Car Yearsto Avoid

2021 Ford F-150 Electrical Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are electrical problems on the 2021 Ford F-150?

130 owners have reported electrical problems on the 2021 Ford F-150, 13% of all complaints for this year and the 3rd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 6,000–57,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.

130 complaints 13% of all 2021 complaints 28,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Integrated trailer brake control 6
Instrument cluster / panel 4
Speedometer / odometer 2
Body control module / BCM 1
12v / 24v / 48v battery 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (26 of 130). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Electrical complaints by the year the problem happened.

Electrical complaints by F-150 year

2008 F-150 29
2009 F-150 46
2020 F-150 88
2021 F-150 130
2023 F-150 83
2024 F-150 40
2025 F-150 23

Related recalls

Trailer module may lose brake and light signals

Crash risk

While towing a trailer, the vehicle's trailer control module can lose contact with the car, which may cut out the trailer's brake and turn signal lights or its brakes. Without them, you may have trouble controlling the trailer and other drivers may not see it, raising the risk of a crash.

Fix: A dealer will update the trailer module software, or it will be updated over the air, at no charge to you.

Recall 26V104000 · Feb 2026

Trailer brakes may fail due to software error

Crash risk

A software error can cause the electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes on a towed trailer to stop working. Without trailer brakes, stopping distances get longer, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the trailer brake control module software at no cost to you.

Recall 25V132000 · Feb 2025

Back up lights, Software

An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights. Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge.

Recall 24V443000 · Jun 2024

Trailer brakes may fail to engage

Crash risk

A software error can stop the electric trailer brakes from working when a trailer is towed. Without them, stopping distance gets longer, which raises the chance of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will update the trailer brake control module software at no charge.

Recall 22V193000 · Mar 2022
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Other 2021 Ford F-150 problems

Common questions

What are common 2021 Ford F-150 electrical problems?

Complaints most often name the integrated trailer brake control, instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.

At what mileage do 2021 Ford F-150 electrical problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 6,000–57,000 miles. The middle value is about 28,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2021 Ford F-150 electrical problems?

Yes: 26V104000, 25V132000, 24V443000, 22V193000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which F-150 year has the most electrical complaints?

The 2013 F-150, with 324 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.