Home · 2021 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (937)Crash / fire / injury (19)Transmission & drivetrain (284)Visibility & wipers (130)Electrical system (123)Lights (98)Engine (79)Fuel system (71)Brakes (61)Backup camera & sensors (42)Driver assistance (40)Steering (36)

61 of 937 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Jun 10, 2026Electrical systemBrakesBackup camera & sensors

My 2021 Ford F-150 intermittently displays the warning message “Reverse Brake Assist Not Available – See Manual” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this message appears, the reverse brake assist / parking collision warning feature is not available, which may reduce safety while backing up. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership. The dealership confirmed DTC U3000:49 in the IPMA module and identified Ford TSB 23-2040 as applicable to the concern. The dealer stated that the repair requires an IPMA software/module update and calibration. The quoted repair cost was approximately $1,100. This appears to be a software/programming-related condition affecting a driver assistance and brake-related safety feature, not normal wear and tear or a failed mechanical component. The warning is intermittent, but it has appeared multiple times. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred. Ford Customer Support was contacted and case number XXX was opened. Ford advised that no active warranty, recall, or customer satisfaction program currently provides repair cost coverage, and that because this involves Reverse Brake Assist, I may choose to file a safety concern report with NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11743311

May 14, 2026Brakes

When I'm driving my truck, usually when I have come to a stop on an incline, the parking/emergency brake will engage on its own. For example, most recently I was pulling out of a driveway with an incline. I was stopped at the bottom of the driveway to wait for the roadway to clear before I pulled out. When I hit the gas to go, the rear wheels skidded and the truck came to a stop in the oncoming traffic lane. I looked at the dashboard and saw that the parking brake symbol was on, indicating that the parking brake had engaged. I did not engage the parking brake- the truck did it on it's own.

NHTSA ODI 11737760

Mar 19, 2026BrakesBackup camera & sensorsDriver assistance

THERE IS A WARNING ON MY DASH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE: REVERSE BRAKE ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE SEE MANUAL. THIS CONCERN HAS A TSB ATTACHED TO IT. MY CONCERN IS THAT GIVEN THE SAFETY NATURE OF THIS CONCERN AFFECTING F150S AND FORD MUSTANGS; THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND NOT THE CONSUMER. FORD WILL REPAIR, HOWEVER, INVOICE THE CUSTOMER FOR THE COST WHICH I DO NOT AGREE WITH. I AM NOT CERTAIN HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED OR IF IT RISES TO THE OCCASION OF A SAFETY RECALL; BUT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ODI 11725583

Mar 7, 2026Electrical systemSeat beltsBrakes

1. Electrical System Failure: While traveling on highway, alternator failed suddenly within 2 minutes of “service soon” and “check electrical system” warnings. Caused complete loss of motive power, electronic parking brake locked up while driving, loss of power steering, all gauges failed, transmission shifted into park while in motion. Battery was damaged (“fried”). Engine continued running for several minutes after stop without ability to shut off ignition. Incident documented by Ohio State Highway Patrol. 2. Seat Belt Issue: Driver-side seat belt interlock sticks in unlocked position, creating risk of failure to lock during a crash. 3. Electronic Parking Brake: Intermittently engages while vehicle is moving downhill to a stop (mostly at or below 5 mph). Parking brake light flashes three times then turns solid while in motion. Ford TSB indicates vehicle not eligible for related recall. 4. Infotainment System: Intermittently freezes, requiring forced reboot. Preceded by audio glitches, laggy dash computerized systems. 5. Transmission: Severe clunk and physical jolt when decelerating from ~30 mph to 8 mph. Also occurs during acceleration, particularly upshifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gears, more pronounced when turning. 6. 4WD System: Intermittently fails to disengage from 4WD HI to 2WD HI. “Failure to shift” message appears several minutes after command to return to 2WD HI. 7. Front Differential/Axle: Previously, faulty front differential housing fractured due to system malfunction, causing intermittent loss of front driveline engagement in 4WD LO (250-500ms delay then re-engagement under throttle). Ford replaced front differential and axle under warranty after vehicle out of service for 2.5 months. Abbreviations: 4WD HI = 4-Wheel Drive High Range; 2WD HI = 2-Wheel Drive High Range; TSB = Technical Service Bulletin.

NHTSA ODI 11722660

Mar 4, 2026Transmission & drivetrainBrakesDriver assistance

Giving an error of reverse assist and not available when starting truck and when placing truck in reverse. Have look up to seen if included in the recall that was issued 6 days ago. Have called dealership to confirm that not part of recall. The message just showed up last night. This truck should be included in the recall

NHTSA ODI 11722094

Jan 27, 2026SuspensionWheelsBrakes

My Ford F-150 is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number23S65/NHTSA Recall Number23V896. I asked for the repair multiple times, but the dealership repeatedly told me that the parts were on backorder. The hub bolt on my right rear tire cracked and the truck was making a high pitched sound. I took it to the dealer and they said the bolt was cracked and driving it in that condition is dangerous. The truck is not safe to drive, but the parts remain on backorder indefinitely.

NHTSA ODI 11713521

Jan 23, 2026Electrical systemBrakesDriver assistance

I was in the parking lot of my local grocery store, and the truck all of a sudden gave me an indicator that there is a "park brake fault-service now." I was stranded and had to have someone pick me up for this, This is after hours so I cannot call the Ford dealership until the following day. I now see Ford issued a recall for this under 23S35. However, when I look up my VIN under Ford, that did not show, and thus, we did not address this earlier when that should have happened. That is a problem and needs to be addressed with Ford ASAP. What if I was driving and this happened??!!

NHTSA ODI 11713037

Jan 9, 2026Electrical systemAirbagsBrakes

Started after McGee ford did a service on my truck Apparently they told ford they repaired electrical recalls which I wasn’t having issues with nor did I know They did anything! They did however erase the recalls so that was 8-2024 shortly after my truck experienced major electrical issues, another dealership told me it was gonna be 6k and 4 weeks to fix I was in awe I left with my truck that had no blinkers no air bags and so on 15 safety codes! I battled this for a year and then my parking break locked up while driving 70 on the highway! That’s the recall megee claimed they fixed I’m not rich single dad 100% of rhe time and I sure my kids everywhere daily, I do research call ford find intact i had a recalll so im thinking it will get fixed! 6 weeks later they not fixed i was told 2 days Now heritage and ford won’t fix it they want megee ford the certified service and dealer to pay for it. It’s winter im a contractor in Vermont they let me borrow a Sentra with summer tires on it. Couldn’t make it off my road. I’m still driving my kids around! I almost reck once a day as the whole system is messed up now! I feel like I’m being bullied and picked on because of my nationality

NHTSA ODI 11710040

Dec 5, 2025Electrical systemBrakesDriver assistance

My truck thinks my parking brake is engaged so it constantly flashes the “brake” light, constantly chimes while driving and says parking break malfunction, talk to dealer. I brought it to Webber family Ford in Detroit lakes MN 56501 and they checked it over including the safety recall location for recall 23S35. They said it was not the recall location and I would have to bring it in Monday for another appointment. When I got it home that day I crawled under to check that location. I see visible green which usually means corrosion and the protection around the harness seems warm. I also noticed the "recall" was not completed how it is shown on fords recall paperwork using the zip tie as a wear location so it isn't the harness itself. That is not how mine is. I have photos to prove that. I spoke with corporate ford today and they said they can't re open the recall because it has been closed and it is past its 12 month warranty being it was done in October of 2023 before my ownership and at a different dealer. I don't believe it is fair to me the current owner to pay for the cost of a rerepair of a recall that was done incorrectly.

NHTSA ODI 11703294

Sep 8, 2025Brakes

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

NHTSA ODI 11685724

Sep 4, 2025Engine & coolingBrakes

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11684996

Jul 10, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his father was driving 70 MPH, the driver's side rear brakes locked up. The “Parking Brake Service Now” message was displayed. The driver was able to continue driving. The driver heard an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the wiring harness had failed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11672395

Jun 25, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal became significantly hard to depress. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal with added force. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669285

Jun 24, 2025Brakes

Brake trailer module failure leading to loss of trailer brakes. Second incident.

NHTSA ODI 11668903

Jun 7, 2025Brakes

The same brake booster that allegedly only had 51 vehicles included in it? Same exact issue as this link: [XXX] not working seems like a pretty big safety issue. DTC Code: C0594 Brake Booster Motor "A" Performance DTC Code: C0594 Right rear solenoid circuit INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11665468

Apr 14, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and could only be driven at an excessively slow speed. The traction control, brakes, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Kings Auto, where it was diagnosed that the ABS pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V533000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654561

Dec 30, 2024BrakesDriver assistance

I was traveling 47 mph and suddenly the parking brake was activated, causing the car to brake instantly. Luckily, no one was behind me and luckily it did not cause an accident. There were no lights on the dashboard. I took it to the Ford dealer to have it inspected and they gave me an appointment for 8 days later and let me go home knowing that I could not drive it since I almost caused an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11633280

Sep 27, 2024BrakesDriver assistance

Since 09/23/2024 my 2021 ford f150 the ABS ,service advance trac and pre-collition assist not available messages are displayed every time i press the brakes, the truck is only 3 years and has 21077 miles

NHTSA ODI 11616890

Sep 21, 2024BrakesDriver assistance

I was slowing to a stop at a stoplight in traffic when the brake pedal dropped to the floor and the truck was no longer slowing. The ABS, Anti collision, and check brake system lights all illuminated. I was able to slow the truck and place in park to stop. Vehicle was taken to dealership where it was found to be in perfect condition according to the mechanic. I have been told that I should have no issue taking the vehicle although nothing has been resolved.

NHTSA ODI 11615740

Aug 30, 2024Brakes

Purchased vehicle w/ roughly 5000miles in 2021 from Ford Dealer. All stock items and factory tires. At roughly 50,000 during state inspection, it was found that the front passenger brake line was chafing on tire and was deemed unsafe by the Ford dealership. No prior work or modifications was done in this area. Research indicates that this is happening to other Ford F150s

NHTSA ODI 11611761

Aug 7, 2024Brakes

On Wednesday [XXX]. The front brake hose rubbed against the right front tire, causing it to bust and me to lose brakes very dangerous, difficult to stop my vehicle. This needs to be addressed. All the brake safety features failed and all the brake related dash lights came on. The truck is at Bob Bell Ford in Maryland. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11607137

Jun 28, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

While driving the parking break activated. I was in the middle of the road with my newborn. I believe my truck should have been recalled since this is something that other F150 had. I took it to the Ford dealership and they said there was no active recall on this vehicle. So I had them check it since it’s such a high safety concern. And yes there was a default with the parking break system.

NHTSA ODI 11597555

Jun 26, 2024Transmission & drivetrainBrakesVisibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11596954

Jun 11, 2024BrakesDriver assistance

Truck was repair as per the recall of the emergency brake however is still applying the parking brake again and took it to have it scan but ford dealer ship says they don't find no codes or anything saying it does and I'm just scared of continuing to put myself and my family at risk when is still applying the emergency brake whenever it wants. So far has done it over 3 times in a period of a few moths after the recall was supposedly been done for that same reason. On the picture I'm posting here is the invoice of the repair of the recall. Is in Spanish part of it but all the numbers of the recall are there

NHTSA ODI 11593601

Jun 7, 2024Brakes

While approaching a red traffic signal at speed, I went to apply brakes and the brake pedal had no resistance and failed to slow the vehicle. Immediately several alarms sounded and lights illuminated on the dash board. I was able to slow the vehicle with repeated brake attempts and swiftly moving to the right turn lane where I could navigate a turn and come to a complete stop after coasting. Dashboard indicated: Pre-collision assist not available, antilock brake fault, service AdvanceTrac, and check brake system.

NHTSA ODI 11592999

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Working with the data? Download all 937 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel verdict →