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

70 problems related to wiper 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 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/21/2026

Here is what happened on Feb 21st 2026 at about 8:00 am mst. We were driving east in the mountains on I-70 in colorado approaching the eisenhower tunnel. The truck had been parked in a heated garage overnight. There had been some snow the night before which had been melted by sand and salt, so the road was wet and messy. The vehicles ahead and around my truck were kicking up a mist of water and sand and dirt. My windshield quickly became covered and obstructed. I attempted to apply some windshield washer fluid, but nothing came out. To make matters worse, the wipers automatically turned on turning the speckled dirt and sand to be smeared across the windshield making it almost impossible to see. The smear was too dry that any further wiper action did nothing to clear the windshield. This happened while entering the tunnel. In the dark or the tunnel I could barely see the road – only by ducking way low and peeking through a small portion of the windshield below the wiper smear. There is no place to pull over inside the tunnel. As we exited the tunnel, we were facing the east sun which lit up the smear and made the windshield completely obscured - even my last tiny piece. We were still at 50 mph with surrounding traffic. My only option was to ease right and hope the emergency lane was clear. I had to hang my head out the side window to determine how far to ease right. It was a miracle we were able to pull off and not hit any other vehicles and come to a stop (I was completely blind). I tried the washer fluid many more times but nothing. I opened the hood and verified I had plenty of fluid and that it was liquid and not frozen. I checked the spray outlets and made sure they were not blocked in any way. Nothing. The washer spray would not work. After turning the truck off and back on - the washer/wipers worked fine. I believe this is a software issue. My family and I were quite shaken up.

2 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2026

Windhshield wipers suddenly stopped working.

3 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2025

The windshield wipers on my 2021 Ford F-150 are inoperable. The wipers suddenly stopped working with no warning. The vehicle had already received recall 23s10, which was supposed to replace the defective wiper motor arm. However, the wipers have failed again, suggesting the recall remedy was inadequate or that defective components are still being used. Ford and the servicing dealer refuse to reopen the recall or provide coverage, even though this is clearly the same safety issue. Without functioning wipers, the vehicle is unsafe to drive in rain or snow. I request that NHTSA investigate whether Ford’s recall 23s10 remedy is effective and whether additional corrective action or a new recall should be issued to address continued wiper motor failures on these vehicles.

4 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/20/2025

Rear windshield spontaneously shattered. Reduced vision of rear window. Dealer will not inspect vehicle without paying a fee. Rear window defroster was on and there was cricking sound.

5 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2025

My Ford truck was part of recall 22s26 / NHTSA recall 22v250, which required the replacement of faulty windshield wiper arms. On 12/12/2023, I took my vehicle to karl flammer Ford for the recall service. The receipt I was given states that both wiper arms were replaced as part of the recall. In 2025, I noticed the driver-side wiper arm was loose and could potentially detach while in use. Upon closer inspection, I found the stamped date code on the wiper arm showed “2021,” the year of my truck. This indicates the part is one of the original faulty components included in the recall and was never replaced, despite the dealer’s claim that it was. A failing wiper arm poses a significant safety hazard because loss of windshield visibility during rain could easily result in a crash. I presented this evidence to karl flammer Ford, but they continue to insist the wiper arms were replaced. Ford motor company has been unresponsive and unhelpful, repeatedly transferring me between departments and promising call-backs that never come. No progress has been made toward fixing the issue. At this time, the vehicle remains equipped with the recalled part, which is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has only been reviewed by the dealer; Ford has not conducted any proper inspection or resolution. No police or insurance inspection has taken place. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to this discovery. The only symptom was the driver-side wiper arm becoming loose, which I observed in 2025. Given Ford’s failure to properly address this recall and the ongoing safety risk, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure Ford fulfills its obligation to replace the defective parts.

6 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2025

Both running daytime lights have stopped working. This is a common issue with 2021 and up f150's. The issue results in a loss of visibility during daylight hours, creating a safety issue during daytime hours. This also seems to be negligence on the manufacturer's side. My understanding of the issue is a part of the headlight gets too hot under normal operating conditions and results in a melting or possible burning of a section of the headlight assembly. This is also a potential fire hazard from this area which is close to the engine also.

7 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2025

I was driving in a torrential rain storm in florida. My wipers were on as I have the platinum edition which has numerous sensors. I heard a strange sound then nothing the wipers stopped and I could not see a thing. I was in traffic so I put my hazard lights on and I indicated to the right and pulled over. I could not drive the vehicle so I had to wait the storm out before I could drive. When I got home I noted that this was a common problem with the 2021 f150 and in particular the platinum edition. I called greenway Ford who told me it was covered under warranty but when I got there they advised me that my vehicle was not part of the recall. They advised that a technician could take a look at $179 to assess the damage. I said its clearly wiper motor as there is no sound at all when you try to turn on the wipers its completely dead. I wondered if any other owners had suffered the same fate. Unfortunately I cant drive the vehicle right now as we have regular storms in orlando. I have only had the vehicle a few months and I was pretty disappointed in their response as it was really dangerous when this happened. I am not a mechanic but it appears by the VIN my vehicle was not part of the recall. I am reporting this in case there are other owners who suffered the same issue and it may warrant a recall. I thank you in advance for any help you can provide and thank you for keeping us safe.

8 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2025

Complaint regarding wiper motor recall – 2021 Ford F-150 VIN [xxx] I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2021 Ford F-150 (VIN [xxx] ). The wipers sometimes stop mid-sweep or malfunction during operation, creating a major hazard during rain and poor visibility. This appears to be related to Ford recall 22s12, which addresses defective wiper motors on this vehicle model. I contacted a local Ford dealership and asked if this recall had been completed. They could not confirm it. Instead, they told me that the problem might have been caused by an oil change shop replacing the wiper blades — and that I would be responsible for paying $200 for an inspection and up to $400 for repairs, even though the issue appears to be recall-related. Replacing wiper blades is routine maintenance and should not affect the motor’s function. I can find no technical data or public documentation that supports the dealership’s claim that improper blade installation causes a wiper motor to fail or stop mid-cycle. This sounds like an excuse to avoid honoring the recall. I am unsure whether the recall was ever completed on my truck. If it wasn’t, it needs to be done now. If it was, and the motor is still failing, that indicates a faulty or incomplete recall repair. Either way, Ford should not charge me for diagnosing or fixing a known recall-related defect. I am requesting: •written confirmation of whether recall 22s12 was completed •immediate inspection and proper repair if the motor was not replaced •coverage under recall or warranty if the part remains defective I’m also reporting this to the better business bureau to document what I believe is an unfair attempt to shift responsibility and costs for a known safety issue. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] VIN: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

9 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2025

Ac quits working while on the road. Air does not come out of the vents no matter how high the fan setting is. This is dangerous because it also applies to the defrost vents and becomes difficult to see out of the front windshield. Ford has issued a TSB (22-2089) so they are aware of the issue but no recall yet.

10 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2025

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.

11 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2025

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle turned off on several occasions, the message "parking brake fault" was displayed. The contact stated that each time the vehicle was started, the message was no longer displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that on another occasion the windshield wipers stopped midway and kicked back. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

12 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/31/2025

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.

13 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2025

The windshield wipers stop working after 1 wipe.

14 Wiper 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.

15 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2024

Windshield wiper motor failure during a heavy rain driving down I-40 at night with children in truck on the way to a soccer tournament in tulsa oklahoma. Had new wiper motor replaced at dealership due to failure. No symptoms or warning prior to the failure.

16 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/24/2024

Ford issued NHTSA recall 22v142 for my 2021 F-150 truck. The windshield wiper motors were known to fail. I was told by the Ford customer service representative on cas-51684816 that Ford has not replaced this part with a new one, and the faulty motors are still being installed. My wiper motor was "replaced" under warranty on 5/18/2023 with 39,836 miles. The "new" motor then failed on 9/24/2024 at 69,600 miles, so the wiper motor only worked for a little over a year and 30,000 miles. The wiper motor also failed during a thunderstorm, and I had to pull over to the side of the road. My truck was then hailed on later while parked waiting for the storm to pass by. The Ford dealership charged me $382. 01 for the "replacement" motor. Either the replacement part was defective, or the part was not replaced at all, and it was just listed on the paperwork.

17 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2024

Wipers failed during rain storm. Wipers initially started to operate sporadically and then stopped. Later they worked fine. Wipers then started to fail to operate every morning but if switch left on would randomly start working. Vehicle was taken in for service vice but was told the issue could not be duplicated. As weather reached freezing temperatures wipers quit working completely. Replaced wiper motor myself and issue was fixed. Found out after replacing the motor had been previously replaced as part of a safety recall in April 2023.

18 Wiper 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.

19 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2024

I contacted a local Ford dealership: hempstead Ford, 301 n franklin st, hempstead, NY 11550, (516) 363-1579 to perform multiple safety recalls issued by NHTSA. The service department refused to schedule me for service because I did not buy the vehicle from their dealership. I reported this to Ford customer relations and was told that they cannot force the dealership to service my vehicle. I believe this is illegal.

20 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 06/03/2024

Windshield wipers randomly stopped working. There is a recall for 2021 f150s, however my VIN is not included.

21 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2024

My windshield wipers stopped working. It seems the wiper motor still kicks on and I can hear it move, but the wipers don’t move and are stuck. It’s almost as if the wipers are off track or something. Once my vehicle was stopped, I was able to move the wipers back down, but it won’t move after that. I can still hear the motor turning on though.

22 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2024

F150 is experiencing interior leaking from the windshield and other areas that Ford is unable to identify the cause. This can cause visibility issues and damage to electrical components resulting in a safety issue. The leaking causes the floor mats to be wet, which have also caused my foot to slip off the control petals. This could cause an accident. Ford is not able to identify the source, they were able to reproduce the leaks in the firewall but can't identify the source. Ford doesn't acknowledge this is a major issue and has only offered to caulk and seal in the most common areas. It was in the shop for four days March 25-27 and 22-23 2024. There are no warning issues just went floor mats and visible water on the interior of my windshield which I demonstrate to the dealership.

23 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the windshield wipers were not functioning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield wiper motor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v142000 (visibility). The VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 69,000.

24 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification NHTSA campaign number: 22v142000 (visibility) however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs as the recall notice was received several months ago. The local dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available.

25 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 23v163000 (visibility). The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the windshield wipers. The contact stated that the wipers had went past the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where an unknown part was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and informed him provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.

26 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2023

The passenger side windshield wiper failed to operate during a rain event. I later removed the wiper arm and observed that the knurled surface of the wiper arm was damaged beyond repair.

27 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/31/2023

Pulled into gas station when rear window popped and shattered . Looked like it was pushed from the inside out.

28 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/24/2023

10/24/23 from 1700 -1800 hrs, @ wickstrom auto group, my 2021 Ford f150. The primary concern is that the windshield wiper motor replacement wasn't done correctly. The wiper arms are not resting correctly on the windshield when in the off position. The wiper blades rest noticeably higher than before the replacement and are different from all other f150s on the dealer lot. The windshield wiper arms were replaced, and the new wiper blade arms do not allow adjustment. I strongly expressed my concerns about this error and believed the wiper motor was installed incorrectly, thus causing the wiper blades to rest in the wrong place. Further inspected the wiper issue and researched the case on the Ford website. 1. The wiper blade is not resting as designed by Ford. 2. The wiper passenger side motor cowling/hood vent/ is not installed correctly, resulting in a large 1/2 inch gap between the windshield gasket. This is likely due to the wiper arm joint not being correctly aligned, causing the joint to push out on the motor cowling. Clear visibility is critical to safely operating a motor vehicle. I fear operating an unsafe motor vehicle. The location of the resting wiper blade is an indication of a more significant safety issue. On 10/25/23 @ 1056, I met with the dealer; a mechanic corrected the cowling gap. However, the wiper's resting high position remains. A representative stated there was nothing more the dealership could do. I am concerned that this will lead to significant driving issues in the upcoming winter. The windshield wiper needs to cover the proper window space. The unprotected area will accumulate large amounts of snow and ice. Measuring the distances of over 7 inches will result in icing. I am concerned that ice can form and break off when driving in such a sizeable, unprotected area. Ice may cause damage to the wiper window and get lodged under the wiper arm, causing a loss of vision when driving.

29 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2023

In the last year I have taken my f150 powerboost in autonation Ford orange park in jacksonville, florida twice for recalls. For recall NHTSA # 22s26/22v250 the service department said they were ordering parts and would contact me when they arrived. Never contacted me, even after follow ups. I have recently taken my there for recall NHTSA 23s35/23v509. They have not contacted me.

30 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2023

Since the recall was first issued on March 14, 2022, I contacted the local dealer 5 times (4 in person during normal maintenance and one by phone) to address the recall. Issues have happened continuously and the latest was on July 22nd, 2023. The dealer joe cooper Ford of edmond - 600 w memorial rd, oklahoma city, ok 73114 - phone: (405) 475-9000 every time they stated they do not have the parts to perform the fix and they would contacted me once they received the part. This is over a year and I reported to them the erratic behavior of my wipers to no avail.

31 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2023

It's been back to autonation dealership 3 times already, twice I had a appointment for this recall. After I get there, they tell me that they can't get the part until late this year. Went to a dealership in texas they tell me the part is available put only to fleet and lease program trucks. My wiper are only working on the high setting. I drive a110 mile to work and back and never know when they are going to quit. The recall has been going on for 18 months. I asked them what happens if they quit completely. They just look at me and say we don't know. Can I use the lemon law for this.

32 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2023

2021 Ford F-150 xl- consumer called dealer to schedule a a repair in reference to recall # 22v842. Consumer was informed parts were not available and to check back in September. However, consumer was told that if the part failed at anytime between now & then, they would make the repair. Consumer is worried the wiper motor can fail when needed the most. Consumer questions if the repair can be made now if wiper motor were to fail, why not replace the motor now before it fails? why should they be place in a hazardous situation and real safety concern?.

33 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/25/2023

2021 Ford f150 pickup- consumer states "I purchased a new 2021 Ford f150 pickup from capitol Ford in carson city nevada. I have 5-6 outstanding safety recalls. I having been trying to get the dealership to give me an appointment date for these for over a year and a half. I have also contacted Ford motor company who contacted the dealer last tall to try to get me an appointment. At the time the dealer told them I was scheduled to be called March of 2023 to schedule an appointment. Its now almost June and I still have not received an appointment. The next closest Ford dealer to me is over sixty miles away so it is not easy for me to go there nor do they give me a loaner or transportation to and from that dealership. I have asked Ford to buy back the pickup since, with this many outstanding safety issues I feel I paid them a lot of money for an unsafe vehicle that they and the dealer have not resolved. I'm asking you to contact Ford and get them to buy back this unsafe vehicle. " looked up NHTSA safety recalls from VIN: 21v090, 22v142, 22v193, & 23v163.

34 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2023

After recent software updates sent out by Ford, my rear view camera display freezes and sometimes displays a distorted image. The freezing image makes it difficult to judge the distance between the vehicle and objects behind it, and it can also give the driver the impression that the road behind them is clear when it is not.

35 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to remove slush and ice from the front windshield, it was discovered that the windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid sprayer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 23v163000 (visibility). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 33,000.



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