general problems of the 2021 Ford F-150 - part 1

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!.

On Sunday, [xxx], I was driving on a state highway in my 21 Ford f150 fx4 with my family. 67mph, 73 degrees sunny outside. The front portion of my moonroof/sunroof exploded, shooting glass shards internally all over my truck/passengers and externally into the bed of my truck, and into the boat I was towing. Multiple people had glass shards embedded in their skin. There were no other vehicles nearby, and there was no prior damage to the sunroof/moonroof of the vehicle. The truck gave no warning or signs of malfunction prior to the event. The sunroof was closed, and all windows in the vehicle were closed. On Monday morning ([xxx]), I took my truck to the local Ford service center, and they inspected it, shocked at the results. They filed a claim that Ford denied because the windows are not covered by my extended warranty. They wanted to charge me $ 4,000 for the repair/replacement of the glass and track. I have been on the phone with Ford protection and Ford customer service (Aug 6th, 2025), trying to get something resolved, and Ford continues to deny responsibility. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

About 1 hour into a commute, I attempted to connect to a call while using the car play function of the sync system. Upon connection, the speakers blasted as loud as they could possibly go, a terrible pulsing static sounds that scared me and the passenger and almost caused us to have an accident. The volume knob was indicating 0 and would not move and I could not lower the volume of the terrible sound. I pulled over and tried to restart the car a few times, but the sound would not stop until I left the car off for about 10 minutes. I've not connected my phone via bluetooth or car play since for fear that the sound may return when I am not expecting it, startle me and cause an accident. Though I am not certain of the cause. After about 10 minutes of the sound, I also noticed that the speakers were getting hot and I could smell the electronics or wiring overheating. I have a video of the sound but the dealer could not replicate it.

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.

A few months ago, my 2021 f150 started sending me repeating dashboard messages that there's a front camera fault and service is requested followed up with a message about how the pre-collision assist is not available. It's bad enough that this is a problem on a late model vehicle, but my real gripe is that the message repeats over and over non-stop, with a repeating chime to go along with it. It is a terrible distraction for a feature that I've never needed in a vehicle. I asked the Ford dealership about this issue, they said that it would be several thousand dollars to replace and calibrate. So now I'm stuck with a truck that chimes and flashes messages, over and over, every time I drive it. I can provide video evidence of the issue.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -the electrical system malfunctioned causing a complete system failure and shutdown of the vehicle. The vehicle came to a sudden stop in an intersection and could not be moved. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -the vehicle instantly died going through an intersection causing the steering column to lock up, the parking brake to engage and transmission to remain in drive while the vehicle was stopped without any power. This was a sudden and abrupt stop where all control over the vehicle was lost, and I came to an immediate stop in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle would not restart. I could not disengage the parking brake to move the vehicle out of the intersection due to the complete loss of power. The transmission would not shift into neutral due to the complete loss of power. The hazard lights would not turn on due to the complete loss of power. If this happened on the interstate, I would have very likely been in a serious life threatening /taking accident. This is as big of a near miss that I can think of, and only because it happened on a neighborhood street when no other vehicles were approaching from in front or behind. This is a major safety issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -the vehicle is currently at the dealer for a diagnostic review. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -in process at the Ford dealership were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -the vehicle had been running for 30-45 minutes prior to this happening without any warning lights / symptoms.

My gear shifter was sticking, making hard to shift gears. I had to pay $1100. 00 dollars to get it fixed. The truck has only 37,000 miles. This seems like a defect not a random component gone bad.

The side rails that come out when door is opened to assist with getting inside the truck does not work properly. It has come out and will not go back in. The door is closed and I have to drive the truck with the rails hanging down. That is a hazard.

My transmission has failed and is slipping it's jolting and has cling sound. The rpms indicator fluctuates. Sometimes stays on 10 speed.

Since my truck was brand new, the infotainment screen very often blacks out so that I can not see navigation, back up camera, radio, etc. It keeps resetting itself until it comes back on. A couple of times when I brought it in for service I asked them to check it out and it was always "seems to be working fine". Today I backed into a sign as the back up camera was frozen and I did not notice that it was not real time. After I hit the sign, the screen went black and then the Ford insigna came up and it repeated 3 times and then everything was fine. Ford service has never been able to fix it as the don't see it when they start the vehicle. I will start taking videos with my phone. Anyway now that the extended warranty just ran out, it is getting worse where it happens almost all the time. I talked to some friends and they tell me they have the same issue so you need to be aware that this dangerous situation might be a common problem.

The rear axle hub bolt on my 2021 Ford F-150 powerboost failed to meet design safety standards and is subject to recall 23s65. The vehicle is currently at a Ford dealership and is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because the bolt can shear off without warning, causing the rear axle shaft to disengage. This can result in sudden loss of propulsion or vehicle rollaway, especially if parked on an incline. Ford has acknowledged this risk but has not made a final repair available for powerboost models. I was not offered a loaner, and I cannot confirm if the vehicle is safe to drive. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. They told me they are unable to perform even the interim repair until at least July 22 and that there is no eta at all for the final fix specific to hybrid (powerboost) models. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealer but not by Ford motor company representatives directly. Ford customer service has failed to provide any meaningful support or confirmation of safety. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the recall. Ford states the failure may occur without symptoms, which makes the defect more dangerous. I have not personally experienced a failure yet, but I'm being asked to either drive the vehicle in this condition or go without transportation indefinitely.

Rear view camera and the 360 camera does not work at all on my 2021 Ford F-150 it says return to dealership for repair.

I was driving my 62000 miles truck on the highway while trying to pass another car which was driving slower, I was at a speed close to 60mph, the engine ran at 5000 and I lost power, a truck just behind me has to swerve to avoid me. No warning lamp was on. No accident occurred hopefully. Went to the dealership and they said that the issue was caused by a defective transmission. Ford had denied to pay for the repair or replacement as the warranty is a only covering the first 60000 miles.

I drove approx 50 miles. Parked, return to truck approx 45 mins later and the battery was dead. No turn over at all. Called aaa purchased new battery which was installed roadside in a parking lot. Upon starting the engine I noticed the ac was not blowing and hot air only if it did. I took vehicle to mac maik Ford. I was told the ac was in need of new parts and $freon$ ? the repair was approx $4500. 00 then add freon fee. I declined. Returned to gullo Ford where I purchased truck and I was told it would take up to a week or more to leave it for just evaluation. They offered a rental vehicle for $65/ day . I was not going to pay$800 in rental fees to wait for an evaluation not even repair?! I returned home in the hot truck and stopped by the private garage in neighborhood. Rustys. They kept it half a day&said upon investigation numerous complaints were filed for the same situation. Rusty stated he would order the part and be completed in abt 3-4 days max>. Ok, order parts. I get in the truck after the small independent garage guys went over it in 1/2 a day & the ac was working. I again refused to leave it at rustys garage. He said he would order the part because site stated numerous ppl had the same thing I had had. Battery dying and a/c malfunction combo. If I had not been informed of the recall potential of the type of reoccurring incident on vehicles like mine I would have been ripped off for thousands!! rusty ordered the part but kept part b/c my ac is good but tapping the battery? 3 days after his diagnosis being different from the dealers my a/c is still witking. . However, the potential remains high for ac failure at this point to reoccur. There is obviously a malfunction in the a/c that kills the battery. I am not the only person with this issue. This warrants a recall on whatever it is that drains the battery and kills the a/c function and lets the dealers profit! please address & recall. Bust the dealers who want thousands to fix this too! recall the ripoff. . .

The step bar that come out whenever a door opens ro assist with getting inside the truck does not come out everytime. Sometime the bar will come down once door is open and remain down when the door closes. The bar is supposed to go ba k in once the door is closed. This happens several times in a week.

Had ac on on the way out of town when the air from the vents smelled like mold and mildew and the smell is not healthy for any human beings and the ac drain has no elbow on it witch is the cause of water getting back into the system the smell made me sick and called Ford and was told I would have to pay for it since it was pass 3 years truck has 29k miles on it should not be making that smell at so little miles it is a health hazzard.

I was driving to in the morning and my entire rear window randomly shattered and glass flew everywhere in my truck and on me in the drivers seat.

The factory-installed panoramic sunroof mesh air deflector is causing a water drainage issue. Water accumulates in the main channels, saturating the mesh and allowing it to retain moisture for an extended period. This prolonged dampness leads to mold growth, creating a health concern due to the mold odor inside the cabin after any rainstorm.

This recall has been out since August of 2024, this recall is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly, a remedy should absolutely already be developed!!!!!!!!!! this can cause serious accidents resulting in death especially at a high rate of speed!!!!!! solve this issue!!!!!.

The back window of the panoramic sunroof exploded, and spider webbed across the entire glass windowpane while going down the road. Pieces of glass shards immediately fell all over the truck interior and then a piece of glass fell out of the middle of the sunroof panel. I notified my Ford dealer immediately and took it in for observation and review. I also took pictures of the glass right away.

I did not have an incident. However, we have been waiting 7 months for a remedy. I am scared to drive the vehicle until it is fixed. How long do we have to wait for a solution?.

On numerous occasions, with increasing frequency, the truck has suddenly not responded to pressing the throttle pedal. I have not figured out the exact situation that makes it happen. From the best of my knowledge I am not sure exactly what induces the issue. I have noticed it several times where the truck goes from a mid range rpm (consistent with normal driving conditions) then after the brake or natural deceleration occurs and you go to reengage the throttle pedal the truck does not respond. There is a very extended delay to any speed increases. This has been extremely dangerous when making left turns through traffic as the truck does not respond and leaves you in harms way. It has been happening several times a week now and I have read numerous reports of the same thing on forums. I see no warning lights or pop ups that can support a large issue.

My cluster gauge is turning off while I’m driving and turning on after by itself. It happened too many times maybe 20 times in last 2 months. When this happens I’m loosing all my settings I have done before. While it’s off I can’t see any information including my speed and distracting me. I share this issue on platforms and too many people having same issue. I found too many video on youtube about exact same problem. It happens on the f150 trucks with digital cluster gauge produced after 2020 and even brand new ones having same issue still problem is ongoing. Ford and Ford dealerships aware of the problem but they aren’t doing anything about this and they say it’s well known issue.

During cold weather the driver and both back door locks will and cannot be locked or unlocked and the doors cannot be opened from inside or out if locked. Temperatures under 28 degrees fahrenheit the locks become sluggish. Below 20 fahrenheit the locks and door will not function at all. The dealer ship has checked out this issue but say that if replaced with current parts the problem will most likely continue. With this issue I have been locked in the car twice and had to exit the passenger door (which works for some reason). I now leave the truck unlocked which leaves me open to theft.

Rear backup camera and distance sensors stopped working. The issue is intermittent this issue could have resulted in an accident or injury/fatality due to no image sensor information no dealer involvement at this time no outside inspections at this time no prior warnings or messages were given before the failure.

Just bought this truck. I was driving down the highway and my sunroof had exploded and blew off the top of my truck. I also noticed that my windshield is wavy and hard to see through.

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.

In the cold winter of bismarck, nd, all of my truck's door handles are frozen, so I am unable to get in or out of my truck (NHTSA ssm xxxxx). I have been climbing in and out of my window to get into my truck. This is already a safety concern recognized by your organization, so why doesn’t my truck qualify for a recall? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Speaker system/amplifier created a loud sonic boom type noise while I was driving. Made my ears ring and felt very unsafe to drive afterwards. First time this happened, making an appointment with dealership to get it checked out. No error messages came up on the screen or dash. Still do not feel safe driving the vehicle if this can happen again.

I purchased a 2021 Ford F-150 powerboost lariat in November 2022. It was advertised as a gold certified used vehicle. In October I stopped and put the truck in park, and when I got back in the truck it wouldn’t shift out of park. The message in the instrument panel said to shift into park to start. However, the shift lever was stuck in park with the yellow light flashing next to p. I had to spend $100 to have my truck towed to young Ford in ogden, utah which is the closest dealership to my home. They had my truck there for two days and then called me and let me know my truck was ready to be picked up. They told me the problem was a software update and once they had completed the update, everything was working fine. They then charged me approximately $360 for the update. So essentially, I just spent $460 for a software update on my truck that is set to automatically download and install updates several times each week. The technician at the dealership checked my vehicle history and verified that I was up to date with all available updates. In just under two years of ownership, I have now had to take it to the dealership twice for software updates, and even more times for multiple recalls. This latest issue is infuriating because a simple software upgrade cost me two days of use, towing charges, and $360 to diagnose and download the update. Why does a software update completely disable a vehicle, and why is it not Ford’s responsibility? what if this happened during driving on the freeway? I should not have to take it to the dealership to be updated so that the vehicle will operate. In my mind this is no different than a recall. If a car becomes inoperable because of a problem from the dealer than the dealer should be financially responsible and not pass those costs to the consumer!.

The air dam on my 2021 F-150 failed seemingly while driving down the interstate highway traveling within posted speed limits. While the air dam did not completely separate from the vehicle there are many reports of this occurring. These parts are plastic and metallic in nature at highway speeds can easily become projectiles threatening property harm and bodily harm including death. Ford should resolve issues with the air dams before someone is killed due to its improper construction and prone to breaking. To complicate matters Ford refuses to fix this part under its bumper to bumper warranty.

I just got the car 3 weeks ago from the dealer and is leaking and I have this warning on your vehicle, it may be possible for the intake valve stem to fracture while driving. Please some help.

The plastic clips that hold the keypad on the driver’s side door to the truck have failed allowing access to the trucks wiring and potentially gaining entry to the truck. Concerned with break-ins.

Recall with no remedy.

360. Camera system has failed and is having the same known issues as the other recalled Ford vehicles.