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2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Bev

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most F-150 Lightning Bev years

Owner complaints for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Bev are substantially higher than the model-year median of 30.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Compare all F-150 Lightning Bev years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 8 of 107 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

107 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2023
Lane DepartureSteering

The vehicle's message center reported multiple system failures while driving 70 MPH on a two lane Montana highway. The steering assist failure caused the wheel to jerk left/right before locking up. It took all the strength I had to keep the vehicle from exiting the roadway. If someone else was driving they would not have likely…

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The vehicle's message center reported multiple system failures while driving 70 MPH on a two lane Montana highway. The steering assist failure caused the wheel to jerk left/right before locking up. It took all the strength I had to keep the vehicle from exiting the roadway. If someone else was driving they would not have likely been as fortunate. The vehicle is now parked inside while I wait to hear from Ford. The local dealer won't look at the truck until the middle of next month. The truck has about 1500 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11550318

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2023
Power Train

• power train malfunction / reduced power • dealer sees the same problem / issue • I did get a "wrench" icon on my dashboard and a power train malfunction notice on my ford pass app

NHTSA ODI #11543071

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesCrash

We were in a low speed situation. A car 2 cars in front of us was signaling a right hand turn. We began to slow down from approximately 25 mph to 5-7 mph. The car turning right stop short of completing their turn, the car immediately in front of us came to a complete stop. We were only traveling 5 - 7 mph behind and had plen…

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We were in a low speed situation. A car 2 cars in front of us was signaling a right hand turn. We began to slow down from approximately 25 mph to 5-7 mph. The car turning right stop short of completing their turn, the car immediately in front of us came to a complete stop. We were only traveling 5 - 7 mph behind and had plenty of room to stop. I depressed the brake further (we were already slowing due to turning vehicle) but the truck did not slow at which point I depressed the brake pedal as hard as I could. The truck did not slow at all in this time (no brake locking, no skid marks). We only came to a stop when we hit the stopped vehicle in front of us. Additionally, this vehicle has advanced safety features (forward collision warning and active braking assist) -- none of these features triggered. I have lost all faith in this vehicles ability given the situation. I contacted Ford customer service, they referred me to their Office of General Counsel and said to expect a response in 45 - 60 days. That is unacceptable to me -- I have a very expensive vehicle that I cannot drive as I do not trust it. I want to understand why all these systems failed, have them as well as my vehicle fixed or the vehicle bought back from me. I cannot wait 60 days for resolution.

NHTSA ODI #11540824

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2023
Unknown Or Other

The hood (frunk) on the F150 Lightning is stuck in a semi-latched position. It will not reset to release and will not latch completely. The truck does issue a visual and audible warning.

NHTSA ODI #11533475

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023
Electrical System

The 240V mobile charging cord that is sold with the vehicle repeatedly overheats and derates the charging speed once overheated. Problem has existed since the vehicle was brand new. Cord is used in a warm climate but not an abnormal temperature for a non-climate controlled garage. Overheating electrical equipment could result in…

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The 240V mobile charging cord that is sold with the vehicle repeatedly overheats and derates the charging speed once overheated. Problem has existed since the vehicle was brand new. Cord is used in a warm climate but not an abnormal temperature for a non-climate controlled garage. Overheating electrical equipment could result in a household electrical fire if the temperature sensors were to fail, which is a safety mechanism and shouldn’t be triggered in normal everyday operation. An alternate brand charging cord with similar capabilities works fine on the same outlet in similar environmental conditions. This is a well known problem from other owners of F-150 Lightnings and Mustang Mach-Es. Therefore a warranty replacement with an identical unit does not appear to be a prudent resolution and would be preferable to be recalled and re-engineered.

NHTSA ODI #11529480

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2023
Seats

The rear seats, which I put my grandchildren in, are at different angles. One sits about two inches below the other. The dealer said, "Sometimes they are just like that" and FORD said talk to the dealer. I have to believe this creates safety issues for my grandchildren, and I need your help in getting Ford to address the issu…

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The rear seats, which I put my grandchildren in, are at different angles. One sits about two inches below the other. The dealer said, "Sometimes they are just like that" and FORD said talk to the dealer. I have to believe this creates safety issues for my grandchildren, and I need your help in getting Ford to address the issue.

NHTSA ODI #11524671

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2023
Electrical System

I have a F150 Lightning being delivered ( expected 2/23 - 3/2 ). I’ve read about the fire on 2/5 almost exactly the date my truck was shipped. Ford says “should” be OK. Dealer says Ford problem. I don’t want a bomb in my garage. What should I do? Know you’re on it as I read a story today. You should know that Ford is basical…

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I have a F150 Lightning being delivered ( expected 2/23 - 3/2 ). I’ve read about the fire on 2/5 almost exactly the date my truck was shipped. Ford says “should” be OK. Dealer says Ford problem. I don’t want a bomb in my garage. What should I do? Know you’re on it as I read a story today. You should know that Ford is basically telling me to take delivery “as is”. This hardly seems safe to me as well as others who have builds that coincide with this very dangerous issue. Thank you for any help.

NHTSA ODI #11507655

Official recalls

11

25V863000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:internal:park Pawl

Dec 12, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles. The integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of park function can allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The park module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 26, 2026.

25V731000 · Exterior Lighting

Oct 24, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning BEV vehicles previously repaired under recall number 23V418. The rear lightbar may have microcracks in the outer lens that allows moisture to accumulate, which can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lights.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other driver's that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear lightbar and fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 29, 2025.

25V313000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)

May 9, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V801. The SYNC software may fail to activate the electronic stability control (ESC) system at the beginning of each ignition cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C15.

25V272000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Apr 23, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles. The fasteners that secure the junction box bus bars inside the high-voltage battery pack may not have been tightened securely, which can cause electrical arcing at the busbars.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Electrical arcing increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S11. This recall expands previous recall number 24V-144.

25V131000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Feb 28, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles. A manufacturing defect in the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high voltage battery array as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.

24V949000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

Dec 19, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 F-150 Lightning BEV vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper control arm ball joint nut, and replace the nut and/or knuckle assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S76.

24V144000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Feb 23, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles. The fasteners that secure the junction box bus bars inside the high-voltage battery pack may not have been tightened securely, which can cause electrical arcing at the busbars.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Electrical arcing increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S11.

23V801000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Nov 28, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles. The SYNC software may fail to activate the electronic stability control (ESC) system at the beginning of each ignition cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C38.

23V688000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element

Oct 13, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks. The electronic cabin coolant heater module may be missing a solder joint, which can cause intermittent or no cabin heat and result in an inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic cabin coolant heater, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C32.

23V418000 · Exterior Lighting

Jun 9, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 BEV vehicles. The rear lightbar may have microcracks in the outer lens that allows moisture to accumulate, which can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lights.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other driver's that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear lightbar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S30.

23V168000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Mar 15, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit when the battery is fully charged or near fully charged.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A battery short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S15.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.