Recall 21V533 affects 56 2021 Ford F-150 trucks for an electronic brake booster leak. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 56 2021 F-150 trucks because the electronic brake booster can leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, reducing braking performance. Reduced braking performance increases the risk of a crash, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic brake booster on the 2021 Ford F-150 helps multiply the force from your foot so the hydraulic brake system can build pressure with less pedal effort. It also contains a pressure sensor and an electronic control unit, or ECU, that helps manage brake assist and stability functions while the truck is braking.
On affected trucks, the supplier did not fully clinch the pressure sensor to the brake booster housing. That incomplete mechanical lock leaves a path for brake fluid to leak through the pressure sensor and into the ECU. Once fluid reaches the electronics, brake assist can malfunction and braking performance can be reduced in either or both brake circuits.
If brake fluid leaks into the ECU, the instrument cluster warning lights are the signs to watch for. The ABS lamp, ESC lamp, and brake lamp for brake boost will turn on.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 56 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If brake fluid reaches the ECU, the ABS, ESC, and brake warning lamps will illuminate. Reduced braking performance increases stopping distance and increases the risk of a crash. Treat those warning lamps as a reason to pull over safely and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free electronic brake booster replacement that fixes the brake-fluid leak and reduced braking performance.
- Bring Ford's recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 21V533 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the electronic brake booster assembly. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because that warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 26, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 26, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V533?
Recall 21V533 covers 56 2021 Ford F-150 trucks with an electronic brake booster that can leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit. That defect can reduce braking performance and increase crash risk. Ford dealers replace the electronic brake booster assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V533. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule replacement of the electronic brake booster assembly. Reference Ford recall number 21S33 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Ford dealers replace the electronic brake booster assembly free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2021 Ford F-150 before the repair?
Ford did not tell owners to stop driving in this recall. The safety risk is reduced braking performance, which increases crash risk. If your brake pedal feel changes, braking distance increases, or a brake warning light appears, stop driving and call a Ford dealer for guidance.
When were owners notified about recall 21V533?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on July 28, 2021. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 21V533 or Ford recall number 21S33 when you contact a franchised Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V533000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V533 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V533000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →