general problems of the 2021 Ford F-150 - part 2

80 problems related to exterior lighting 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.

36 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2025

Part dg9z13a018e (ambient light sensor) fails to properly read daylight during warm months. Inverted value (reading of very dark) persists for at least 10 minutes. Appears to be temperature dependent; meaning, the temperature of the sensor/dash/housing is very hot and skewing the reading. Instrument panel dim. 12" screen dim. Reverse image (parking assist) dim as 12" screen is dim. When occurs, can be disabled by turning auto-headlights to off position. When cycled back to automatic, condition reasserts and dims both the cluster and screen. Issue has been verified at dealership since 2023. Cannot replicate issue when stored indoors, raining, overcast, cold, etc. Requires full sun and warm day. Vehicle cannot be spared for additional diagnostics without rental/loaner provision. Will ask to attempt to replicate during upcoming recall maintenance and other TSB/ssm diagnostics to correct lingering ota update/software issues that cause low state of charge conditions.

37 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2025

Daytime running lights quit working.

38 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact remote started the vehicle from the office and walked up to the vehicle and became aware that the front driver’s side vertical daytime running lights failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to the headlight assembly, and that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense for the replacement of the headlight module because the failure was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

39 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/31/2025

Right side headlight had partial failure resulting in insuffient lighting. Had it replaced because Ford said its not a covered item. Three months later the left side headlight went partially out. Ive spoke to a few Ford owners who has had the same problem and Ford is not recognizing this issue as a defective part. I think this problem needs to be addressed.

40 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2025

Passenger side headlights assembly has a daytime running light that stopped working properly. There is no longer a fully functioning running light that decreases visibility to other vehicles. The manufacturer will not replace and the it cannot be repaired without a full headlight assembly replacement that is not affordable.

41 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2025

Both drl leds around the housing failed. Twice now. This is a know issues with 21+ f150s.

42 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2025

The daytime running lamp assemblies on both headlights are failing. On the driver's side, the entire led array around the outside of the headlight has failed. On the passenger's side, the vertical led array is extremely dim and will probably fail soon. The topmost horizontal led array on the passenger's side is currently the only array still working. Obviously this poses a safety risk as these lights provide visibility of the vehicle in low light and low visibility driving conditions. I have seen many forum posts and youtube videos about this problem and as the parts are integrated into the headlamp assembly, the only way to fix is a complete replacement of the assembly which is a $2000-$2500 repair per assembly. This problem appears to be related to heat dissipation issues, indicating a manufacturers defect. In older model vehicles, a daytime running lamp used to be a $5-$20 bulb replacement. The fact that I now have no choice but to pay $2000 to restore functionality of a safety feature is completely unacceptable. At the very least, Ford should redesign the led module to be replaceable independent of the larger assembly, reducing the cost to the owner.

43 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/26/2024

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.

44 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/30/2024

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.

45 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the c-shaped led light at the outer corners of the driver's side headlight was significantly dimmed, which reduced the road visibility. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee for the headlight replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

46 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2024

Daytime running lights have partially gone out. I am concerned that others may not see me as well without these lights. If the manufacturer felt they were important enough to put on the truck, then I feel it's important to for them to keep working. This happened without warning and seems to be an issue with a lot of these trucks. So many failures indicates a manufacturing issue which has now put lives in jeopardy.

47 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2024

Drls have partially failed on both headlights, vehicle is available for inspection. This seems to be a common problem for similary F-150 according forums and personal observations of other vehicles. The drls are a safety feature and not functions drls create a safety issue, as on coming drivers are not able to see the vehicle as clearly. Has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. I did report to Ford customer service but was told there was nothing they could do about it. No lights, messages or warnings. Problem has been visible for a least a year, but have not experienced further failure. Only way to fix is to replace the entire headlight assembly with a total cost of around $4000 for both assemblies.

48 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2024

The drl on the 2021 f150 quad beam headlights burn out continuously. Ford needs to step up and fix this issue. This issue is a safety matter.

49 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2024

The daytime running led lights on the headlights stopped working on my vehicle. First it was the passenger side and a few weeks later the driver’s side. As that happened to my vehicle, I noticed that many other Ford f150s have the same issue. When I took my vehicle for service, I was told by Ford maxwell here in austin texas that this issue is not covered by my warranty. This is a safety issue because these are the lights that turn on during the day to make the vehicle visible.

50 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2024

Headlight daytime running lights burn out.

51 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2024

Passenger daytime running light went out on me. Happened to other 2021-2024 Ford f150’s too. Hazardous to others due to confusion of lighting. No warnings at all.

52 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2024

In June of this year while traveling on the highway at speeds between 65-70 mph my drivers side tail light flew out of my vehicle. There was enough force to rip the wiring right out and send the entire light flying which could have caused risk to any vehicle behind me, it also left me to drive without a tail light/blinker which is a safety issue. I did not see, feel, or hear anything, and only noticed it was gone when I arrived home that night. It was replaced through a body shop. In August while driving on the highway again in similar conditions I saw something red in my rear view mirror that seemed to come flying from the bed of my truck. I saw it fly away and bounce down the highway, luckily not hitting a vehicle behind me, but it did create an obstruction in the road. I wasn't sure what it was at first, so I went to pull over, put my right side blinker on, and it flashed quickly indicating my light was out. I immediately knew, because of my previous experience, that the other tail light had flown out of my vehicle. This time the electrical wires were not ripped out, but the screws holding the light in are sheared. I am again left with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive as it is missing a light and a blinker, until the body shop can get the part in and replace it. I have a bumper to bumper Ford warranty and was told by multiple dealers that Ford would not be willing to cover this issue, even though it's the second time this has happened, and the warranty states that lights are covered.

53 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2024

Daytime running lights burn out with no remedy with the exception of replacing entire headlight assembly. Safety is impacted as drl's are needed in places that my work is conducted.

54 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/31/2024

Headlight /drl out - no alerts or messages.

55 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2024

Front drl on the headlights no longer work making it difficult for other vehicles to have a clear sight of vehicle.

56 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2024

Drl on headlamp vertical line shutoff on passenger side headlight assembly.

57 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2024

Day time running lights burned out at 32,000 miles. The trucks visibility during daylight has significantly been altered due to the drls malfunctioning so soon in a new vehicle. No warning or alerts.

58 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2024

The daytime running lights are malfunctioning. I have seen this is a common issue with this style truck.

59 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2024

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.

60 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2024

Drl on the passenger side of my truck is half burnt out. I have seen many of the same style headlight with the same daytime running light halo burnt out or partially burnt out on at least 1 side of the truck.

61 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/28/2024

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.

62 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2024

Passenger side drl assembly on headlight has failed. Dealer says the drl is not repairable and the headlight assembly requires replacement. The safety of myself and others was put at risk by the absence of 50% of my vehicles drl system, which diminished my visibility on the roadway. There were no indications of failure until it occured.

63 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2024

The driver side led drl of the headlight is burnt out.

64 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2024

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.

65 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2024

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.

66 Exterior Lighting 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.

67 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2024

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.

68 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the gps system was inoperable. Additionally, the interior lights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that the battery had drained on three occasions. The contact replaced the battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the back over prevention camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000. The VIN was not available.

69 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2024

Both front headlight drl failed at 40k miles. This poses a safety risk for other vehicles on the road.

70 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2024

Both daytime running lights are defective. One is all the way out and the other one is partially out. This started early 2024. I'm concerned over visibility.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2021 Ford F-150


F-150 Service Bulletins
F-150 Safety Recalls
F-150 Defect Investigations