What is the 2015-2022 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head?

Ford's 2.7L EcoBoost (and related small-displacement EcoBoost engines) is prone to micro-cracks forming in the cylinder head around the exhaust ports, allowing coolant to seep into the combustion chamber. This produces unexplained coolant loss with no external leak, white sweet-s… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Ford F-150 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger Coolant Leak?

On 3.5L PowerBoost full-hybrid F-150s, cracks develop in the coolant spigots on top of the exhaust heat exchanger, causing an external coolant leak. The result is gradual coolant loss, possible engine overheating, and an illuminated MIL/temperature warning — in some cases leaving… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Ford F-150 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts?

The 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission can develop a shudder during light acceleration, typically between 25-50 mph. This is caused by torque converter clutch issues and affects many F-150s. Ford has released multiple TSBs and fluid updates to address this. Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2021 Ford F-150 Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)?

The water pump on the 3.5L EcoBoost can fail or develop leaks, causing coolant loss and potential overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2023 Ford F-150 Coolant Degas / Overflow Bottle Cracks and Quick-Connect Fitting Leaks?

The plastic pressurized coolant degas (overflow/expansion) bottle and the plastic quick-connect tees/Y-fittings that route coolant between the block, radiator, and bottle develop hairline cracks and seep, especially at seams and hose necks and in cold weather where the square-cut… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2024 Ford F-150 Swollen Two-Piece Lug Nuts Preventing Tire Removal?

Ford's two-piece factory lug nuts (a steel core with a thin chromed/stainless decorative cap) trap moisture between the layers. The steel core corrodes and the resulting rust bloom swells the cap outward, so the standard 21mm/22mm socket and the truck's own lug wrench no longer f… Repairs typically run $40-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2025 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Turbo Underboost (P0299) — Boost Leaks, Bypass Valve Diaphragm, and Warped Air Deflector?

P0299 sets when actual boost is about 4 psi or more below the commanded value for several seconds, dropping the truck into reduced-power limp mode (orange wrench light). On EcoBoost F-150s the most common causes are NOT the turbos themselves but cheaper upstream parts: a loose or… Repairs typically run $50-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2024 Ford F-150 Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Gasket Leak — Water Intrusion into Cab?

The foam gasket that seals the roof-mounted center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL / third brake light) against the cab dries out, compresses and shrinks with heat and UV exposure, breaking the watertight seal. Rainwater then runs down inside the cab from the roof opening, soaking th… Repairs typically run $40-$250. Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2024 Ford F-150 IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement?

Ford's 4x4 F-150s use a vacuum-operated Integrated Wheel End (IWE) system instead of conventional locking hubs: vacuum keeps the front hubs UNLOCKED in 2WD and is released to lock them for 4WD. The system relies on vacuum lines, a hood-area solenoid, and a check valve that are hi… Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2021 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote Cam Phaser Tick/Rattle?

The 5.0L Coyote V8 can develop a ticking or rattling noise at startup, often from the cam phasers. This is similar to issues in the Mustang GT. The noise typically diminishes after the engine warms up but can indicate phaser wear. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: low.

What is the 2015-2023 Ford F-150 HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure?

The HVAC blend door actuators can fail, causing clicking noises from the dashboard and inability to control air temperature. Air may blow only hot or only cold regardless of settings. Multiple actuators are used and any can fail. Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 SYNC 4 12-inch Touchscreen Goes Black, Freezes, or Reboots on Startup?

14th-gen F-150s with the 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment display commonly suffer a black/blank or frozen screen at startup — sometimes with no Ford logo, sometimes stuck on the splash screen, and sometimes unresponsive for several minutes. Owners report it occurring intermittently (s… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: low.

What is the 2018-2023 Ford F-150 Auto Start-Stop Stops Working / Premature Battery Degradation and Repeat Battery Replacements?

F-150 owners frequently report that the Auto Start-Stop system stops functioning, throwing a 'Start-Stop not available — see owner's manual' message. The system requires the battery state of charge to stay above roughly 70%; the AGM battery setup and the high electrical load of t… Repairs typically run $200-$450. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Pro Power Onboard Generator Ground Fault — Onboard Power Cuts Out (Moisture Intrusion)?

PowerBoost hybrid F-150s equipped with the 7.2kW Pro Power Onboard generator commonly throw a ground-fault / generator fault that disables the bed and in-cab outlets. Owners and dealers have traced many cases to moisture intrusion — water collecting in the in-bed outlet/connector… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2015-2023 Ford F-150 Power Tailgate Lock Actuator Failure / Tailgate Opens by Itself?

On 2015+ aluminum-body F-150s with the power-locking/keyless tailgate, the electric tailgate lock actuator weakens and fails — it clicks but won't lock/unlock, operates intermittently (especially in cold weather), grinds, or quits entirely so the tailgate won't open from the key… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.

What is the 2011-2024 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Rattle?

Both the 3.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost turbos use exhaust wastegates whose actuator arm/linkage develops play as the bushings wear. The result is a distinctive metallic rattle — most noticeable for the first ~30-60 seconds after a cold start and at light throttle — coming from the turbo… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: low.

Ford · Known Issues

2021 Ford F-150 Problems: 20 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2021 model year · 5,820+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,820+ owner reports, the 2021 Ford F-150 has 20 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder ($150-$4,500 repair), Integrated Trailer Module Loses Communication — Loss of Trailer Brakes, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights While Towing (NHTSA 26V104) ($0-$0 repair), Rearview Camera Image Freezes, Blacks Out, or Delays When Reversing (SYNC 4 Recall 25S49 / NHTSA 25V315) ($0-$0 repair), 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head ($4,000-$8,000 repair), 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger Coolant Leak ($500-$1,500 repair) and 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power ($1,800-$5,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts with 2,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $8,000. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,820+ owner reports, the 2021 Ford F-150 has 20 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder, Integrated Trailer Module Loses Communication — Loss of Trailer Brakes, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights While Towing (NHTSA 26V104), Rearview Camera Image Freezes, Blacks Out, or Delays When Reversing (SYNC 4 Recall 25S49 / NHTSA 25V315). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

The 2021 Ford F-150 has 20 known issues documented across 5,820+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder and Integrated Trailer Module Loses Communication — Loss of Trailer Brakes, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights While Towing (NHTSA 26V104) and Rearview Camera Image Freezes, Blacks Out, or Delays When Reversing (SYNC 4 Recall 25S49 / NHTSA 25V315) and 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head and 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger Coolant Leak and 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

Repair costs for known Ford F-150 issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder, typically costs $150-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2017-2023 Ford F-150 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder?

The 10R80 10-speed automatic (introduced on the 2017 F-150) is widely reported to shift harshly: jerking, clunking, banging on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, hesitation, gear hunting, and occasional limp-mode with a 'Transmission Not in Park' or 'drive mode not available' message. Many… Repairs typically run $150-$4,500. Severity: high.

All 20 Known Issues

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

Is the Ford F-150 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-150 problems?

What is the 2017-2023 Ford F-150 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder?

2015-2022 Ford F-150: 2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head#

2021-2023 Ford F-150: 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger Coolant Leak#

2017-2021 Ford F-150: Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: Coolant Degas / Overflow Bottle Cracks and Quick-Connect Fitting Leaks#

2021-2024 Ford F-150: Rearview Camera Image Freezes, Blacks Out, or Delays When Reversing (SYNC 4 Recall 25S49 / NHTSA 25V315)#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure#

2021-2024 Ford F-150: SYNC 4 12-inch Touchscreen Goes Black, Freezes, or Reboots on Startup#

2018-2023 Ford F-150: Auto Start-Stop Stops Working / Premature Battery Degradation and Repeat Battery Replacements#

2021-2024 Ford F-150: PowerBoost Hybrid Pro Power Onboard Generator Ground Fault — Onboard Power Cuts Out (Moisture Intrusion)#

2011-2024 Ford F-150: 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Failure — Stuck Wastegate / Reduced Engine Power#

2011-2025 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Turbo Underboost (P0299) — Boost Leaks, Bypass Valve Diaphragm, and Warped Air Deflector#

2018-2021 Ford F-150: 5.0L Coyote Cam Phaser Tick/Rattle#

2017-2023 Ford F-150: 10R80 10-speed transmission harsh/erratic shifting and torque-converter shudder#

2017-2023 Ford F-150: 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts#

2021-2026 Ford F-150: Integrated Trailer Module Loses Communication — Loss of Trailer Brakes, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights While Towing (NHTSA 26V104)#

2009-2024 Ford F-150: Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) Gasket Leak — Water Intrusion into Cab#

2015-2023 Ford F-150: Power Tailgate Lock Actuator Failure / Tailgate Opens by Itself#

2015-2024 Ford F-150: Swollen Two-Piece Lug Nuts Preventing Tire Removal#

2004-2024 Ford F-150: IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Failure — Front-End Grinding and Partial 4x4 Hub Engagement#

2011-2024 Ford F-150: EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Rattle#

What is the 2021-2026 Ford F-150 Integrated Trailer Module Loses Communication — Loss of Trailer Brakes, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights While Towing (NHTSA 26V104)?

What is the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 Rearview Camera Image Freezes, Blacks Out, or Delays When Reversing (SYNC 4 Recall 25S49 / NHTSA 25V315)?