2021 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 64owner reports
- 28,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 11, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
64 of the 1,015 complaints on this car describe brake wear.
Tick what matches of 64 reports
Brake wear on other F-150 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Brake reports cover a wide spread of symptoms. Grinding or squealing is common, and so is a pulsing pedal or a shake through the car when stopping. Others describe pads and rotors worn out long before they expected, a brake warning light, or a pedal that goes soft or sinks toward the floor. The most serious ones say the car didn't stop in time.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (19 reports) and the booster (10 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the brakes covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance.
All 29 recalls on the 2021 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the F-150
Brake master cylinder failure. Closed jul 5, 2020, led to recall 20V-332.
Master cylinder external leak. Closed jul 26, 2016, led to recall 16V-345.
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed apr 28, 2016.
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed oct 19, 2015.
Loss of brake power-assist. Closed may 9, 2008, led to recall 08V-208.
Parking brake failure. Closed sep 23, 1994, led to recall 94V-169.
Parking brake failure. Closed jul 27, 1993.
Loss of brake effectivenes. Closed oct 30, 1992, led to recall 92V-026.
Loss of brake effectivenes. Closed oct 31, 1991.
None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 7,000 and 45,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 11 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 Ford F-150 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
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.
Some 2021 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U0253:00 stored in the ABS module. To correct this condition, update the ABS module to the latest software level using the Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS).
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
Some 2021-2022 F-150 3.5L PowerBoost, 2022 F-150 Lightning and 2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) indicator and stability-traction control indicator and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1013:09 stored in ...
7 more on the 2021 Ford F-150 page.
What owners wrote
“Since 09/23/2024 my 2021 ford f150 the ABS ,service advance trac and pre-collition assist not available messages are displayed every time i press the brakes, the truck is only 3 years and has 21077 miles”
Filed Sep 27, 2024 · 21,077 miles
“Purchased vehicle w/ roughly 5000miles in 2021 from Ford Dealer. All stock items and factory tires. At roughly 50,000 during state inspection, it was found that the front passenger brake line was chafing on tire and was deemed unsafe by the Ford dealership. No prior work or modifications was done in this area. Research indicates that this is happening to other Ford F150s”
Filed Aug 30, 2024 · 5,000 miles
“This is a link to the Dashcam footage. Traveling 45mph in stop and go traffic. I braked (indicated by my hood dipping downwards) but failed to stop. Possible defect? Haven't had my truck back since the accident on 6/24/2022. https://youtu.be/HL7Iau0463I”
Filed Feb 18, 2023
“After connecting my boat trailer, I had ZERO trailer brakes. The lights all worked, brake, running, signal-but no trailer brakes. I turned the integrated trailer brake gain to the highest setting-still zero trailer brakes.”
Filed Nov 10, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 64 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 94 reports
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 85 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 80 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 72 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 67 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 51 reports
- Windshield wipers stop working 35 reports
- Fuel pump failure 31 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 30 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 29 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 26 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 25 reports