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

Vehicle: 2021 Ford F-150 Component: Exterior Lighting – Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) / Headlights (High Beams) Safety Concern: Vehicle visibility and forward illumination Both daytime running lights (DRLs) on my 2021 Ford F-150 have failed completely. After the DRLs stopped working, the high beams also became inoperative, leaving only the low beams working. The Ford dealer attempted a repair by replacing the control modules, but that did not fix the issue. They advised that the entire headlight assemblies need to be replaced. However, these assemblies are very expensive, so I have not replaced them yet. I am currently limited to using only the low beams. Without DRLs, the truck is less visible during daytime driving, increasing the risk of a collision. Without high beams, nighttime visibility is reduced, especially on rural or dark roads. This failure affects federally required lighting functions, compromising safety in both day and night driving. The problem is not normal wear: these are sealed LED assemblies that should last the life of the vehicle. The fact that both assemblies failed strongly indicates a manufacturing or design defect. Owners face high out-of-pocket costs because the only fix offered is full assembly replacement. Other 2021 F-150 owners have reported similar failures of DRLs and headlights online, showing this is not an isolated incident. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a safety defect and require Ford to issue a recall to replace the defective headlight assemblies at no cost to owners.

NHTSA ODI 11690924

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the trailer brakes became inoperable. The trailer brake system failure message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed with a TRM failure, an unknown TSB, and an unknown software update were completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure existed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V132000 (Electrical System) prior to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11690244

Gear shift selector gets stuck in park, drive & reverse. Unable to move vehicle & blocking traffic for a period of time.

NHTSA ODI 11690263

Unable to update automatically, vehicle was constantly attempting to connect, draining the battery (I replaced the battery and carry jumper cables and a quick starter now). Took into dealer and they are unable to perform updates. They have had the vehicle for 2 weeks and no progress. The forums online have indicated the vehicle was built with whatever parts they could get due to the COVID supply chain disruptions to normal parts. The software and subsequent updates do not remedy matters. I have no documents to upload, still in shop.

NHTSA ODI 11690072

Vehicle lost all power and stalled while driving. Vehicle also stalled at idle when waiting at an intersection, and another time while waiting at a stop sign. No longer starts. Appears to not be receiving fuel and is returning code P0627 "Fuel Pump A Control Circuit / Open" and will crank but not start. Required towing back to my residence. FordPass sent a "Service Engine Soon Warning" stating "the powertrain control system has detected an electrical fault with the fuel pump and its associated wiring". The symptoms match those in 25V455 but this VIN number is not listed in the affected group.

NHTSA ODI 11689917

Pro power onboard doesn’t work.

NHTSA ODI 11687614

The alternator failed at 60,000 ish miles. Specific mileage can be provided upon request. It appears this is a common problem as alternators and alternator parts are unavailable. I have had to order a custom alternator.

NHTSA ODI 11686772

I had driven the car about 15 residential miles to Home Depot and back. As I was driving into my driveway I smelled smoke and looked forward to see a puff of smoke coming out from the front, driver's side wheel well. I put the car in park and pulled the hook release control under the steering wheel. Suddenly flames were coming out the sides of the hood, about 12" high. I pulled the car quickly away from the house and trees. Put the car in park, as the flames were now engulfing the entire hood. I quickly got away from the car and called 911. The Fire Department is close to my house, yet by the time they arrived the car, including interior cabin, was fully engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ODI 11684308

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while opening the front driver’s side door, there was an abnormal grinding coming from the motor for the retractable running board on the front passenger’s side, and the running board failed to deploy as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor in the retractable running board had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to replace the motor for the retractable running board himself and failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11684005

Random times my clockspring makes clicking sounds and the car iant able to be driven. Getting many messages about issues with the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11683336

Fords Sync system fails to connect to internet and won’t update resulting in transmission failing to relearn as you drive

NHTSA ODI 11682166

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH on the freeway, the navigation screen turned blank, and the speedometer decreased to zero. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear end of the vehicle was detaching. The dealer determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was then taken to unknown local dealer, where it was determined that the rear axle was in good condition. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the contact's buyback request. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ODI 11674326

Drove it out to CA from Texas. Purchased for Planet Ford who told me the truck was k to drive and no axel problem. Drove it out to CA from Texas when we moved in late April - after that went to Santa Barbara and dashboard controls went dead. Speedometer and may other controls stopped working. Truck felt sluggish. Took it into Tuttle Click Ford Lincoln in Irvine and they said they real axel was about to fall off and took the truck away. They've had it for a month and said they may have it for another 2-4 week or longer.

NHTSA ODI 11674327

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The electrical system malfunctioned causing a complete system failure and shutdown of the vehicle. The vehicle came to a sudden stop in an intersection and could not be moved. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -The vehicle instantly died going through an intersection causing the steering column to lock up, the parking brake to engage and transmission to remain in drive while the vehicle was stopped without any power. This was a sudden and abrupt stop where all control over the vehicle was lost, and I came to an immediate stop in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle would not restart. I could not disengage the parking brake to move the vehicle out of the intersection due to the complete loss of power. The transmission would not shift into Neutral due to the complete loss of power. The hazard lights would not turn on due to the complete loss of power. If this happened on the interstate, I would have very likely been in a serious life threatening /taking accident. This is as big of a near miss that I can think of, and only because it happened on a neighborhood street when no other vehicles were approaching from in front or behind. This is a major safety issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -The vehicle is currently at the dealer for a diagnostic review. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -in process at the ford dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -the vehicle had been running for 30-45 minutes prior to this happening without any warning lights / symptoms.

NHTSA ODI 11671519

Black screen on main vehicle screen. Ford has a Customer Satisfaction Program (12M02) that extended the warranty coverage for the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), a key component of the SYNC system in certain Ford vehicles. This program covers the APIM for 5 years from the warranty start date, regardless of mileage, which is a longer coverage than the vehicle's original warranty provisions for this part. The coverage automatically transfers to subsequent owners. However, Ford is saying that I do not qualify and cannot define the qualification criteria. If some affected vehicles are eligible for repair under this CSP, then all affected vehicles should be.

NHTSA ODI 11671797

Related to TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Various Gear Shift Module Concerns 25-2045 I experienced an issue where my truck was stuck in drive and the engine off. The truck could not be turned on if it wasn't in park, but couldn't be shifted unless it was on. This appears to be a very common issue as I made a post on Reddit [XXX] ) and many other users noted the same issue (low milage, relatively new tucks) with the same fix - a tow to a ford dealer and a $1000+ replacement of the shift module. The service manager told me it was "a common issue". It should be categorically impossible for a $70k+ tuck with less than 40K miles to be unable to shift gears due to faulty computer components. Ford didn't consider this issue under warrantee. Ford should have this module recalled - it is unfair for consumers to foot the bill to replace what should be a life time/never fail component. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11665639

In December 2024, I brought my vehicle to my local Ford service center to address an infotainment/display screen issue. My display screen went completely black giving me no access to basic vehicle functions like radio controls, climate, and most importantly, cameras. Since this time, my vehicle has been back for service on 4 separate occasions without any success. The longest service visit being 2-months while "Ford Engineering investigated the issue". During this time, they ran diagnostics, replaced the infotainment screen, and finally the APIM unit but to no avail. Ford assured me that this was an isolated issue and the first of it's kind. I am scheduled to go back to my service center on June 3rd to have "tokens" installed on my vehicle. This will allow Ford's Engineering team to recreate the issue on their end. Today I read that Ford opened a recall for 1.1m vehicles for display/camera software issues. Although I feel like I've been gaslit by Ford for +6 months, I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one that's been living through this ordeal.

NHTSA ODI 11663589

I drove approx 50 miles. Parked, Return to truck approx 45 mins later and the battery was DEAD. No turn over at all.Called AAA purchased new battery which was installed roadside in a parking lot. Upon starting the engine I noticed the ac was not blowing and hot air only if it did. I took vehicle to Mac Maik Ford. I was told the ac was in need of new parts and $FREON$ ? The repair was approx $4500.00 then add freon fee. I declined. Returned to Gullo Ford where I purchased truck and I was told it would take up to a week or more to leave it for just evaluation. They offered a rental vehicle for $65/ day .i was not going to pay$800 In rental fees to wait for an evaluation not even repair?! I returned home in the hot truck and stopped by the private garage in neighborhood.RUSTYS.They kept it half a day&said upon investigation numerous complaints were filed for the same situation.Rusty stated he would order the part and be completed in abt 3-4 days max>.OK, order parts. I get in the truck after the small independent garage guys went over it in 1/2 a day & THE AC WAS WORKING.I again refused to leave it at Rustys garage. He said he would order the part because site stated numerous ppl had the same thing I had had.battery dying and a/c malfunction combo. IF I HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL POTENTIAL OF THE TYPE OF REOCCURRING INCIDENT ON VEHICLES LIKE MINE I WOULD HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF FOR THOUSANDS!! Rusty ordered the part but kept part b/c my ac is good but tapping the battery? 3 days after his diagnosis being different from the dealers my a/c is still witking..However, The potential remains high for ac failure at this point to reoccur.There is obviously a malfunction in the a/c that kills the battery. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS ISSUE. This warrants a recall on whatever it is that drains the battery and kills the a/c function and lets the dealers profit! Please address & recall. Bust the dealers who want THOUSANDS TO FIX THIS TOO! Recall the ripoff...

NHTSA ODI 11660966

Rearview camera does black out sometimes takes 10 minutes to load any info including radio and camera. Radio and camera tries to reload but usually takes 5 minutes for the screen to load up. Causing no rearview camera visibility

NHTSA ODI 11660172

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the contact was informed that the computer failed to communicate with the State Inspection testing equipment. Due to the issue, the vehicle failed the State Inspection. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that a software update was required. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to SSM: 51411. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659783

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.

NHTSA ODI 11658989

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle had not been driven for several days. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced several times; however, the failure returned shortly after the battery replacement. Upon investigation, the contact suspected that the failure may be caused by a parasitic drain inside the vehicle, which would run the battery even while the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that recently,y there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine relay. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656772

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after attaching a trailer to the vehicle, the brakes were inoperable while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the trailer not connected message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V193000 (Electrical System) and 25V132000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 57,425.

NHTSA ODI 11655777

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while shifting to reverse(R), the rear camera image was distorted. The contact stated that the image was blank, and blue intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, or an independent mechanic, and was not diagnosed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. On a separate occasion, the console screen ceased to function and would not display data and shut off intermittently and turned on independently. The headlight warning lights, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated, and a message that the center sensor not active was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer made several software updates; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11652168

Daytime running lights quit working.

NHTSA ODI 11651682