Rearview System Braking problems of the 2021 Ford F-150

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.

Powertrain malfunction / reduced power error.

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.

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).

When a trailer is connected the right side trailer brake light fails to operate; the lights on the truck work properly. When the trailer has been recently disconnected warnings on the dash appear saying "blind spot and cross traffic alert deactivated trailer attached". I also get trailer left and right turn lamps fault check lamps warnings and the turn signal indicators flash at double speed. These things always clear up after a couple of days until a trailer has been connected and disconnected again. I have two different trailers and they both do the same thing. Just for the record, the right turn signal and hazard flashers on the trailer work correctly. My dealer has observed everything that I stated above but claims he is unable to get parts to fix it. The cross traffic alert malfunction and the non operative trailer brake light would appear to be safety issues. So far, no one has been involved except my dealer's service department. If I don't hook up a trailer everything has and does work correctly. I took this truck in to the dealer a couple of years ago due to the dashboard warnings but did not take my trailer with me at that time; they were unable to fix it. I was unaware at that point that I had no right trailer brake light; this is not easy to see unless someone is following me.