2021 FORD F-150 Exterior Lighting Problems

The daytime running lights only partially work and are very dim, blue, or completely off.

Daytime Driving Lights Are disabled due to an electrical defect.

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.

Day running lights vertical ones seem to be going out on the F150 and recently mine too.

LEFT HEADLIGHT BURNT OUT

The driver's side Daylight Running Light (DRL) is out and there is not a bulb to repair this, it's a $2000+ repair per the dealership and it's 4 years old with 80,000 miles on it. This needs to be a recall. These lights should last way more than 4 years.

The quad LED headlamps keep going out on the truck. It is the vertical side of the light that goes out. I have seen many other F150 with the same issue.

Daytime running lamp failure and fog light failure. Daytime running lamp failure causes poor visibility and the failure defect defeats its entire purpose for use. Fog light failure creates poor visibility during fog conditions and could result in not being visible to other drivers.

DRLs have partially failed on both headlights, vehicle is available for inspection. This seems to be a common problem for similary F-150 according forums and personal observations of other vehicles. The DRLs are a safety feature and not functions DRLs create a safety issue, as on coming drivers are not able to see the vehicle as clearly. Has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer. Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. I did report to Ford Customer Service but was told there was nothing they could do about it. No lights, messages or warnings. Problem has been visible for a least a year, but have not experienced further failure. Only way to fix is to replace the entire headlight assembly with a total cost of around $4000 for both assemblies.

right running light has went out. yes, it will be available for inspection. lack of lighting causes trouble seeing at night while driving. brought to the dealership was told they would need to change the entire headlight. that woul cost around $2000.00. (both sides are now out). from research the 2021 ford f150 running lights are known for going off. $2000.00 all the time get to be big. the running lights do dim a little right before they go completely out. the running lights are all connected to the head light. there is no way to replace the running lights with out change a $2000.00 head light. not to may people have $4000.00 to replace headlights on a 4 year old truck.

The daytime running lights (DRLs) on my Ford F-150 failed and it is clear from online research that they are prone to failure. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. The failure of the DRLs put safety at risk because they are important for visibility, protecting the driver and pedestrians. A dealership confirmed the issue. No, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or any other 3rd party. No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The issue was not noticed until I, the owner, was outside the vehicle and observed it.

Both Running Daytime Lights have stopped working. This is a common issue with 2021 and up F150's. The issue results in a loss of visibility during daylight hours, creating a safety issue during daytime hours. This also seems to be negligence on the manufacturer's side. My understanding of the issue is a part of the headlight gets too hot under normal operating conditions and results in a melting or possible burning of a section of the headlight assembly. This is also a potential fire hazard from this area which is close to the engine also.

Daytime running lights quit working. This happens on numerous f150s with reflector headlights. Transmission issues hard shifting and downshifting that could cause wreck due to sudden slowing of vehicle. Known issue with f150 2021-2023

Running lights on the headlight of the truck continue to go out on the truck.

The daytime running lights on the Driver's side of my truck went out, which in the case of my vehicle means replacing the whole headlight assembly, which Ford is stating costs $2,000. I did not realize how much of a problem this is until I started reading online forums where it seems to be a problem with many Ford F-150 owners. Having to replace an entire headlight assembly for the running lights is asinine. This is a safety issue, and Ford should be made aware that they are creating undue hardships for their vehicle owners, as safety issues have to be addressed, and for some unforeseen reason, warranties and extended warranties do not seem to cover this issue, which appears to be very widespread, and most likely a manufacturing defect.

Both left and right front vertical LEDs which surround the headlights failed. Ford dealer advised both entire headlight assemblies would have to be replaced at a cost of approximately $3600.00

The daytime running led lights on the headlights stopped working on my vehicle. First it was the passenger side and a few weeks later the driver’s side. As that happened to my vehicle, I noticed that many other Ford F150s have the same issue. When I took my vehicle for service, I was told by Ford Maxwell here in Austin Texas that this issue is not covered by my warranty. This is a safety issue because these are the lights that turn on during the day to make the vehicle visible.

At a stop light vehicle will turn off and nothing electrical will work. It will have to be restarted, While turning at low speeds the electronic steering completely stops working and almost hit another car. All electrical power failure until modules reset then will start. This all happens randomly so it could happen at any point and cause serious injury. Ford can't seem to find a repair for the intermittent issue.

Vehicle: 2021 Ford F-150 Component: Exterior Lighting – Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) / Headlights (High Beams) Safety Concern: Vehicle visibility and forward illumination Both daytime running lights (DRLs) on my 2021 Ford F-150 have failed completely. After the DRLs stopped working, the high beams also became inoperative, leaving only the low beams working. The Ford dealer attempted a repair by replacing the control modules, but that did not fix the issue. They advised that the entire headlight assemblies need to be replaced. However, these assemblies are very expensive, so I have not replaced them yet. I am currently limited to using only the low beams. Without DRLs, the truck is less visible during daytime driving, increasing the risk of a collision. Without high beams, nighttime visibility is reduced, especially on rural or dark roads. This failure affects federally required lighting functions, compromising safety in both day and night driving. The problem is not normal wear: these are sealed LED assemblies that should last the life of the vehicle. The fact that both assemblies failed strongly indicates a manufacturing or design defect. Owners face high out-of-pocket costs because the only fix offered is full assembly replacement. Other 2021 F-150 owners have reported similar failures of DRLs and headlights online, showing this is not an isolated incident. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a safety defect and require Ford to issue a recall to replace the defective headlight assemblies at no cost to owners.

Both daytime running lights are defective. One is all the way out and the other one is partially out. This started early 2024. I'm concerned over visibility.

The passenger side daytime running lamp has burned out in one section. Ford says in order to replace this the whole headlight must be replaced at a cost of $1,400. Daytime running lamps are a requirement for safety and the inability to repair the running lamp without replacing the entire headlight poses a safety risk to both the driver and other vehicles on the road.

On my 2021 Ford F-150, the passenger-side LED daytime running light (DRL) has become noticeably dim compared to the driver’s side. This issue is widely reported by other owners of 2021-23 F-150 trucks. The problem is not electrical. Owners who have disassembled the headlight assemblies have found that the fiber-optic style light tube that distributes the LED’s light becomes heat-damaged over time. This burned spot blocks light from passing through the DRL, leaving one side of the vehicle significantly dimmer or out. Safety Concern: DRLs are a safety-critical feature designed to increase vehicle visibility during daytime driving. When one DRL is dim or inoperative, it reduces the truck’s visibility to oncoming drivers and creates an inconsistent lighting pattern that can cause confusion for other road users. This increases the risk of daytime collisions. This is not a cosmetic issue — it directly affects vehicle safety. The failure is common across this model year, but Ford only sells the DRL as part of the entire headlight assembly. The cost of replacement ($800–$1,200 per side) places a heavy burden on owners, especially since the defect appears prematurely and outside warranty coverage. Request: I urge NHTSA to investigate this widespread defect in Ford F-150 headlights. The DRL failure clearly reduces vehicle visibility and poses a safety risk, making it a safety-related defect that warrants further action, including the possibility of a recall or extended coverage. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Left Side Day Time Driving Light went out on top half on my 2021 F150 Ford Truck. Ford has many complaints of this happening to the Day Time Driving Lights from 2021 to 2024. The light is a complete replacement of the entire head light assembly for $ 2000 at the dealer. Day Time Driving Lights are a Safety Feature of Automobiles and should be part of warranties. This is a major problem with the Ford lighting system and it shouldn't cost $2000 to replace a daytime driving light. Being a Safety Item it should be recalled and Ford should be made to replace these head light assemblies to ensure the safety of all drivers.

The LEDs in the daytime running lights have failed. They are partially burned out. Based on research, I’ve done online this is apparently a common problem.

Right side headlight had partial failure resulting in insuffient lighting. had it replaced because Ford said its not a covered item. Three months later the left side headlight went partially out. ive spoke to a few Ford owners who has had the same problem and Ford is not recognizing this issue as a defective part. I think this problem needs to be addressed.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact remote started the vehicle from the office and walked up to the vehicle, and became aware that the front driver’s side vertical daytime running lights failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to the headlight assembly and that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense for the replacement of the headlight module because the failure was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

The DRL has gone out on one of my headlights. The other has started to flicker. This is uncovered by their extended warranty and over $1600 per side to replace. It is becoming common to see many 2021-2023 with LED reflector headlamps with burned out DRL. It is an unserviceable part as well. Only can replace the entire assembly but no warranty will cover it as lighting is exempt as standard wear items.

Very premature headlight failure that ford refuses to acknowledge or repair under warranty. One headlight is more than $1200. Major safety concern.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vertical daytime running lights on the driver’s and passenger’s side failed to operate as needed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the headlight module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense to replace the headlight module because the failure was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

The DRL on the passenger side of my truck have already begun to go out, I have noticed a ton of these 14th generation F150's on the road with dead/dying DRL and mine began to die after 4 years and 61k miles.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was informed by another driver that the front headlights were not functioning as intended. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the front headlights were extremely dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with headlight assembly failures. The contact was informed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

1: HEADLIGHT : vertical sealed beam went out. 2: yes it sure ready for inspection. 3: reduced lighting in the front driver side at night. 4 : yes, was brought to the dealership. was told the whole headlight needs to be replaced in order to fix the issue. 5: only warning was the day before it was dim. the next day it was completely out. last week of May 2025.

The passenger side daytime running light vertical led strip in the passenger side headlight assembly has quit working as of 7/11/2025. I noticed that there seemed to be a reduction in the lighting on the passenger side of my vehicle that night. When I checked my vehicle lighting, I noticed that the above mentioned part of the headlight assembly was not working. This seems to be an integral part of the headlight assembly and I cannot find any replaceable bulb or lighting strip. After searching online, this seems to be a common problem with this series of trucks. The only remedy seems to be replacement of the entire headlight assembly vs. simply replacing a bulb or led strip.

Headlight DRL went out causing less visibility: Transmission is always losing slamming into gears and searching.

Vertical headlight seems to have burned out on both sides after reading online and couple forms. It seems to be a common issue and Ford should be held accountable.

The headlight module failed in the middle of driving at night and caused me to pull over and get the vehicle towed. Took to the dealership and apparently it’s been an issue with these trucks and the headlight module fails and then burns out both headlights. There is no recall and is not covered by my factory warranty.

Part DG9Z13A018E (Ambient Light Sensor) fails to properly read Daylight during warm months. Inverted value (reading of VERY DARK) persists for at least 10 minutes. Appears to be temperature dependent; meaning, the temperature of the sensor/dash/housing is very hot and skewing the reading. Instrument panel dim. 12" screen dim. Reverse image (parking assist) dim as 12" screen is dim. When occurs, can be disabled by turning auto-headlights to OFF position. When cycled back to AUTOMATIC, condition reasserts and dims both the cluster and screen. Issue has been verified at dealership since 2023. Cannot replicate issue when stored indoors, raining, overcast, cold, etc. Requires full sun and warm day. Vehicle cannot be spared for additional diagnostics without rental/loaner provision. Will ask to attempt to replicate during upcoming recall maintenance and other TSB/SSM diagnostics to correct lingering OTA update/software issues that cause low state of charge conditions.

Daytime running lights quit working.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the C-shaped LED light at the outer corners of the driver's side headlight was significantly dimmed, which reduced the road visibility. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee for the headlight replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,500.

Mileage: 97,500

The daytime running lights are malfunctioning. I have seen this is a common issue with this style truck.

Passenger side headlights assembly has a daytime running light that stopped working properly. There is no longer a fully functioning running light that decreases visibility to other vehicles. The manufacturer will not replace and the it cannot be repaired without a full headlight assembly replacement that is not affordable.

Front DRL on the headlights no longer work making it difficult for other vehicles to have a clear sight of vehicle.

Both Front headlight DRL failed at 40K miles. This poses a safety risk for other vehicles on the road

Both drl leds around the housing failed. Twice now. This is a know issues with 21+ f150s

The day time running light on the driver side is out and is a known problem for the 2021+ F-150’s with LED headlights that I have seen. It would be in everyones best interest if we could have this recalled and have Ford fix this issue that is not covered by warranty and without having to scavenge $2100 to replace one side of a headlight which is a safety feature for the truck.

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 police involved and no accidents.

DRL lights are dead after three years of ownership. Dealer wants $1600 per light assembly to repair them. Cannot afford to repair them. makes the truck less visible day and night.

Running light led strip in both headlights has gone out before 40k miles. Numerous issues with these all over the road having the same problem. Causes an issue with visibility and is unsafe. Manufacturer wants 1700 per headlight to fix.

Led DRL burned out both driver and passenger side. Extremely common issue in this generation of F150/similar year model. $1200 per head light assembly replacement to fix the issue.

Both daytime running lights, which also serve as part of the headlights have burnt out. First the drivers side vertical strip of the LED light went out, then the passenger side same vertical strip only. Recently, the horizontal top strip of the headlight went out too. Just happened around 30,000 miles, little past 3 years since I bought my truck

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight suddenly became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlamp housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

The LED daytime running lights in both of my headlights are going out. The vertical portion is out on each the driver's side, and passenger side headlights. This started on the passenger side headlight about 6 months ago and has progressed to both lights. The diminishes the visibility of my vehicle to other vehicles. Puts all at risk. The headlights are still attached to my truck and available for inspection. I have not taken my truck in for inspection as I am beyond the factory warranty. I have conducted research into the problem and learned there are hundreds, if not thousands of owners with the same issue. There were no warnings of the light failure.

XLT model with quad LED headlight. The Daytime Running Lamp failed 3000 miles past factory 36k mile warranty. Very common failure, Ford won’t acknowledge. Safety issue for other drivers in daytime as well as distracting to other drivers looking to see why the lights are not symmetrical. I have polled 14 people randomly and 13-14 said that it would distract them, while others have acknowledged they have seen several others like it. Trying to get a recall on this as the lights are 1200$ to replace each and they fail on both sides. The issue is quality control. I have torn down one light and examined the issue. I can provide evidence to support.

Day time running lights burned out at 32,000 miles. The trucks Visibility during daylight has significantly been altered due to the DRLs malfunctioning so soon in a new vehicle. No warning or alerts.

Headlight /DRL out - no alerts or messages

Daytime running lights burn out with no remedy with the exception of replacing entire headlight assembly. Safety is impacted as DRL's are needed in places that my work is conducted.

The DRL on the 2021 F150 Quad Beam headlights burn out continuously. Ford needs to step up and fix this issue. This issue is a safety matter.

Headlight Daytime running lights burn out.

The daytime running lights started to begin to fail around August of 2023. As of today(10/3/2024) the passenger side has completely failed around the headlight assembly and the driver side has only failed along the vertical strip of the headlight assembly.

Passenger Daytime Running Light went out on me. Happened to other 2021-2024 Ford F150’s too. Hazardous to others due to confusion of lighting. No warnings at all.

In June of this year while traveling on the highway at speeds between 65-70 mph my drivers side tail light flew out of my vehicle. There was enough force to rip the wiring right out and send the entire light flying which could have caused risk to any vehicle behind me, it also left me to drive without a tail light/blinker which is a safety issue. I did not see, feel, or hear anything, and only noticed it was gone when I arrived home that night. It was replaced through a body shop. In August while driving on the highway again in similar conditions I saw something red in my rear view mirror that seemed to come flying from the bed of my truck. I saw it fly away and bounce down the highway, luckily not hitting a vehicle behind me, but it did create an obstruction in the road. I wasn't sure what it was at first, so I went to pull over, put my right side blinker on, and it flashed quickly indicating my light was out. I immediately knew, because of my previous experience, that the other tail light had flown out of my vehicle. This time the electrical wires were not ripped out, but the screws holding the light in are sheared. I am again left with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive as it is missing a light and a blinker, until the body shop can get the part in and replace it. I have a bumper to bumper Ford warranty and was told by multiple dealers that Ford would not be willing to cover this issue, even though it's the second time this has happened, and the warranty states that lights are covered.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side headlight was not working as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side headlamp needed to be replaced due a failure of the LED screen. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately one year later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side and driver’s side headlamps needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Mileage: 48,000

DRL on headlamp vertical line shutoff on passenger side headlight assembly.

The driver side led DRL of the headlight is burnt out.

Tail lamp assembly both sides, allowing moisture within the lighting assembly potentially resulting in short circuit or fire if water comes in contact with electrical connections.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the taillight and signal lights were inoperable. There was water in the lower section of the taillight compartment when it rained or while the vehicle was taken to the car wash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the taillights and signal lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Mileage: 62,000

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the taillight and signal lights were inoperable. There was water in the lower section of the taillight compartment when it rained or while the vehicle was taken to the car wash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the taillights and signal lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Mileage: 62,000

Headlight DRL went out. Common problem with these trucks. Causes a safety concern with visibility.

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 happened. Locks, seating changing, steering wheel changes. There is a case opened with Ford but apparently no timeline on fix.

When a trailer is connected the right side trailer brake light fails to operate; the lights on the truck work properly. When the trailer has been recently disconnected warnings on the dash appear saying "Blind spot and cross traffic alert deactivated trailer attached". I also get trailer left and right turn lamps fault check lamps warnings and the turn signal indicators flash at double speed. These things always clear up after a couple of days until a trailer has been connected and disconnected again. I have two different trailers and they both do the same thing. Just for the record, the right turn signal and hazard flashers on the trailer work correctly. My dealer has observed everything that I stated above but claims he is unable to get parts to fix it. The cross traffic alert malfunction and the non operative trailer brake light would appear to be safety issues. So far, no one has been involved except my dealer's service department. If I don't hook up a trailer everything has and does work correctly. I took this truck in to the dealer a couple of years ago due to the dashboard warnings but did not take my trailer with me at that time; they were unable to fix it. I was unaware at that point that I had no right trailer brake light; this is not easy to see unless someone is following me.

Right DRL LED strip broken and will not illuminate. Outside of the 3 year/36K mile warranty and Ford will not repair despite numerous owners reporting the same issue and the 2022 models having a recall for them. The same should be extended to 2021 owners.

Driver side DRL are not working

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the exterior passenger’s side daytime running lights failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,900.

Mileage: 94,900

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the parking lights started to flicker. The contact stated that the driver’s side taillights had ceased to function. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V686000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH at night, the low-beam headlights were very dim. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to his residence and noticed that both headlights were completely fogged over. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the fogging was normal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the headlamp fogging was normal. The failure mileage was approximately 597.

Mileage: 579

The Pro Trailer Assist program won't load or work along with constant electrical lamp fault messages when trailering my boat. This is a safety concern because you can't tell if the trailer lights are really working or not while driving. I also experience the turn signals blinking really fast like a bulb is out - when none are actually out. The local dealer's electrical technician has reproduced and confirmed my issues. The manufacturer is aware of my problem and is currently offering to put me in a 2022 truck that will be built in February. The Pro Trailer Assist program never would load or work from day one. The electrical lamp fault messages started as soon as I trailered my boat. All the lamp fault messages and fast blinking turn signals only happen while trailering my boat. The local dealer had my new truck forty days and replaced the APIM Module twice with no success. Mileage then (328), mileage now 1,255.