Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V443
Inoperative reverse lights may fail to 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S57.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.
Over The AirITRM-26.B04 F-150Apr 2026
26C10 Recall remedy -Addresses instances where the trailer lights and trailer brakes may not function
Some 2021-2025 F-150 non-Lightning, 2023-2025 F-Super Duty, 2024-2025 Ranger, and 2025 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a perceived improper functioning fog lamp(s). Customers may describe fog lamps blinking, turning on or off, or flashing. If the vehicle is equipped with cornering lamps, this may be normal function. Under certain conditions and inputs, either lamp might turn on or off independently to aid visibility during cornering. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition at this time. For additional cornering lamp information, refer to the Owner's Manual and/or Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 417-01.
Software Update PU1009-TLC-CSM2 for 2021 F-150 vehicles is now available. Quality Improvements include: -improvement to trailer license plate lights illumination. -improvement to interior motion sensor alarm to prevent inadvertent alarms -enhancement to prevent alarm activation during inhibit OTA updates
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) and rear lamp assemblies utilizing 2 incandescent bulbs and built on 01-Jan-2021 and through 30-Apr-2021 may experience a turn signal indicator flashing fast in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with one or more of the rear lamp bulbs not flashing. This may be due to an incandescent rear lamp bulb not being completely inserted or has fallen out of the bulb socket. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to inspect and replace the rear lamp wire harness.
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with automatic high beam control may experience the fog lamps flashing when the automatic high beam control feature is turned on, the fog lights are turned on and the vehicle is driven in dark conditions. This may be due to the software in the headlamp control module (HCM). To correct the condition, reprogram the HCM using the latest level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. If the condition persists, refer to Workshop Manual, Section 417-01 and continue with normal diagnostics. For claiming, use causal part number 13K198 and applicable labor times from Section 10 of the Service Labor Times Standard (SLTS) Manual.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two distinct LED lighting failures in 2021 Ford F-150 headlights. The daytime running lights (DRLs)—vertical LED strips or C-shaped perimeter arrays integrated into the headlight assembly—fail progressively or suddenly, often dimming before losing function entirely. Disassembled units reveal heat-damaged fiber-optic light tubes with burnt spots that block light transmission. Some owners report both DRL sections failing in sequence; others see symmetric failures on both sides. A separate issue involves front headlights becoming extremely dim or fogging over, sometimes requiring full replacement. One owner reported a tail light assembly ripping out of the vehicle at highway speed due to loose or corroded fasteners. Another described repeated tail-light and signal-light failures after water intrusion from rain or car washes.
The DRL failures typically occur between 40,000 and 97,500 miles, with some appearing as early as 3,000 miles past the 36,000-mile factory warranty expiration. Owners consistently report that dealers inform them the only repair path is a complete headlight assembly replacement—no individual LED module or bulb is serviceable—at costs ranging from $800 to $2,500 per side. One owner disabled daytime running lights via settings to prevent further failure. Multiple owners cite online forums and YouTube videos documenting the same pattern across 2021–2023 model years. Ford has reportedly confirmed awareness, redesigned the assembly for newer vehicles, and issued an over-the-air software update that intensified DRL output before reverting it. No recalls or warranty coverage extensions have materialized despite the frequency of complaints.
Same Ford F-150 lighting reports on nearby years: 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Daytime Running Light (DRL) LED Strip Failure
Vertical LED strips or C-shaped perimeter arrays integrated into the headlight assembly overheat and fail, with internal plastic components melting or charring and blocking light transmission. Disassembled units show heat-damaged fiber-optic light tubes with burnt spots.
When: 40,000–97,500 miles; some as early as 3,000 miles past factory 36,000-mile warranty expiration; one case at 4 years / 80,000 miles; another at 4 years / 61,000 miles; earliest reported at approximately 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: DRL becomes noticeably dim before failing completely; One side dims while opposite side continues working; Entire LED array on one side fails; Vertical strip of LED light goes out while other sections remain operational; Progressive failure in sequence (left side first, then right side weeks or months later)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete headlight assembly replacement required; no individual LED module or bulb replacement available. Dealership quoted costs range from $800–$2,500 per side; total repair for both assemblies $1,500–$4,000+. One owner disabled DRL via vehicle settings to prevent further failure. One owner reports receiving an over-the-air software update that increased DRL intensity, then reverted to original setting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford confirmed design issue; redesigned headlight assembly for newer model years. One customer advised to contact NHTSA Hotline. Manufacturer stated failure not covered under recall or warranty. Ford Customer Service told one owner nothing could be done.
Headlight Assembly Dimness and Fogging
Front low-beam headlights become excessively dim, or condensation and fogging occurs inside the lens, reducing light output during night driving.
When: One case at 597 miles; another at 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam headlights very dim at night while driving 45 mph; Both headlights completely fogged over; Headlights extremely dim, reducing road visibility at night
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed fogging as normal and did not repair. Complete headlight assembly replacement was suggested in other cases but not pursued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; dealer stated fogging was normal and not a defect.
Tail Light Assembly Failure and Ejection
Tail light assemblies loosen or corrode, becoming dislodged at highway speeds. The light fixture rips away from the vehicle, severing electrical connections and creating roadway hazards. Fasteners shear or become compromised.
When: June and August in same model year; vehicles with 4-year ownership history
Symptoms owners cite: Tail light flies off vehicle at highway speed (65–70 mph); Wiring ripped out with no warning felt or heard; Second occurrence: screws holding light sheared; Right-side blinker flashes rapidly, indicating light failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced by body shop; second replacement also required. Owner states bumper-to-bumper Ford warranty should cover lights but multiple dealers refused coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple Ford dealers declined warranty coverage for light failure, citing exclusion of lights from warranty despite owner's bumper-to-bumper policy.
Tail Light Water Intrusion and Signal Light Failure
Water leaks into the tail light compartment during rain or car washes, causing tail lights and signal lights to fail. The issue recurs after repair.
When: Approximately 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tail lights and signal lights inoperable; Water present in lower section of tail light compartment after rain or car wash; Light failure recurs after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Tail lights and signal lights replaced by dealer; failure recurred requiring second repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 81 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
4 most recent
lighting
· filed 12/31/2025
There is a known problem with the DRLs burning out, which poses a safety issue. Many people have had this problem causing an expensive repair out of warranty. The entire headlamp assembly has to be replaced.
lighting
· filed 12/29/2023
It started with the loss of Sirius, then intermittently maps, and now the radio is gone and my display on my dash goes black and restarts. I will be driving down the road (interstate) and all of my dash disappears. No speedometer at all. The APIM is out and Ford has no APIM's available. I took it to local Ford and they confirmed the APIM was out. It controls the whole truck and weird things have…
lighting
· filed 12/27/2024
There has been an issue with front LED lights where they go out. It’s an electrical issue where my truck had both replaced and still in warranty this caused almost hit accidents a night. Many vehicles warned me by flashing the high beams. Also another issue is the transmission where it creates a huge jerk on the transmission causing a change in shift. Almost had an accident caused by it. No…
lighting
· filed 12/24/2025
Day running lights vertical ones seem to be going out on the F150 and recently mine too.
Had lighting trouble with your 2021 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2021 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 81 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 49,000 and 94,900 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 94,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting 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.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.