Complaint volume
911 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
911 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Ford F-150, grouped by component category.
911 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
911 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2022 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V142000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the variable wiper speed control was defective causing the windshield wiper blades to move very slowly or very fast. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | POWER TRAIN | Rear passenger axel bolt broken and leaking diff fluid from hub of wheel. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The APIM is completely nonfunctional. Screen is blank. Two dealers went through entire test protocol and arrived at this conclusion. Hence I have no camera or warning system, as well as no Bluetooth for hands free communication. No GPS. The truck only has about 1300 miles on it. I got it in March after waiting 9 months, and the system broke very soon thereafter. Ford must have known of these defective units because their failure is a common discussion topic on the internet. It took 6 weeks to get a dealer appointment to diagnose. Now I am told that replacement units are on "galactic" backorder. Ford must be penalized for delivering what they must have known to be a likely defective product. Without all the safety systems dependent on the APIM, I and others are put at risk. Please do something to discourage selling vehicles that are known to carry likely safety feature failures. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | POWER TRAIN | I purchased a 2021 Ford F-150 pick-up truck for my business in September 2022 with ~12,000 miles. I took it to my local auto mechanic on Sa-11/26/22 for it's first oil change & tire rotation at ~15,000 miles. Upon my mechanic rotating my tires, he found the sheared-off axle bolt on the rear/passenger side (pictures & mechanic write-up available). My mechanic stated he believes the axle bolt was over torqued/tightened in the factory and not a result of daily driving usage... Answers to Above Questions: > Rear/Passenger Side Wheel: Axle Bolt SHEARED-OFF; Pictures & mechanic write-up available > My mechanic informed me I was a very "lucky" person that I didn't get into a serious vehicle accident due this axle bolt being sheared-off; I was strongly advised by my mechanic that I should NOT drive my truck until repaired > My truck was towed to an authorized Ford dealership and is awaiting inspection & service (earliest available appointment is W-12/7/22, meaning I will be without the use of my truck for AT LEAST ~12 days!!!!!) > As stated previously, my truck is currently at an authorized Ford dealership awaiting inspection & service. Upon me doing Internet research, Ford does not have any listed recalls for this issue, but there are plenty of Ford forum sites detailing the EXACT same issue(s)!!!, so there definitely is a BIG problem! > There were no warning indications/messages displayed in my truck prior to learning of the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V142000 (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 |
| Nov 2022 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undetermined speed, a rock struck the front windshield causing a crack. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass shop where the windshield was replaced, and additional adhesive was needed to secure the windshield. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V090000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Nov 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Received recall notice in March, 2022. Took vehicle in to confirm and was told that the wiper motor would need to be ordered and that it was expected sometime in August. I've called the dealer twice now and was told the motor was still on order. Today (November 10, 2022) the dealer informs me that the part cannot be ordered from Ford until it fails and is confirmed by the dealer as to failing. If this is a safety recall, why would it need to fail to be acted upon. I live in a climate where we get rainy weather for months at a time. Having a wiper motor fail while driving is a situation waiting for disaster. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission keeps having difficulty finding gear. Repeatedly changes gears hard. Mostly during down shifts. When accelerating when it is already at a higher gear the truck shutters. Ford reprogrammed it. Still has problems. Says there isn’t anything else they can do. I’m just waiting for the transmission to completely crap to bed before warranty is up. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On certain occasions, the transmission will make a banging noise while causing the truck to jerk forward when the vehicle has to upshift such as taking off from an intersection but rarely jerks when the vehicle is downshifting. Also, while using the adaptive cruise control system, the vehicle will travel close to the right or middle lane as if it is looking for the pavement striping and then move back over to the center of the lane. With the adaptive cruise system, when the vehicle is supposed to be in the center of the lane, the system slightly turns the the wheel as if it is having trouble staying in the center of the lane. The vehicle also has a CSP for unintended tailgate opening. i have an appointment set for November 18th but have been trying to get in touch with the service advisor that was assigned to me multiple times and was told he would receive an email to contact me each time but he has not contacted me. The shifting/jerking problem has occurred only three times and the issue with the adaptive cruise system is every time it is turned on while traveling a multi lane highway that has a broken striped line on both sides of the vehicle. Since this is my only vehicle, if the vehicle has to be kept at the dealer, I would need a loaner vehicle to travel to and from work while my vehicle is being repaired. I only use my truck on paved roads. Date is most recent incident of transmission issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN | This is the third rear axle bolt that has broken on this truck. It was found during a flat repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Ford issued recall 22S12/22V-142 on March 13, 2022, and stated, "parts are anticipated to be available late-second quarter". I have been in contact with the Ford dealership in my hometown since April about this recall and was continuously told the parts are not available. My wipers had been functioning intermittently until last week while raining, my wipers completely stopped working as I am driving home on the interstate. I called the local Ford the following morning to inquire about the recall and was again told that the parts aren't available. Ford stated I could drop my vehicle off for 3 days so they could perform diagnostics on my vehicle, order the appropriate parts, and then return once the parts have arrived. I informed them that I commute for work and cannot be without my truck. They told me I would not be given a rental unless I wanted to pay for one through another company! After being frustrated with local Ford dealer, I called the corporate office and was told "there is nothing we can do at this time". This is completely unacceptable behavior. The recall has been issued for months and owners who have vehicles without windshield wipers should be taken care of immediately. This is a huge safety hazard! I am beyond upset about this situation and Ford is not taking responsibility the way they should. Why should I be the one to pay for the rental vehicle when it is their equipment that has malfunctioned? Completely unnacceptable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition, there was no power to the vehicle which prevented the vehicle from starting. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated; however, the contact stated that he was not provided the details of what repair was performed. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,500. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 22,500 |
| Oct 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The the head of the rear axle bolt on the passenger side has sheered off. This is the bolt which holds the rear axel shaft connected to the brake assembly. This broke at least 2 weeks before it was officially discovered on August 9th of 2022. Ford has yet to provide a clear date on when the replacement part will be provided. They claim the enter axel shaft needs to be replaced and that the replacement SHOULD come off of back order at the end of October 2022. They told me this same thing back in August, that i would have my part by the end of August. The internet is ablaze with this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The passenger side rear hub bolt sheared off. My mechanic found it while rotating my tires. I called the Ford dealership and they advised me that I am not to drive it and have it towed for repair. I tow a travel trailer which is within the limits of the truck and I'm thankful that it was not a catastrophic failure that caused the wheel to fall off and cause an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | STEERING,WHEELS,ENGINE | I bought the vehicle new. The first time I took it to get an oil change, the mechanic came out to show me that the bell housing bolts were falling out. We tightened them up. I was having issues with the smell of breaks burning so I took it to a ford dealership but told them to check the bolts as well. I told them it would shake some when approaching 80 mph. They didn't find anything wrong. And nothing was said about the shaking. At 51k miles, my family was on vacation. My nephew noticed the front passenger wheel was about to blow out when we had stopped. Putting on the spare I started recording the change because the lug nuts were extremely loose. The tires have never been rotated or changed these issues were from the factory. I reached out to Ford, they told me to take it back to a shop which I have scheduled. It's pointless, this truck is a death trap and Ford doesn't seem to care at all about the level of safety this was for me and my family. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Wiper blade recall 22V250 for F-150 - have tried scheduling to get recall fixed with Koons Ford Sterling, VA since May. They are still unable to fix recall due to inadequate scheduling and unavalialbe parts. Same issue with unintended tailgate opening recall number 21M08. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V142000 (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 |
| Oct 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The recall (22S12) was received. This has not been repaired. The manufacturer and dealer have not taken care of this. We are months past when the parts were supposed to be available (2nd Qtr 2022). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | 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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Recall still not repaired | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed and depressing the brake pedal, the traction control and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred while driving at various speeds and after depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing to replace the electric brake booster. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V533000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to file complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN | 9.75HD Rear axle retaining bolt sheared off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The bolts that holds the wheel assemblies to the axle have both broke off. Right side in February and the left side in September. It allows the wheel and brake rotor assembly to move in and out on the axle shaft. The only thing holding the wheel on the truck is the brake rotor assembly. It was found during a tire rotation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN | No part failure confirmed by Ford. Transmission has very hard downshift at highway speeds from 10th gear to 8th gear under moderate throttle causing the rear wheels to chirp. Had this happened during cold months it could have caused me to spin out. Ford states transmission is normal yet previous TSBs show consistent issues with the 10r80 transmission from My 2018 and up in regards to harsh, delayed shifts. No warning lamp other than traction/stability control flashed. I have had the dealer look but was told it is normal as with other drivers. I can't understand how chirping the tires on a down shift under moderate throttle can be considered normal. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN | I took truck in for an oil change and the service sept advised me that during the tire rotation they discovered the Axle bolt sheered off of driver side rear axle from normal use of truck. Dealer said ford advised them that the truck must sit till the axle is replaced due to it being a safety hazard to drive. My truck is now sitting at dealer waiting for a replacement axle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |