2022 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV Owner Complaints

The forward dash instrument panel is completely out. Unable to see miles per hour, charge settings, odometer, cruise control etc. Completely blank.

NHTSA ID

11751680

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Component Failed & Inspection Status: The front-left upper and lower control arms, ball joints, wheel hub assembly, steering knuckle, and front axle shaft have failed. Severe environmental corrosion has completely seized and fused the steering knuckle inside the wheel hub. All original failed components are currently intact and are fully available for physical inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This severe structural corrosion causes the steering knuckle and axle to seize, creating an imminent risk of primary steering component separation while driving. A steering separation on a heavy electric vehicle (over 6,000 lbs curb weight) causes a sudden, complete loss of directional control, creating an immediate life-threatening hazard to the occupants and surrounding traffic. Confirmation & Testing:The failure and severe structural corrosion were officially diagnosed and confirmed by a certified technician at an authorized Ford dealership service center. Warning Signs & Symptoms: The symptom appeared as a very noisy, distinct creaking sound coming from the front-left suspension. This noise occurred specifically when turning the steering wheel and when operating the vehicle at speeds below 40 mph. The sounds may have been present but obscured by road noise at higher speeds. There were no dashboard warning lamps or error messages prior to the diagnostic inspection. Systemic Concerns: This 2022 model is experiencing a severe vulnerability to premature environmental corrosion that causes the steering knuckle, axle, and control arms to seize to the point of failure. This demonstrates a critical structural durability issue under heavy EV loads in road-salt regions that warrants federal safety tracking for the 2022 model year.

NHTSA ID

11741745

Incident

May 1, 2026

Vehicle: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro VIN: [XXX] This vehicle is subject to a fire-related battery recall issued by Ford Motor Company. The vehicle has been at an authorized Ford dealership (West Herr, New York) since December 26 for recall repair. As of today, it has been out of service for 53 days. The dealership has stated that the delay is due to EV battery lift capacity limitations and that my vehicle is waiting behind another truck because they only have one lift capable of performing the repair. No firm repair completion date has been provided. For over seven weeks, I have received no proactive communication from the dealership regarding repair status. All updates have required me to initiate contact. This complaint is being filed to document prolonged failure to complete a fire-related safety recall due to dealership capacity constraints. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11718477

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

The rear lightbar assembly on our 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat has developed micro-cracks in the outer lens, allowing moisture to accumulate inside. This has caused flickering or inoperative reverse lamps and now appears to be impacting the rear passenger blinker, which functions intermittently. We are concerned that the moisture has begun to corrode the rear wiring harness or electrical system, creating additional safety risks. When we reported the issue, a Kendall Ford representative told us the rear lightbar replacement was “mainly cosmetic,” but that assessment contradicts both Ford’s recall documentation and our experience. Moisture intrusion has already led to intermittent lighting failures that reduce signaling visibility to other drivers, posing a real risk of collision. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and a Ford Field Service Engineer dispatched from Dearborn, who inspected the truck in 2025 after the same recall repair (23S30) failed. Ford has since issued a new recall (25V731 / 25S86) acknowledging improper dealer repairs as the cause. Visible condensation, flickering lights, and intermittent “charging system fault” and “sensor unavailable” messages began shortly after the 2023 recall repair and have continued to worsen. The vehicle remains in our possession and is available for inspection by NHTSA or Ford corporate upon request.

NHTSA ID

11697730

Incident

Oct 18, 2023

I own a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat (VIN [XXX] ). Around June 6, 2025, I brought my truck to Apple Ford Shakopee for a scheduled appointment because I noticed moisture collecting inside the rear light bar. The service representative told me Ford considers that moisture normal, likely from a car wash, and that it would dry out on its own. At that time the truck had fewer than 36,000 miles and was still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. The moisture never went away, and the light bar is now failing — my backup lights are dimming and flickering. I’ve since learned there was a recall (23S30) on 2022–2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat and Platinum trucks for micro-cracks in the rear light-bar lens that allow moisture in. My VIN currently shows no open recalls, but this failure appears identical to what the recall described. Additionally, owner forums are full of reports from other Lightning owners experiencing the same issue — including those who already had the recall repair completed, whose replacement light bars are now showing moisture again. This suggests the defect may persist even after recall repairs. I’m reporting this because the issue compromises the rear lighting and visibility of the vehicle. I hope Ford and NHTSA will review whether the recall scope or remedy should be expanded to include affected vehicles like mine and ensure owners aren’t left with expensive out-of-pocket repairs for a known manufacturing defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11694640

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

The light bar on the tailgate that is the brake lights and reverse lights is known to get moisture inside and stop working. It is a known problem with Ford as they recalled them 2 years ago and replaced it under warranty. However the replacement part suffers from the same issue. So, my replacement light bar has stopped working, and even though I have Fords Premium Care extended warranty that includes all LED lighting, they will not cover the repair. This part is a safety item (brake lights and reverse lights) that is known to fail, it should be a safety recall item covered out of warranty anyway, and SURELY covered with an extended warranty (Ford Premium Care with Lighting added) but it apparently is not .... It seems that this safety issue should be covered and replaced Thanks

NHTSA ID

11694636

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the reverse lights failed to function as intended. The contact exited the vehicle, and someone pointed out that the rear passenger’s side reverse light failed to activate as designed. The contact stated that the rear light bar had failed to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V418000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) two years ago. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11693958

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

Mileage

38,000 mi

Rear light bar was replaced under Recall 23S30 on April 30, 2024. At the time, light bar had moisture inside and was no longer functioning. Now same issue has presented itself with the new part. Rear lightbar works sporadically or not at all. This means that the red part of the light bar flashes randomly while driving, probably confusing other drivers. This also means the reverse lights do not work. So there is no indication when the vehicle is reversing. I noticed the moisture around the beginning of August 2025 and then noticed flickering lights while in reverse around August 18, 2025. Now, there are no reverse lights at all.

NHTSA ID

11685962

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Water formed from condensation caused the Lariat Light bar to no longer function

NHTSA ID

11683967

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

I bought my truck less than a year ago. I found out that the recall (23530) repair on my truck had been completed about 2 months prior to me buying it from another dealership. I took it to a local dealership last week (July 3rd) for the diagnostic and the findings were obvious. Water/moisture in the light that shorted out the right side lights and causes the camera to flicker like a strobe light. I paid $200 for the diagnostic fee only for them to repeatedly mention how the truck is out of warranty and the recall part warranty was expired as well. This isn’t a warranty/recall issue. This is a faulty parts issue that appears to be rampant amongst several lighting owners. There’s no record of the replacement part’s manufacturing date, but my tailgate light bar is having the same moisture issues as the original reasons for the recall. When this gets repaired, it will be the 3rd part on this truck in as many years as its existence. Ford corporate has repeatedly dismissed this as “out of warranty” even though the issue is with the same recalled part itself. I’ve called the ford customer service line for them to lean on the warranty expiration and the recall date. Sorry for the long windedness but I just need the steps to get this fixed. It’s beyond frustrating having to deal with this. Any help would be appreciated. If you need any info just let me know. thanks in advance [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11673686

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the rear light bar failed to function as intended. The contact stated the lights were inoperable and there was water inside the rear light bar. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated the rear light bar was replaced under recall. In addition, the contact stated that the rear light bar had failed three times since 2022. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ID

11670591

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

Mileage

1,000 mi

My trucks rear light bar was repaired under the NHTSA recall 23S30. This was done in 2023 but Ford's repair did not fix the issue and the light bar continues to allow moisture in and thus the light does not work. I currently have the truck being diagnosed by Hertrich Ford of Elkton in Elkton Maryland and a case number with Ford regarding the issue. The caes number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11667695

Incident

May 7, 2025

This is a problem from an old recall. The rear tail gate light was recalled and replace because it was leaking in Jan 2024. The exact same problem has happened again in March 2025. Ford refuses to replace the defective part. After research in forums online I have noticed many other people having the same issue. This is a safety issue as it is part of the exterior lighitng system. It is either completely off or will be flashing making it difficult for other drivers to see me. Another safety issue, it made the backup camera inoperable I did have to have the light replace at considerable cost so it is no longer available. I did ask the dealer to save the light for me and they did not. There was no warning messages on the vehicle computer system

NHTSA ID

11663216

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

The rear light bar and reversing lamp assembly, which was part of a safety recall, is filled with water and the lights are malfunctioning again. Ford is telling me that the replacement part has a 1 year warranty so that I would have to pay over $1600 for a replacement. This is a widespread issue with many of these trucks. Ford admitted that it was a manufacturing defect with the original part. However, the replacement part has the same issue so it is my belief that Ford has not fulfilled their duty to adequately repair an obvious safety issue and should be held responsible for the replacement of this part at no cost to the vehicle owner.

NHTSA ID

11659840

Incident

May 1, 2025

This letter serves as formal notification of a persistent and unresolvable defect in my 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. The defect concerns the tailgate light, which continues to leak water despite multiple repair attempts. I purchased/leased this vehicle on [XXX] from Galpin Ford on 15505 Roscoe Blvd, North Hills, CA 91343. The vehicle is currently under the original manufacturer's warranty. The tailgate light has exhibited a recurring issue of water intrusion, leading to condensation, malfunction, potential for electrical damage. This problem significantly impairs the vehicle's safety due to Inoperative reverse lamps. This may reduce the awareness of other motorists or road users of the driver’s intention to operate the vehicle in reverse gear, increasing the risk of injury or crash. It has also in the past caused electrical shorting that caused other lamps to fail, potentially resulting in the risk of injury or crash due to failed communication with other drivers. The following repair attempts have been made to address this defect, once under the recall: 1. March 14, 2023: Autonation Ford performed the repair for the first time. 2. March 18, 2024: Autonation Ford performed the repair for the second time. 3. March 24, 2025: Autonation Ford performed the repair for the third time. Despite these attempts, the defect persists. I have also become aware that numerous other Ford F-150 Lightning owners across the country are experiencing the same or a similar tailgate light issue. This is evidenced by discussions on the Ford Lightning Owners Forum, reports on social media platforms such as Facebook. This widespread problem indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect that Ford has failed to adequately address. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11655534

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

Rear tail light/bar was recalled a couple of years ago for small micro cracks that water got in. My truck tail light had water in it and was replaced under recall. Less than 2 years later it has happened again. Ford denied covering it under warranty per the dealer who replaced it originally. . Others have posted that their tail light has failed and the leds stay on. Mine as far as I know, has not failed yet. No warning lamps. I feel ford should replace it again since they have had it recalled previously.

NHTSA ID

11655386

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

Under recall 23S30 in 2023 my rear light bar assembly which included brake light, back up camera, and white reverse lights for illumination the area behind the vehicle when backing up. There was a new rear lightbar part issued as part of that recall. After almost 2 years the same issue has occurred again to my vehicle. I'm concerned the new part # has not resolved this original issue and a new recall needs to be put in place.

NHTSA ID

11655178

Incident

Mar 27, 2025

My truck was "repaired" for recall 23S30. The light bar gets microcracks that leet water in and short out the lights. The "repair" was to replace the light bar with another light bar that does the exact same thing. It lasted just over a year before it went out. It didn't even last as long as the original that was recalled and replaced

NHTSA ID

11655072

Incident

Oct 23, 2024

No warning lamps but this could cause injury due to not having working tailgate lamps. Lamps started flickering like it was shorting and then just stopped turning on. Item that is not working. 2022-2024 Ford F-150 Lightning EV LED Center Tail Light Bar OEM NL34-13N466-AC

NHTSA ID

11653043

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear light bar was flickering intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred increasingly, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that microscopic cracks in the light bar had caused water intrusion, causing the rear light bar to fail. The dealer determined that the rear light bar needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the light bar needed to be replaced prior to performing an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Ford Campaign Number: 23S30. The failure mileage was 12,550.

NHTSA ID

11651020

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

Mileage

12,550 mi

Complaint Summary: My 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has repeatedly suffered from serious battery malfunctions, posing significant fire and electrical hazards. These safety concerns are heightened given the widely reported battery issues affecting multiple F-150 Lightning vehicles nationally. Ford has failed to permanently repair these defects, leaving my truck out of service at the dealership for nearly three months, far exceeding the warranty repair time limit of 30 days. Detailed Description: My truck’s high-voltage battery repeatedly fails despite numerous warranty repair attempts by Ford dealerships. I've grown increasingly worried due to reports of similar battery problems with Ford F-150 Lightnings, including well-documented cases of vehicles catching fire, experiencing catastrophic battery failures, or other serious electrical malfunctions. The truck regularly charges at my residence, placing my family—including my 9-year-old daughter—at serious risk of potential fire or electrical hazards. Ford has not adequately addressed this widespread defect nor provided a safe resolution for owners. This ongoing safety issue demands immediate investigation and intervention from NHTSA, as the broader public is likely at similar risk. Desired Outcome: Immediate NHTSA investigation into the widely reported Ford F-150 Lightning battery defects. Prompt corrective action by Ford, including a potential safety recall, buyback, or permanent solution to protect all affected vehicle owners. Thank you for addressing this urgent safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11648054

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

The rear light bar was replace a year or so ago by a recall from Ford due to manufacturing defect that cause water to be trapped within the light bar and LEDs will short out. A few months back, the water has returned within the light bar and causing the LED's to short out just like before. Since the lightbar holds the back up light, with LED shorting out the other drivers will not be able to notice the truck is in Reverse mode which I get a few near misses. The factory recall did not fix the water in the light bar issue.

NHTSA ID

11647477

Incident

Feb 4, 2025

Moisture entered the rear light bar and caused the reverse / back-up lights to fail. Reverse / back-up lights do not work and thus do not illuminate the area behind the truck when backing up. The rear camera does not provide a usable image when the reverse / back-up lights do not illuminate the area behind the truck. The rear light bar was previously replaced about 9/15/2023 under Ford Recall 23S30 for the same issue. The replacement light bar suffers from the same moisture intrusion issue as the original light bar, so the original safety issue has not been resolved.

NHTSA ID

11645063

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

I’m on my 2nd rear tailgate light bar. The new one has moisture in it causing the backup lights to flicker becoming distracting when trying to backup in the dark or have other drivers realize I’m backing up.

NHTSA ID

11645048

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

The rear marker light that is on the tailgate of my Lariat has water in it and no longer works. this reduces the visability of the vehicle. There is a recal to repair this exact problem issued for my yr vehicle but not my specific vin.

NHTSA ID

11637280

Incident

Jan 7, 2025