2021 FORD F-150 Electrical System Problems

97 NHTSA complaints on file

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Electrical System Issues in the 2021 FORD F-150

97 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 FORD F-150. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

97
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11717349 |
The vehicle reported a charging system failure alert and came to a jerking stop. The battery was completely drained and the alternator had failed at 71,000 miles. The vehicle stopped in the drive lane on a heavily trafficked road. The emergency release lever was found and pulled to allow the truck to pull over.
#11713037 |
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??!!
#11710040 |
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...
#11709601 |
When temperatures are below freezing, the passenger side door remains locked, and cannot be unlocked with the key fob or the unlock buttons on either the driver side or passenger side door. The manual door lock cannot be pulled out, as it sinks down inside the door, and there is no external locking/unlocking mechanism to use the key to manually unlock the passenger side door. Dealer said there was nothing wrong with it, but brought it into the shop to look at it, where the temperature is higher than freezing.
#11708581 |
Daytime Driving Lights Are disabled due to an electrical defect.
#11706037 |
The hybrid battery in a 2021 Ford F-150 Powerboost failed due to apparent shorting. (P/N ML3Z-10B690-D) Pictures were taken by service department at the Ford dealership, and can be provided upon request. There is concern that the system could catch fire and spread under the vehicle. There have been other similarly identified failures reported in online communities, but cannot verify the information. Failed component is currently with dealership service department, therefore, cannot verify if there has been further inspection of part. Prior to failure, there were no indicators of problems or faults. As the failed part is not easily accessible and there is no routine maintenance, there is no way to validate when the part failed.
#11703294 |
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...
#11699703 |
Transmission downshift to first gear on the highway
#11696975 |
I purchased my vehicle in October 10th of 2025. I drove the vehicle home 2hrs away on the Friday. On Sunday the 12th I started the vehicle with a error of " Park brake fault Service now" I had the car taken to the nearest Ford dealership as it sat for 3 weeks. I was told the recall for the vehicle around this issue has been done twice so Pundmamm Ford the local dealer did not want to do it again. They ended up replacing the driver rear brake caliper bled the brakes and said this fixed it. They did not replace the harness as they said twice repaired was weird that Ford allowed this. I ended up paying for the repairs caused by this recall of over 1000.00 dollars. I have drove it now for two days and already the brake light engaged. Luckily it released and I was...
#11691812 |
At a stop light vehicle will turn off and nothing electrical will work. It will have to be restarted, While turning at low speeds the electronic steering completely stops working and almost hit another car. All electrical power failure until modules reset then will start. This all happens randomly so it could happen at any point and cause serious injury. Ford can't seem to find a repair for the intermittent issue.
#11690924 |
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...
#11690263 |
Gear shift selector gets stuck in park, drive & reverse. Unable to move vehicle & blocking traffic for a period of time.
#11690072 |
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.
#11689917 |
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.
#11687614 |
Pro power onboard doesn’t work.
#11686772 |
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.
#11684308 |
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.
#11684005 |
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.
#11683336 |
Random times my clockspring makes clicking sounds and the car iant able to be driven. Getting many messages about issues with the vehicle
#11682166 |
Fords Sync system fails to connect to internet and won’t update resulting in transmission failing to relearn as you drive
#11674327 |
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.
#11671519 |
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...
#11671797 |
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.
#11665639 |
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...
#11663589 |
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...
#11660966 |
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...
#11660172 |
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
#11659783 |
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.
#11658989 |
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.
#11656772 |
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...
#11655777 |
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.
#11652168 |
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.
#11651682 |
Daytime running lights quit working.
#11651620 |
My rearview backup camera blacks out won't load, cuts off and on. When in drive it still takes a while for it to still load the radio and navigation. It blacks out and won't load when I start the truck. By the time I back up, still not loading, and start to drive it takes a few minutes maybe 10 for it to finally start working and displaying the navigation and the radio. I've had this issue for a while. And if other makes and models are having the same issues, it has to also be affecting my make and model being it's the same issue.
#11650612 |
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera intermittently was inoperative. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
#11634255 |
The day time running light on the driver side is out and is a known problem for the 2021+ F-150’s with LED headlights that I have seen. It would be in everyones best interest if we could have this recalled and have Ford fix this issue that is not covered by warranty and without having to scavenge $2100 to replace one side of a headlight which is a safety feature for the truck.
#11633978 |
The contact called about a 2021 Ford F-150 company vehicle. The company received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V193000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
#11632584 |
Drivers side head light is half working
#11632566 |
DRL lights are dead after three years of ownership. Dealer wants $1600 per light assembly to repair them. Cannot afford to repair them. makes the truck less visible day and night.
#11629600 |
I was stopped at red light intersection my truck went into idle mode (start/stop) when light changed I tried to proceed through the truck engine/electrical transmission locked up. I had to turn the truck completely off and open one of the doors to be able to restart the truck and move through the intersection. it has done this repeatedly I have taken it to Ford they have tried to charge me an astronomical amount to diagnose it.. with no guarantee of it being fixed. I have almost been rear ended 3 times!
#11628002 |
Daytime running lights have failed. Both sides in my ford f150
#11625837 | Fire
While driving there were no warning indicator lights illuminated on the dash. He stated there were no mechanical defects, noises, or smells to be noted. Near Milepost [XXX] on [XXX] both occupants saw smoke begin to come from under the hood. The employee pulled the vehicle to the side of the road. Both employees exited the vehicle to open the hood. Employee stated he reached down to pull the hood release and when he looked up flames were visible above the hood. Employees moved away from the vehicle and called 911.
#11617881 |
The DRL on the 2021 F150 Quad Beam headlights burn out continuously. Ford needs to step up and fix this issue. This issue is a safety matter.
#11617964 |
Passenger Daytime Running Light went out on me. Happened to other 2021-2024 Ford F150’s too. Hazardous to others due to confusion of lighting. No warnings at all.
#11616827 |
Well I will be driving and randomly it will pop up saying issues with pre collision fault and fault with power steering and suddenly loose power steering while driving
#11608473 |
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the speakers were not working. The contact stated that the safety features were inoperable. The audio function failed to produce sound in the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 22B08. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
#11604596 |
Over the air software updates failed and rendered the vehicle inoperable twice within a 3 day period. Both instances rendered the vehicle unusable and required a tow to the dealership. First occurrence was on 7/21/24, the second occurrence was on 7/24/24.
#11597555 |
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.
#11587599 |
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and braking, several safety features disabled independently. The contact stated that the Pre-Collision Assist, ABS, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred often. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
#11585674 |
The Instrument Panel Cluster will reboot when driving leaving the panel blank with no speedometer or other vital information. The system will reboot after a short time, sometimes multiple times and has occurred when driving at speeds of 30, 35, 50, 65 mph. This reboot leaves the driver without vital information, causes confusion and is a distraction putting the safety of all occupants at risk. This has happened a multiple times and may be is similar to SSM 50294 where emojis causes the Instrument Panel Cluster to go blank or reboot during incoming or outgoing phone calls where there are emojis alongside the text of a name of contact. Unfortunately, I did not learn of this error until I had dropped the vehicle at the dealer and researched myself. I have a heart emoji next to my wife's name and would gladly remove this, but the dealer indicates a full...

Other 2021 FORD F-150 Problem Areas

Power Train 221 complaints Unknown Or Other 85 complaints Exterior Lighting 76 complaints Engine 65 complaints Visibility 65 complaints Visibilitywiper 53 complaints Service Brakes 46 complaints Steering 32 complaints Wheels 27 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 23 complaints Back Over Prevention 21 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 20 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 18 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 16 complaints Structurebody 16 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 15 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 14 complaints Suspension 13 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 12 complaints Parking Brake 12 complaints Structure 11 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 10 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 8 complaints Electrical System Integrated Trailer Brake Control 6 complaints Equipmentappliancetvradiospeakers 6 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 6 complaints Visibilitywindshield 6 complaints Air Bags 4 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 4 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 4 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 4 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 4 complaints Seat Belts 4 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 3 complaints Lane Departure Assist 3 complaints Power Trainaxle Hubs 3 complaints Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 2 complaints Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System 2 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightsdaytime Running Lightsbulbs 2 complaints Lane Departure Warning 2 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslock 2 complaints Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch 2 complaints Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft 2 complaints Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 2 complaints Chest Clip Buckle Harness 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Electrical Systemadasdriver Monitoringcamerasensor 1 complaint Electrical Systembody Control Modulebcm 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiring 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationpipes Hoses And Fittings 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalinfotainment 1 complaint Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer 1 complaint Exterior Lightingtail Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingturn Signal 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Dynamic Brake Supportbrake Assist 1 complaint Interior Lighting 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkages 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch Plate 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionfluidlubricantfilterscreen 1 complaint Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfluid 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Structurebodydoor 1 complaint Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments 1 complaint Structureinterior Panelsdashboard 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Tirestreadbelt 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 1 complaint Visibilityglass Siderear 1 complaint Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor 1 complaint
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