NHTSA Complaint #11660637 — 2021 FORD F-150

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior door handles and latching mechanism failed due to freezing in cold weather. When temperatures drop, the door handles become stuck or the latch mechanism fails to engage or disengage properly. This issue is reproducible during cold weather and the affected components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction poses a safety risk in multiple ways. The doors may not close securely, which could result in a door opening while driving. Conversely, frozen latches can prevent doors from opening, which is a serious concern in the event of an emergency where rapid exit from the vehicle is required. This could endanger both the driver and passengers. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The issue has not yet been confirmed by a dealer, but it is a widely documented problem among 2021 Ford F-150 owners, and it occurs consistently during cold weather conditions. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No formal inspection by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives has been conducted to date. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The issue was first noticed during freezing temperatures in the winter season. The symptoms are physical—frozen or stuck handles and malfunctioning door latches.