10R80 Transmission downshifts violently when slowing down and shifting between 5-3 almost replicating being rear ended. Happens several times a week and worse when ambient temperature is low
2021 Ford F-150 driver assistance problems
89 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000. 7 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 89
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 35,000
- crashes
- 7
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Warnings21
- Automatic emergency braking20
- Adaptive cruise control16
- Sensing system: camera10
- Blind spot detection8
- Assist6
- Warning5
- Rearview system braking4
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford F-150 driver assistance problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford F-150 driver assistance
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Back over prevention: display function
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on July 31, 2026.
Recall number 26V489000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
Recall number 25V315000 · Recall details
What 2021 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When using the cruise control and passing a 65MPH speed limit sign, the vehicle accelerates to 85MPH. The posted speed in the area 65MPH. The max speed for the state of NC is 70. Yet, the vehicle acts as if the speed limit is 85MPH. This event is repeated routinely approximately 95% of the time as I pass this particular location on I-885 South, just north of the Ellis Road exit, in Durham NC.
All warnings, lane keeping assist, steering assist. Dealer confirms steering rack is failing. Truck has 50,000 miles. Completely lost steering while driving my children to school. Codes U3000 and U3000-96 internal failure.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V489000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Vehicle Information 2021 Ford F-150 XL Supercrew approximately 35,000 miles. While traveling southbound on [XXX] near [XXX], Ok, I was operating my 2021 Ford F-150 XL at approximately 75 mph with the cruise control engaged. As I approached slower traffic ahead, I attempted to disengage the cruise control by pressing the cruise control cancel/off button on the steering wheel. Despite pressing the button multiple times, the cruise control would not disengage. Same thing while tapping the brakes it would not disengage. The vehicle continued to maintain speed, and the cruise control system remained unresponsive to my commands. In response, I applied the brakes to safely reduce speed, I did not perform a panic stop or abrupt braking maneuver. Once I had the vehicle slowed, I moved safely onto the shoulder of the highway, well away from traffic. I then shifted the vehicle into park, shut off the engine, and restarted the truck. After restarting the vehicle, I elected not to use the cruise control system for the remainder of my trip, which lasted approximately eight additional hours to Houston, Texas, I have not used the cruise control since the incident because I am concerned that the condition could recur and create a safety hazard. No collision, property damage, or injuries occurred. However, the apparent failure of the cruise control system to disengage when commanded raises significant safety concerns and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2021 F-150 has been diagnosed with a failed electric steering gear Code PSCM C1B00 49 2F. I understand there was a recall on some 2021 trucks with similar steering issues, although my VIN is not included. The part is on national backorder and my dealer says there are approximately 150 vehicles ahead of mine. This is a safety-related steering component, part number "ML3Z3504G"
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.
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
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.
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 the federal safety agency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2021 Ford F-150 driver assistance
Does the 2021 Ford F-150 have driver assistance problems?
Owners have filed 89 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2021 Ford F-150, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 driver assistance problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford F-150 driver assistance?
Yes, 2 recalls: 26V489000, 25V315000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford F-150 have the most driver assistance problems?
The Ford F-150 model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2019 (95 complaints), 2021 (89 complaints) and 2016 (57 complaints).
Other 2021 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission 329Visibility 132Electrical 130Lights 120Engine 102Fuel system 93Brakes 77Steering 44Body 36Wheels 27Acceleration 21Suspension 13Locks 8Airbags 5Seat belts 5Tires 2Seats 1
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