2021 Ford F-150: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Transmission · TX

I have experienced ongoing issues with transmission. Two separate dealerships have done partial "rebuild" to no avail. The vehicle has lost power several times which include XXX at approximately 3:30 pm. while pulling onto a busy highway in heavy traffic. As soon as I got home, I parked the truck in the carport where it remains as of this writing. There have never been any warning lights, symbols, etc. on dash when these and other multiple problems with this vehicle happened. Multiple technicians have duplicated all of the issues that I have reported to the dealerships. I have been in touch with Ford Motor Company several times and have an open case with nothing from their representatives except to say how sorry they are. Second dealership has stated both verbally today, XXX, and in writing on XXX that he personally oversaw a complete teardown of this transmission on XXX when C-clutch was replaced see service order#XXX although parts list doesn't support his statement. Please refer to service order #XXX which is a documented failure of the E-clutch in my vehicle. The service manager at [XXX] O[XXX] states that this document is "speculation" on the part of the technician. I am in possession of his email stating such. I am at this time requesting any investigator be assigned to my case/claim # XXX, which I was given by [XXX] (last name unknown) Respectfully yours [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Transmission · MD

When I begin the accelerate from a stopped position I apply the accelerator to begin driving and after a couple seconds after entering the roadway, the vehicle looses power and appears to stall, after a couple more seconds or less the vehicle revs and accelerates very quickly in a jerking fashion and resumes moving forward. Sometimes the vehicle will do this several times in a short distance. This loss of power and erratic motion have happened several times when I have entered into traffic form a stopped position and while driving. I took the vehicle to the dealership where I have it regularly serviced and described the problem. After they investigated the issue I described they were able to re-create the issue and told me that the transmission needed repair. I was able to look up similar complaints and have identified that this is a pervasive issue with the 10R80 transmission in this model year, there is a Ford TSB 26-2226 that identifies the symptoms that I experienced and pointed to a defective part in the Transmission that is the likely cause of the erratic behavior of the transmission and power train. Loosing power and stalling unexpectantly while entering an intersection or in traffic could cause a collision and injuring persons or damaging property. The Service Department where I have the vehicle serviced was very aware of the issue with the Transmission and Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins to include TSB 26-2046 and TSB-26-2226. This may also be related to Ford Special Field Action 25-L02 regarding the Transmission Control Module and/ or the Safety Recall Notice Ford Number 26S48,/ the federal safety agency 26V402.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · GA

Due to a dangerous design flaw in the 2021 Ford F150, I was put in a potentially dangerous situation by completely losing all power in the vehicle on a backroad. Design flaw is the DCN module, which floods into the vehicles electrical system/body of vehicle through the cowel drain that can supposedly be blocked by a singular piece of pine straw. Due to the design flaw, the vehicle completely lost all power and all electronics failed while driving down the road at 45 mph, putting both me and my father (riding passenger seat) in immediate danger. Ford knows and is aware of the design flaw and has refused to issue a recall, not only affecting my safety, but now I am going back and forth with ford over the fix to the tune of $2800 that they refuse to fix (vehicle is a gold certified cpo, has extended warranty). When asked how to prevent in the future, ford was and is not aware of how to prevent in the future, and I can not get to the cowel drain clog without professional equipment and ford performing. There is no way to tell the cowel drain is clogged or not, and there is not anything in the ford owners manual related to maintenance of the cowel drain. Again, due to the inappropriately designed drain, this caused water leakage into my truck, posing an immediate threat to my life and others around me. I have all of the videos and pictures needed to show the failure of the system to provide to move this forward to get resolved. I had complete loss of power and electronics on the road. I tried to attach video but it would not let me. I can attach via email when requested.

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

On June 20, 2026, my 2021 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 suddenly lost engine power while I was driving on the freeway. The vehicle became disabled and had to be towed. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Ford dealership on June 23, 2026, where it remains. The dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it is affected by Ford Recall 25S75 / the federal safety agency Recall 25V455 and advised that there is currently no available repair or remedy for the fuel pump issue. Ford Customer Service has also opened a case regarding the vehicle and provided a loaner vehicle, but no repair or estimated date for a remedy has been provided. The sudden loss of engine power while traveling on the freeway created a significant safety hazard. The vehicle could no longer maintain normal speed or acceleration, creating a risk of being struck by other vehicles traveling at highway speeds and a risk to surrounding motorists. Ford's recall identifies this fuel pump issue as capable of causing an engine stall while driving. The vehicle remains at the Ford dealership and is available for inspection upon request. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by police or an insurance representative. There were no known warning symptoms prior to the failure; the vehicle was operating normally until it suddenly lost engine power on June 20, 2026. The failure is particularly concerning because the recalled component appears to have failed in the exact manner described in the recall, leaving the vehicle disabled while driving. Ford currently has no available remedy, and the vehicle remains unrepaired at the dealership.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Steering · 79,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power steering functionality. The contact opened and closed the driver's side door to reset the vehicle, and the power steering function was restored; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a PSCM internal failure and steering mechanism ball retainer failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V407000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the issue was confirmed after a diagnostic test, but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Transmission · MA

I am reporting a safety-related transmission failure I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly failed to engage and then shifted violently, causing an unexpected loss of power and then a change of propulsion. This occurred while merging at highway speed, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed acceleration. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information for 2021–2022 F-150s identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, or turning could leave a driver unable to accelerate as expected and create a collision hazard. An unexpected downshift or lurch can also abruptly alter vehicle behavior. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in 2021 F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Transmission · MD

I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission suddenly slammed into the next gear, i had never felt that before, it happens when it shifts from 2nd gear to 3rd, and someone’s after i have already been driving at highway speeds for a while it will rev up as if it’s slipping or missing a gear. This occurred while driving on a main highway, and also happens right when i leave my driveway, creating a potentially dangerous situation because the truck did not respond as expected when I needed predictable acceleration or propulsion. A loss of power in the middle of busy traffic could cause an accident. This happens every single time i drive my truck, currently my truck has less than 55k miles. I believe this incident may be related to the known 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve problem. Ford technical information identifies axial movement of the CDF sleeve that can cause hydraulic-circuit leaks and harsh or delayed engagement and shifting. This condition can result in slipping, RPM flares, delayed engagement, unexpected gear changes, harsh downshifts, lurching, or loss of propulsion. This is a safety concern, not merely a transmission quality or reliability issue. Unexpected loss of propulsion or unpredictable shifting while merging, accelerating into traffic, crossing an intersection, turning, or traveling at highway speed can create a collision hazard. Because I personally experienced this unexpected transmission event, I request that the federal safety agency investigate the 10R80 CDF clutch-cylinder/sleeve condition in Ford F-150s. Please review Ford warranty claims, dealer repair records, transmission replacements, consumer complaints, and field-failure data to determine whether this is a safety defect requiring a recall. I believe owners should not have to wait for a potentially dangerous transmission failure before this known condition is addressed.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Component/system affected: Power train / automatic transmission. Description of safety issue: The transmission has recurring harsh and erratic shifting, most noticeable on the first drive of the day. Symptoms include slipping/flaring, delayed or failed upshifts, sudden harsh gear engagement, unexpected large gear changes, loss of power, and occasional operation as if stuck in 4th gear/limp mode. The issue has become severe enough that I have had to manually intervene and pull over. Specific safety incident: On or about June 24th, I was leaving my apartment complex and turning left onto a busy main street. As I approached and entered the turn, the truck was in 1st gear and I was pressing the accelerator, but the transmission appeared to struggle or delay shifting into the next gear. The vehicle did not respond normally, so I continued applying throttle to complete the turn. When the transmission finally shifted, it engaged extremely harshly and caused the truck to lurch forward unexpectedly into the intersection. I had to slam on the brakes to narrowly avoid colliding with another vehicle. This created a serious crash risk because the vehicle first had delayed/lost propulsion and then suddenly surged forward during a left turn across traffic. Safety risk: This defect can cause unexpected loss of motive power, delayed acceleration, harsh engagement, and sudden vehicle lurching while driving. This is especially dangerous when merging, turning across traffic, entering intersections, passing, or driving at highway speed. The problem occurs without a clear warning light or check-engine light, so the driver may not have advance warning before the transmission behaves unpredictably. I am reporting this because the 10R80 transmission behavior caused a near crash due to delayed acceleration followed by sudden harsh engagement/lurching into traffic, and because the failure appears consistent with a known valve body/CDF drum issue affecting Ford 10-speed transmissions.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · IA

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.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

2021 Ford F-150 Lariat, 5.0L Coyote V8, purchased new, now 65k miles. Two interrelated safety defects: OIL CONSUMPTION: On 3/21/2026 at 62k miles, I discovered the engine was critically low on oil. Only 3 quarts drained during a full oil change, against a rated 8.8 quart capacity. The engine had been running on one third of required oil. The onboard oil life monitor showed 9% remaining and gave NO low-oil warning, no warning lights, no alerts. No external leak. On 5/22/2026, Koons Ford Woodbridge formally confirmed excessive oil consumption after a documented oil consumption test. Ford TSB 19-2365 acknowledges this exact defect on the 5.0L Coyote for 2018-2020 model years, attributing it to high intake manifold vacuum during deceleration fuel shut-off pulling oil into the combustion chamber. The 2021 engine is mechanically identical. TRANSMISSION: Hard and slipping gear shifts reported to Ford within months of purchase in 2021. Ford issued multiple software updates over the years to mitigate the behavior, most recently late 2025. Fix was temporary; hard/slipping shifts returned. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE: While awaiting Ford HQ authorization on repairs, the vehicle suffered complete drivetrain failure on Friday night. Engine lost power and transmission failed entirely. I was near home and coasted safely off the road. Had this occurred at highway speed during my daily commute, the result could have been catastrophic. Vehicle towed to Koons Ford Woodbridge. SAFETY CONCERN: This is my only vehicle, used for daily highway commuting. The oil consumption defect provides no warning before engine damage. The transmission has degraded despite years of Ford software patches. The vehicle has demonstrated total drivetrain failure capability with no driver warning. Ford Corporate case opened: CXH-07446845-G0J0K0. Filing to document this at the federal level and add to the existing pattern of complaints. Requesting the federal safety agency review whether these defects warrant investigation.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Transmission · CT

Incident Description:The vehicle experienced a complete internal transmission failure while driving, creating a severe and sudden loss of power on the roadway. A professional technician's diagnostic assessment confirmed active fault code P07F7 (Incorrect Gear Ratio 10th Gear) and explicitly cited Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB #25-2474, pointing directly to a failed internal mechanical CDF clutch drum sleeve.On October 31, 2025, the dealership attempted to patch the issue by replacing only the external electronic transmission solenoids. However, this did not address the true internal mechanical defect, causing the transmission to fail again immediately with the exact same symptoms.Ford has acknowledged this severe design flaw via an internal Customer Satisfaction Program but has strictly capped coverage at 70,000 miles. Because this identical mechanical failure occurred at 81,893 miles, Ford has denied all financial and safety assistance to fix the actual broken mechanical hardware. This widespread manufacturing defect affecting 10R80 transmissions causes vehicles to suddenly lose propulsion in traffic, creating an imminent crash hazard. This campaign must be expanded to a mandatory safety recall.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

While driving my 2021 Ford F-150, the vehicle suddenly began shaking, lost power, and shut off completely while in motion. This created a dangerous situation as I was left without acceleration while driving. Prior to the failure, there were no major issues with the vehicle. After the engine shut off, a battery warning appeared, but the battery had been in good condition and less than a year old. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a Ford dealership, where it has remained for over two weeks. Independent mechanics and the dealership have both indicated the issue is related to the fuel system. I later discovered this matches an active recall for the low-pressure fuel pump. Despite this, I was informed there is currently no remedy available for the recall. The vehicle is still at the dealership and has not been repaired. I have not been provided with a loaner or rental vehicle and have been left without transportation for work or to care for my children. I have also been asked to pay out of pocket for towing and battery replacement, even though the failure appears to be related to a known recall issue.