FaultScore

2021 Ford F-150 driver assist problems

109 of the 1,304 complaints about the 2021 Ford F-150 are about the driver-assist systems — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 33,949 miles.

B

109

Complaints

7

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Back Over Prevention 23 21.1%
Automatic Emergency Braking 20 18.3%
Warnings 17 15.6%
Adaptive Cruise Control 13 11.9%
Camera 10 9.2%
Blind Spot Detection 7 6.4%
Warnings 5 4.6%
Assist 4 3.7%
Rearview System Braking 4 3.7%
Warning 4 3.7%

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Ford F-150 year

2013 15 2.5%
2014 24 3.9%
2015 48 7.9%
2016 50 8.2%
2017 19 3.1%
2018 41 6.7%
2019 100 16.4%
2020 53 8.7%
2021 109 17.9%
2022 43 7.1%
2023 43 7.1%
2024 23 3.8%
2025 40 6.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Fulshear, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Adaptive cruise control, truck keeps trying to change from lane swerves left and right outnof control sometimes. Automatic Braking Rear camera did a reset after changing the battery and the 360 cameras alignment misaligned and truck send a message When placed on reverse , cameras are misaligned on the screen.

NHTSA complaint #11758754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fulshear, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Adaptive cruise control, truck keeps trying to change from lane swerves left and right outnof control sometimes. Automatic Braking Rear camera did a reset after changing the battery and the 360 cameras alignment misaligned and truck send a message When placed on reverse , cameras are misaligned on the screen.

NHTSA complaint #11758754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plymouth, MI

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

When backing up, the rear camera display shows a gray filter over the rear image on the display cluster and the right side warning sensors indicate a blue trapezoid on the cluster for the right side of the vehicle. The driver dashboard also has an alert that the rear brake assist feature is inactive

NHTSA complaint #11757313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Council Bluffs, IA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of the steering wheel. This creates a serious risk of losing vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds, during lane changes, or in emergency maneuver situations. Because the failure occurs randomly and without any prior indication, there is no opportunity to safely prepare or pull over before it happens, putting both the driver and other motorists at risk. Yes. The issue has been acknowledged by multiple Ford dealerships and independent mechanics, all of whom confirmed this is a known and recurring problem with this vehicle’s EPAS system. Numerous online automotive forums also document other owners experiencing the identical failure, suggesting this is a widespread issue rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ford dealership, which confirmed the EPAS module failure and acknowledged familiarity with the issue. No warning lights, dashboard messages, unusual sounds, or handling changes occurred before the failure. The power steering loss happened suddenly and without any prior symptoms, leaving no opportunity to anticipate or react to the malfunction before it occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11743418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Council Bluffs, IA

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of the steering wheel. This creates a serious risk of losing vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds, during lane changes, or in emergency maneuver situations. Because the failure occurs randomly and without any prior indication, there is no opportunity to safely prepare or pull over before it happens, putting both the driver and other motorists at risk. Yes. The issue has been acknowledged by multiple Ford dealerships and independent mechanics, all of whom confirmed this is a known and recurring problem with this vehicle’s EPAS system. Numerous online automotive forums also document other owners experiencing the identical failure, suggesting this is a widespread issue rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ford dealership, which confirmed the EPAS module failure and acknowledged familiarity with the issue. No warning lights, dashboard messages, unusual sounds, or handling changes occurred before the failure. The power steering loss happened suddenly and without any prior symptoms, leaving no opportunity to anticipate or react to the malfunction before it occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11743418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11743311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

RECALL 25V-315/25S49 has not been fixed on my truck. ive taken in multiple times since last year and programming doesnt fix the issue. final conclusion from the dealer is replace camera system. which they want me to pay $800 for. Since this is a recall Ford should take care of these charges. info. below [XXX] =aXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11740900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

RECALL 25V-315/25S49 has not been fixed on my truck. ive taken in multiple times since last year and programming doesnt fix the issue. final conclusion from the dealer is replace camera system. which they want me to pay $800 for. Since this is a recall Ford should take care of these charges. info. below [XXX] =aXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11740900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

RECALL 25V-315/25S49 has not been fixed on my truck. ive taken in multiple times since last year and programming doesnt fix the issue. final conclusion from the dealer is replace camera system. which they want me to pay $800 for. Since this is a recall Ford should take care of these charges. info. below [XXX] =aXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11740900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Humble, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11725583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Humble, TX

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11725583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cherokee Village, AR

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

We left home and only made it about 100 yards. There was not a trailer attached. We had already stopped at a stop sign, then took off again. As we were going up a slight hill giving it a little gas, there was a loud thud and a sudden jolt, and the truck rapidly slowed down. I tried to give it gas to continued and the engine reved up, but our movement stopped. I realized that the emergency brake had engaged for some reason, so I pressed the button to turn it off, then we were able to continue. We haven't had anyone to look at it yet, and we haven't seen a recall yet

NHTSA complaint #11725701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 86,444 miles Hopewell, VA Crash

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera became inoperable and blank, and she crashed into a cement base. Although the pole was in her view. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police reports filed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that a software update was needed. The update was not completed. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Haley Ford, 10724 US-1, North Chesterfield, VA 23237, who confirmed the remedy was not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) but later determined it was an over-the-air update. The vehicle had not been fully repaired. The dealer informed her to sign a contingency letter. The manufacturer was contacted, and they referred her to a collision center. The failure mileage was approximately 86,444.

NHTSA complaint #11725212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Layton, UT

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and while in reverse(R), the infotainment screen froze and went black. The vehicle was taken to a dealer in October 2025, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed for the infotainment system, but the manufacturer had not yet provided a software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Willow Spring, NC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11722094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vega Baja, PR

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Is say front camera is damaged

NHTSA complaint #11713760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

United States, NY

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11713037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Detroit Lakes, MN

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 complaint #11703294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Rogersville, AL

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated the infotainment center was frozen or blacked out intermittently, preventing the contact from being able to access the cameras and systems controlled through the infotainment system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, when the dealer was contacted, it was confirmed that the vehicle was not included. A second dealer was contacted, McClary Ford Inc (1104 US Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL 35611) and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11699365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,000 miles Louisville, KY

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V896000 (Power Train), 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention), 25V455000 (Fuel system, Gasoline), and 25V729000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the part to do the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000(Power Train) was not yet available. The contact stated that the first month that the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle experienced failures. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking and rattling sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to CarMax and then to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the rear-end axle hub bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. 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 22,000.

NHTSA complaint #11698234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles Estill Springs, TN

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who had started the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be completed due to the 12-Volt battery only being at 42 percent charge. The contact was informed that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that recently, the display screen turned blue when he shifted into reverse (R). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #11695493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Fresno, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The rearview camera was occasionally frozen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11684964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vernal, UT

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V090000 (VISIBILITY), 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN), and 25V315000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. On another occasion, the tailgate failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11683963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Norman, OK

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera was flashing, the image was blocked, and the camera became inoperable. The driver had to use the mirrors while reversing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the software update was completed, but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that further inspection of the vehicle was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11683237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Chestertown, NY

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear-end had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under a related recall or under an extended warranty. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera image was black. The contact stated that while reversing and towing a trailer on one occasion, the failure recurred, causing the tailgate of the vehicle to hit the trailer, and the tailgate sustained damage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred the following day. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11680912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Findlay, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

While driving (on the highway or in town) get and error message "Intelligent Cruse Control Speed Sign Recognition Not Available" This results in the cruse control not adjusting for change in speed. Such as getting off a highway onto a side road, the Cruse Control continues at the old speed. It has been happening ever since early July 2025

NHTSA complaint #11678800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Findlay, OH

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Computer screen goes black. Sometimes this happen right when I start the truck, sometimes when put it in reverse and sometimes just while driving down the road. This started shortly after i purchased the truck in Feb 2025 and seems to be getting worse.

NHTSA complaint #11678804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Redford, MI

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black, and the message "Return Vehicle to Dealer for Camera Malfunction" was displayed on the infotainment screen. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11678473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,899 miles Lake Havasu City, AZ

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 5-8 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact drove to the residence. The contact also stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle sputtered. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,899.

NHTSA complaint #11678299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,700 miles Eads, TN

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black intermittently. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,700.

NHTSA complaint #11677817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Ford F-150 problems

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