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2021 Ford F-150 is equipped with 360 camera system and a backup camera. The 360 camera system failed within the first year of service. This left only the backup camera functioning. The dealer attempted to fix the camera system and resulted in all cameras including the backup camera not working. One year later ford claimed to have a part to fix all of the cameras. When it arrived at the dealer they reported that the software needed updated and the process would take approximately 3 hours. The next day the story changed again. Now it didn't need the part and Ford was advising that the software upgrade would cause more problems and not fix the cameras. The vehicle is now 2 years with 19,000 mile and still covered by a bumper to bumper warranty. The backup camera is a required safety devise on all new vehicles. I have a young child who is at risk because of this failed safety devise. Dealer reports no known fix at this time. Vehicle has been inspected by Ford dealer. Ford refuses to provide a loan vehicle until problem is resolved. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The axle bolt (wheel hub end bolt) on the rear axle (driver side) broke leaving part of the bolt inside the axle and the broken end inside the wheel assembly along with the large washer the bolt had secured to the axle. A cursory exam of the broken piece indicates it occurred some time ago from the smooth end of the broken part of the bolt. There were no warning lights or indicators. The broken bolt and washer were discovered during a routine tire rotation. No one other than the Ford dealer I took the vehicle to for routine maintenance has inspected the vehicle. The vehicle has 20400 miles on it and no after-market modifications. This defect potentially endangered my family and I since the axle can now move and possibly reduce propulsion or cause a loss of power. There are hundreds of other owners with the same vehicle package ("Max Tow Package") posting online about the same issue. This is a known problem from Ford, yet they have neither notified owners or proactively offered a solution or recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Faulty backup camera. Intermittently but frequently get blue screen when placed in reverse. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2021 FORD F150 PICKUP- Consumer states "I Purchased a new 2021 Ford F150 pickup from Capitol Ford in Carson City Nevada. I have 5-6 outstanding safety recalls. I having been trying to get the dealership to give me an appointment date for these for over a year and a half. I have also contacted Ford Motor Company who contacted the dealer last tall to try to get me an appointment. At the time the dealer told them I was scheduled to be called March of 2023 to schedule an appointment. Its now almost June and I still have not received an appointment. The next closest Ford dealer to me is over sixty miles away so it is not easy for me to go there nor do they give me a loaner or transportation to and from that dealership. I have asked Ford to buy back the pickup since, with this many outstanding safety issues I feel I paid them a lot of money for an unsafe vehicle that they and the dealer have not resolved. I'm asking you to contact Ford and get them to buy back this unsafe vehicle." Looked up NHTSA safety recalls from VIN: 21V090, 22V142, 22v193, & 23V163. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2021 FORD F-150 XL- Consumer called dealer to schedule a a repair in reference to Recall # 22V842. Consumer was informed parts were not available and to check back in September. However, consumer was told that if the part failed at anytime between now & then, they would make the repair. Consumer is worried the wiper motor can fail when needed the most. Consumer questions if the repair can be made now if wiper motor were to fail, why not replace the motor now before it fails? Why should they be place in a hazardous situation and real safety concern? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Started with check engine light for cylinder 5 misfire and engine was running rough with loss of power. Took the truck to dealer and dealer reports compression loss as reason for engine failure. After doing some research there appears to be a major issue with the same engine (2.7 ecoboost) of the same year(2021) reported for the Bronco and F150 for catastrophic engine failure. I suspect this is the same engine failure that my truck experienced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |