What 937 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel

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

NHTSA ODI 11623033

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the GPS 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 backover 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.

NHTSA ODI 11573945

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.

NHTSA ODI 11558296

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the infotainment system and the rearview camera were operable, and the screen image was black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera system needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V163000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11545802

The reverse camera either doesn't work while backing up, or it freezes while backing up. I have video of it screen frozen showing in reverse while driving forward down the road.

NHTSA ODI 11542492

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the screen showed a display of the company and then a black screen. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11542100

Rear camera becomes inoperable which poses risk to others and myself. Screen just goes black.

NHTSA ODI 11531087

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.

NHTSA ODI 11530508

2021 Ford F-150 is equipped with 360 camera system and a backup camera. The 360 camera system failed within the first year of service. This left only the backup camera functioning. The dealer attempted to fix the camera system and resulted in all cameras including the backup camera not working. One year later ford claimed to have a part to fix all of the cameras. When it arrived at the dealer they reported that the software needed updated and the process would take approximately 3 hours. The next day the story changed again. Now it didn't need the part and Ford was advising that the software upgrade would cause more problems and not fix the cameras. The vehicle is now 2 years with 19,000 mile and still covered by a bumper to bumper warranty. The backup camera is a required safety devise on all new vehicles. I have a young child who is at risk because of this failed safety devise. Dealer reports no known fix at this time. Vehicle has been inspected by Ford dealer. Ford refuses to provide a loan vehicle until problem is resolved.

NHTSA ODI 11527755

Faulty backup camera. Intermittently but frequently get blue screen when placed in reverse.

NHTSA ODI 11527129

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the infotainment screen failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the back-over protection camera and defroster system failed to operate. The dealer was initially notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as provided by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ODI 11511605

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.

NHTSA ODI 11495630

Vehicle has malfunctioning backup camera module. Dealer replaced module and was unable to correct the issue. Dealer forced owner to pick up vehicle with inoperable backup camera even after owner expressed their concerns over the non-functional safety system. When the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, 8900 mileage was on the odometer, within the manufacturers warranty period. Consumer was told that the vehicle was in a drivable condition and that they would no longer be able to supply a loaner vehicle. The dealer also stated that the vehicle is equipped with mirrors and reverse imaging system should not be relied upon.

NHTSA ODI 11465503

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).

NHTSA ODI 11438094

The back up camera works intermittently.

NHTSA ODI 11430055

TRUCK DOES NOT DETECT SPECIFICALLY SILVER FORD CARS WHEN AUTO PARKING. IT WILL TRY TO PARK IN THE SAME SPOT AS THEM ON SUNNY DAYS.

NHTSA ODI 11396450

MY BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY ON THE DASH IS HAZY AND GREY, SIMILAR TO THE ISSUE FORD HAS WITH THE 2020 MODEL YEAR.

NHTSA ODI 11389972