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moderate 113 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Of the 113 visibility complaints filed for the 2021 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
All 3 active visibility recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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.
"25S49 Recall Remedy: -Infotainment software update to address frozen screens"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2026 F-150 and 2024-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with one-touch up/down front windows may exhibit a window not responding to one-touch controls and/or bouncing back when using the one-touch close function.<br /> <br /> For vehicles included in Field Service Action (FSA) 25P35 and/or 26P02, perform repairs as directed by the FSA(s).<br /> <br /> For 2021-2026 vehicles not included in the FSA(s), reprogram the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) using the latest software level of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool according to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-11 for normal diagnostics and testing direction by symptom. For claiming,
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2026 F-150 and 2024-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with one-touch up/down front windows may exhibit a window not responding to one-touch controls and/or bouncing back when using the one-touch close function.<br /> <br /> For vehicles included in Field Service Action (FSA) 25P35 and/or 26P02, perform repairs as directed by the FSA(s).<br /> <br /> For 2021-2026 vehicles not included in the FSA(s), reprogram the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) using the latest software level of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool according to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-11 for normal diagnostics and testing direction by symptom. For claiming,
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"25S49 Recall Remedy: -Infotainment software update to address frozen screens"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above equipped with one-touch up/down front windows may exhibit a window not responding to one-touch controls and/or bouncing back when using the one-touch close function.<br /><br /> For vehicles effected by Field Service Action (FSA) 25P35, perform repairs as directed by the FSA.<br /><br /> For 2021-2026 vehicles, update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) using the latest software level of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-11 for normal diagnostics and repair direction by symptom. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and service labor operations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners consistently report wiper motor failure, intermittent or complete loss of function during rain or snow—the most frequently cited scenario. Motors stop mid-sweep, freeze up, or fail to activate at all, forcing drivers to pull over or improvise visibility. Some wipers work only on high speed, or operate erratically before stopping entirely. A number of owners report wiper arm detachment or looseness, occasionally with metal fragments breaking off the spline engagement. One owner describes a wiper arm dated 2021 (original equipment) still on the truck after a 2023 recall service that claims parts were replaced.
Backup camera and rearview camera failures appear in a handful of narratives—infotainment screens going black, losing the camera feed, or both systems failing together. One owner cites a SYNC software update in August 2024 that froze the system and disabled the backup camera; another reports rearview camera replacement parts unavailable.
Windshield washer fluid system failures occurred in at least one case during rain—no spray output despite adequate fluid level and open nozzles, resolved only after vehicle restart. Window seal detachment and a spontaneous sunroof explosion (glass shattering outward) at low mileage were reported; one sunroof had no drain tubes installed at the factory. Multiple water intrusion complaints trace to roof and sunroof assembly failures, leading to water in door panels and electrical switching faults.
Recall parts—primarily wiper motors and arms—have been consistently unavailable since recalls were issued in 2022, with dealers routinely reporting no ETAs or multi-month delays. Some owners waited 18 months or longer without resolution. Dealerships have denied warranty coverage once out of warranty, charged diagnostic fees ($179–$1,000), or declined to service vehicles not in the VIN range despite identical symptoms. One owner reports the replacement motor failed after 14 months and 30,000 miles, suggesting either the same defective part was reinstalled or the replacement itself was faulty.
Same Ford F-150 visibility reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Windshield wiper motor stops operating entirely with no warning. Vehicle becomes unsafe to drive in rain or snow; drivers pull over or stop until weather clears or fluid/restart restores function.
When: Throughout ownership; reported as early as 3,800 miles and as late as 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No response when wiper control activated; Complete silence or no sound from motor; Sudden stop mid-sweep; Inoperability after rain storm exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replacement required; parts unavailable per multiple dealership reports (estimated parts shortages from mid-2022 through 2024+). Out-of-warranty repairs: $382 (one owner's cost for replacement at dealership).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 22V142000, 22V842000, 23V163000 (Visibility) issued; parts on backorder since mid-2022, no consistent ETA provided. Some dealerships refused to repair until failure confirmed. Ford told some owners parts would not be available until vehicle failed.
Wiper motor operates inconsistently—slow speed, hesitation, speed control malfunction, or occasional freezing before potential failure. Reduces visibility in rain and creates safety hazard.
When: Throughout ownership; reported from 500 miles to 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers move very slowly despite high-speed setting; Variable speed control erratic or unresponsive; Wipers hesitate or stutter during operation; Intermittent loss of function then restoration after restart or in different weather
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics could not duplicate failure in some cases. Recall parts unavailable at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 22V142000, 22V842000, 23V163000 (Visibility); parts unavailable for extended periods. Manufacturer stated no assistance available outside recall or warranty scope.
Wiper arm becomes loose, detaches during operation, or breaks at spline engagement. Metal fragments observed broken off. Arm may remain installed despite recall service claim.
When: 2025 (one confirmed case post-2023 recall service); operational failures reported from 49,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side wiper arm loose or wobbly; Wiper arm separates from motor during use; Metal fragments broken off spline interface; Loud clicking sound during wiper operation after recall service
Repairs/costs cited: NHTSA Campaign 22V250000 recalls wiper arms; one owner found original dated 2021 component still on truck after dealer claimed replacement in 12/2023. Replacement part unavailable per multiple narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V250000 issued; recall repair parts not available. One owner provided photographic evidence of original arm but dealership insisted replacement occurred; Ford unresponsive to follow-up calls.
Backup camera or rearview camera feed stops displaying; infotainment screen goes black or shows no image. Safety feature becomes inoperative.
When: 10,500–32,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen displays black image despite system power-on; No camera feed visible; system appears to power but no video output; Occurs alongside other system freezes (SYNC update case)
Repairs/costs cited: Rearview camera system replacement required per dealer diagnosis; parts not available. One case noted $500–$1,000 diagnostic fee estimated by Ford.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V163000 (Visibility) issued for related systems; parts unavailable. One owner reported SYNC software update (August 2024) caused freeze and camera failure; Ford stated no rollback possible, rollback to prior software version not an option, diagnostics would cost $500–$1,000 and may not lead to warranty coverage.
Washer fluid sprays not activating despite adequate fluid level and unobstructed nozzles. System restored only after vehicle restart.
When: February 2026 (one narrative)
Symptoms owners cite: No fluid spray output when washer control activated; Adequate fluid level confirmed in reservoir; Nozzles physically clear when inspected; System functions normally after power cycle (vehicle restart)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; resolved by vehicle restart. Owner suspects software fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner reports suspicion of SYNC or software issue.
Sunroof glass spontaneously explodes outward with loud bang, scattering glass fragments. Factory-installed sunroof had no drain tubes, contributing to potential water damage and electrical faults.
When: 5,000 miles (explosion); water intrusion detected at 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'bang' or explosion sound from roof; Glass fragments ejected outward across traffic; No warning before failure; Sunroof roof assembly missing drain tubes per dealership observation
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof assembly replacement. Dealership noted missing drain tubes at factory—unclear if causative but flagged as unusual. Water damage to carpet, seats, and electrical systems required cleaning/replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims missing drains unrelated to glass shattering; no manufacturer involvement documented in narrative.
Water enters vehicle interior through roof seams, sunroof assembly, or rear exhaust panel area. Water found in door panels, on seats via seat belt openings, and in carpeting. Electrical damage and horn failure reported.
When: At or before 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal swishing sound in door panels; Water visible or pooling in front and rear passenger-side door panels; Water entry through rear seat belt openings; Horn malfunction after water exposure; Electrical switching sounds indicating short circuits
Repairs/costs cited: Roof seal repair, rear exhaust panel replacement, carpet and seat cleaning. Failure recurred multiple times despite repairs; ultimately traced to sunroof assembly failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner relied on dealer diagnostics.
SYNC system freezes intermittently and becomes non-responsive after August 2024 software update, disabling backup camera, driver-alert systems, and other features for several minutes after startup.
When: August 2024 (software update issuance); symptoms ongoing in timeframe of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent freezing of SYNC system; Non-responsiveness for several minutes after startup; Backup camera non-functional during freeze; Driver-alert systems non-functional during freeze
Repairs/costs cited: Ford specified service procedures with charges; owner out of warranty. $500–$1,000 diagnostic fee quoted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall number (unspecified in narrative). Stated software rollback not possible as only Ford has access. Indicated warranty repair unlikely without paying $500–$1,000 diagnostic fee first. Owner reports multiple F-150 owners experiencing same problem on public forums; Ford acknowledged software defect but offered no remedy without cost.
Defrost capability lost when infotainment screen or camera system fails. Vehicle unable to clear windshield frost in cold weather.
When: 32,000 miles (concurrent with camera failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Defrost system inoperative; Occurs alongside infotainment and backup camera failures
Repairs/costs cited: Defrost and camera repairs on backorder; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Wiper blades are damaged or worn prematurely by erratic motor behavior (speed inconsistency, excessive movement), leaving visible streaks and reducing visibility.
When: Before and after recall repairs (54,556 miles noted)
Symptoms owners cite: Wiper blades damaged despite recent service; 2-inch streak across windshield from improper blade contact; Visibility impaired despite wiper operation
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper blade replacement not covered by NHTSA Campaign 22V842000 repair; owner declined costly repair due to out-of-warranty status.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V842000 covers wiper motor only; blades excluded from coverage.
Synthesized from 113 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V842000 (Visibility) and the vehicle was repaired; however, prior to the repair, the windshield wipers operated erratically, damaging the wiper blades and left a 2-inch streak across the windshield, causing an issue with visibility while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired due to…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 113 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 18,500 and 57,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,500; a quarter make it past 57,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility 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 — 3 active recall(s) cover visibility 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.