Blind Spot Detection problems of the 2021 Ford F-150

Five problems related to blind spot detection have been reported for the 2021 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2021 F-150.

1 Blind Spot Detection problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2024

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.

2 Blind Spot Detection problem

Failure Date: 03/21/2024

Tail lamp assembly both sides, allowing moisture within the lighting assembly potentially resulting in short circuit or fire if water comes in contact with electrical connections.

3 Blind Spot Detection problem

Failure Date: 04/26/2023

In April 2023, while driving to work, at least a dozen error messages were displayed on the instrument cluster. When I arrived at work and was driving at a slower speed, I noticed some irregular feedback in the steering wheel and quickly realized the power steering was intermittently disabling itself. The truck had just rolled over 30k miles at this point and was well within the manufacturer's warranty period. I took the truck to the dealer for repair and got the truck back within a few days and was told it was repaired. The very next morning while driving to work again, the same problem ensued again with a dozen error messages and the power steering intermittently disabling itself. I took the truck bad to the dealer, contacted Ford customer care, and they got an engineering team to help work the problem. The service advisor also told me there were 3 other vehicles at their dealer with the same problem. After more than 30 days of being at the dealer for repair, the truck was returned to me again. Everything seemed to be fine for a couple months and then it returned again with many error messages and power steering failures. On Monday this week I started to pull out in traffic and the power steering disabled and caused me to cross the 2-lane road into oncoming traffic.

4 Blind Spot Detection problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2022

The vehicle no longer sends signal when blind spot monitors are triggered front parking camera access not available rear view mirrors do not have blinker lights or original camera working.

5 Blind Spot Detection problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2021

1. The passenger and drivers side modules were replaced by the dealership but the issues still persist and are available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety could be at risk. Reverse brake assist error issue could potentially cause a small child or person to be in danger if sensors are not working or cause an accident. 3. It has been reproduced and verified by the dealer. The dealer is sill-terhar motors in broomfield, CO. 4. The passenger and drivers side rear modules were replaced by the dealership, but the issues still persist. 5. The system failure messages did appear at the time of failure. They started appearing approximately a week after we purchased the truck. First warning is logged in the Fordpass app on June 13, 2021 I get three warnings pretty consistently when the system fails. So far the Fordpass app has over100 error messages regarding my issue. The warning messages all show up at the same time. They are usually: 1. Blind spot system fault 2. Cross traffic system fault 3. Reverse brake assist not available see manual (even though it is turned on) 4. Hill start assist error occurs as well 5. Sometimes when I am in reverse and these go off and I then brake with the foot pedal, the electronic emergency brake engaged without any manual intervention. First 3 errors have happened while reversing and while driving in normal city street and highway speeds. Taking into the dealer to have it looked at again on Nov. 4, 2021. Issues started 06/13/2021 and continue to present (as of this writing 10/25/2021).


Other Lane Departure related problems of the 2021 Ford F-150



Fuel Economy of F-150 Vehicles
F-150 Service Bulletins
F-150 Safety Recalls
F-150 Defect Investigations