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moderate Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 F-150 | 59 |
| 2018 F-150 | 50 |
| 2019 F-150 | 12 |
| 2020 F-150 | 8 |
| 2021 F-150 (this page) | 42 |
Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2021-2026 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a U2100:00 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for initial configuration incomplete stored in the trailer control module (TRM). This may be due to the vehicle having a Ford accessory trailer brake kit installed without being programmed following the included instructions. If the vehicle was built with minor feature code FDDAA and a trailer brake gain switch is present in the stock location in the instrument panel, a Ford Accessory trailer brake kit has been installed on the vehicle. If a Ford Accessory trailer brake kit is present, download and run the "TRM - Towbar Configuration" application using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2025 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a stuck in park condition with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). This may be due to connector C211 pin push out on circuit CCB61 or an open on circuit CCB61 between the antilock brake system (ABS) module and the body control module (BCM). Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-05 Automatic Transmission External Controls > Diagnosis and Testing > External Controls - Pinpoint Test for "Stuck In Park" has been updated with improved diagnostics. Refer to revised WSM sections for normal diagnosis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 22-2214 to update labor times from M-time to AP-time and add a limit. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: - "Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with missing active guide lines in the reverse camera display - Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0415:86 stored in the IPMA This may be due to a software issue with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 22-2448 to update the Service Procedure and the labor times from M-time to AP-time and add a limit. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) indicator and stability-traction control indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1013:09 stored in the ABS module. This may be due to software in the ABS module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
2021 F-150 owners report a range of brake system failures, with the electronic brake booster emerging as a major trouble area. The most critical complaints involve the brake pedal going soft or to the floor with little to no stopping power—sometimes resolving temporarily after restart, then recurring. Owners describe depressing the brake pedal with no resistance and coasting helplessly before brakes eventually engage and lock up the rear wheels. Diagnostic codes point to brake booster motor and master cylinder sensor issues; repairs typically involve booster replacement and firmware updates, though failures have recurred at higher mileages even after initial repair.
Owners also report spontaneous parking brake engagement while driving, creating collision hazards. One owner experienced this over 20 times; another had it occur after recall service was supposedly completed. Dealerships claim they cannot find fault codes to diagnose the problem.
Brake fluid leaks at metal-to-rubber hose connections appear in multiple complaints, with fluid loss occurring as early as three years into ownership. Owners find no recourse as manufacturers classify the hose assemblies as wear items.
Additional failures include unintended brake application during passing maneuvers, brake hose chafing against tires, stiffened brake pedals requiring excessive force, and dashboard cascade warnings (ABS, AdvanceTrac, pre-collision assist, hill assist all illuminating together). Trailer brake modules fail intermittently; a 2022 update did not resolve the issue for several owners.
Same Ford F-150 brakes reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019
The brake pedal goes soft or extends to the floor with little to no braking action. Front brakes fail or are delayed; rear brakes may lock up. Multiple warning lights illuminate (ABS, AdvanceTrac, pre-collision assist, check brake system, hill assist). Occurs at various speeds and can resolve temporarily after vehicle restart or eventually re-engage abruptly.
When: Between 660 and 50,000 miles; some owners report failures after 6,000-7,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes soft or goes to floor with minimal resistance; No braking action or delayed braking for 50% of pedal travel; Rear wheel lockup and skidding; Front brakes fail to activate; Multiple warning lights: ABS, AdvanceTrac, pre-collision assist, check brake system, hill start assist; Issue self-resolves after restart in some cases, recurs later
Codes mentioned: C05CF - Brake Master Cylinder Piston Position Sensor B, C0594 - Brake Booster Motor A Performance, C0594 - Right rear solenoid circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic brake booster replacement; firmware updates to traction control module, body control module; ABS system calibration; in one case (#22) booster replaced at 7,000 miles but failure recurred at 30,000+ miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 21V533000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but many VINs reportedly not included in recall; firmware and software updates issued
Abnormal clicking, hissing, or squeaking sounds when depressing the brake pedal, sometimes accompanied by brake booster noise. Typically occurs at speeds above 15-20 MPH. Failures persist even after pedal and brake booster replacement.
When: From delivery or early in ownership (100 miles reported); intermittent after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking sounds when brake pedal depressed; Hissing sound from brake booster when pedal depressed; Squeaking sounds during braking (ongoing for months); Abnormal beeping sounds; Occurs above 15-20 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pedal replacement attempted; brake booster assembly replacement attempted; dealer unable to determine root cause in some cases; squeaking sometimes attributed to weather with no repair offered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 21V533000 mentioned; TSB referenced for reverse brake assist warning
Brake fluid leaks at brake line connections, particularly at the junction where the metal brake line connects to rubber hose at calipers. Low brake fluid warning illuminates. Leaks develop early in vehicle life and are classified as wear items by manufacturer.
When: As early as 3 years into ownership; at least one case within early service period
Symptoms owners cite: Low brake fluid warning on dashboard; Brake fluid reservoir empty or very low; Major leak at metal-to-rubber hose connection at caliper; Visible brake fluid under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Entire brake hose assembly replacement required; classified as wearable item by Ford so not covered under extended warranty; estimated replacement cost discussed but exact amount not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied warranty coverage; classified leak as wearable item; no manufacturer assistance offered
Emergency/parking brake engages on its own while vehicle is in motion or parked, without driver input. Occurs on multiple separate occasions. Brake light may flash; owner may hear retraction noise when disengaging. Represents serious collision risk if occurs at highway speed.
When: As early as one month after purchase; recurring multiple times (20+ instances reported); some instances after recall service attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages without user input; Occurs while parked and while in motion; Brake light flashes on dash when engaged in motion; Audible retraction noise when manually disengaging; Recurring spontaneous engagements after recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose or find fault codes; recall service attempted but failure persisted post-repair; no repairs completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service performed (NHTSA Campaign 21V533000 implied) but ineffective; dealership unable to locate codes to verify proper repair
Multiple brake and stability system warning lights illuminate together—including ABS, AdvanceTrac, pre-collision assist, check brake system, hill start assist—often after vehicle sits for an hour or during specific driving conditions. Messages indicate systems are unavailable. Some warnings self-resolve, others persist.
When: After sitting off for one hour; at various mileages between 6,000 and 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple simultaneous warning lights on startup or after sitting; Pre-collision assist not available; Service AdvanceTrac warning; Hill start assist not available; Check brake system message; ABS fault / ABS function limited; Some warnings self-resolve, others persist
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report no fix currently available; no repairs completed in some cases; vehicle dynamics module updates considered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised no fix available; referred customers to NHTSA Hotline; firmware updates provided in some cases
Front brake hoses rub or chafe against the front tire, causing the hose to rupture or weaken. Results in total brake failure or severe loss of braking pressure. Occurs with factory-original tires and no vehicle modifications.
When: Between 50,000 and 70,000 miles; one case at unknown mileage during accident
Symptoms owners cite: Brake hose rupture from tire contact; Complete loss of brakes or severe braking loss; Difficulty bringing vehicle to stop; All brake-related warning lights illuminate; Visible brake hose damage on front passenger or front driver side
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement; brake hose replacement; one vehicle towed after loss of brakes during emergency stop attempt
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue acknowledged as unsafe by dealer but classified as manufacturing or design defect; no proactive notification or recall mentioned
Vehicle applies brakes firmly and unexpectedly while passing other vehicles, with no warning message or audio alert. Occurs almost every time the owner passes another vehicle, creating repeated startling events and collision risk.
When: During highway passing maneuvers at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden firm brake application with no warning message; No audio alert like normal collision avoidance; Occurs almost every time vehicle passes another vehicle; No associated dashboard warning
Electric trailer brakes fail or work only intermittently, creating dangerous situations where brakes can fail without warning. A 2022 software update was issued but did not resolve the problem for affected owners.
When: At 2,900 miles for one failure; recurring issues reported post-2022 update
Symptoms owners cite: Electric trailer brakes do not engage or engage inconsistently; Sudden loss of trailer braking on towing; Intermittent function across multiple uses; Multiple instances of failure on same vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Trailer brake module replacement; 2022 software update applied but failed to resolve issue for some owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2022 software update issued but reportedly ineffective for many owners
Brake pedal becomes abnormally hard to depress or requires excessive force to slow the vehicle compared to prior model year. Pedal travel exceeds normal range. Occurs without warning lights or ABS activation.
When: At 40,000 miles and during routine highway driving at 65 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal significantly harder to depress; Excessive pedal force required to slow vehicle; Pedal travels further than expected; No warning lights illuminated; Vehicle requires added pressure to come to complete stop
Dashboard displays 'Reverse Brake Assist Not Available—See Manual' warning when vehicle is in reverse. A TSB is attached to this issue. Ford will repair but charges customer for labor and parts.
When: During reverse operation
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse brake assist not available warning on dashboard; Warning appears consistently when shifting into reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Ford repair available but customer is charged; parts and labor costs not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB available; manufacturer does not classify as warranty or recall despite safety implications
Rear wheels lock up during normal braking or braking attempts, causing vehicle to skid or slide. Can occur during emergency stops or routine deceleration. ABS warning light may illuminate.
When: At various speeds including 47 mph and 65 mph; one case at 70 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheels lock up when braking; Vehicle skids or slides during lockup; Extended stopping distance; ABS warning light illuminated in some cases
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
I was traveling 47 mph and suddenly the parking brake was activated, causing the car to brake instantly. Luckily, no one was behind me and luckily it did not cause an accident. There were no lights on the dashboard. I took it to the Ford dealer to have it inspected and they gave me an appointment for 8 days later and let me go home knowing that I could not drive it since I almost caused an…
Brake failure, brake pedal went to floor had to firmly stand on peddle rear wheels eventually locked up and truck skidded to stop. warning lamps that lit up are check brake system, hill start assist not available, service advance trac, pre collision assist not available, ABS and brake light was illuminated. very dangerous situation. This is the second time this happened the first was September…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 28,000 and 49,276 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 49,276. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.