Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 104 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 104 · page 1 of 5
Dealer identified Water intrusion into the rear wiring, harnesses is causing corrosion in the PIN connectors, which therefore leads to flickering tail lights which could be mis interpreted as braking or a turning. I also experienced random acceleration from slow speeds and a failure to decelerate. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This vehicle is a BEV with regenerative braking. At various times while driving, when the regenerative braking is engaged, the brake lights illuminate to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down. The problem is there is no indication inside the vehicle for the driver to know when the brake lights are on. This seems like a potential safety hazard. The driver can feel the effects of the regenerative braking and knows the vehicle is slowing but does not know when the slowing is enough to illuminate the brake lights.The driver's only option to ensure the brake lights are activated is to apply additional braking via the brake pedal but additional braking may not be the safest action to take in some situations. Depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions it would be safer for the driver to know when their brake lights are illuminated.
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning ER Platinum Ford Case Number: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Failed: Battery overheated far beyond safety limits. No indication on dash. Safety: When it was finally checked, 3 sensors reported temps of 399, 419, and 419F. The service manager verified the temps. A photo of the diagnostic screen is available. These temps made a battery fire a significant possibility putting myself and others on the road around me in danger. The car is at the dealer in Hays, KS being looked at. There was no indication on the dashboard that there was any problem. According to information I have uncovered, these temperatures are over 3x the safety limits specified by FORD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am writing to formally report a concern regarding excessive rear brake wear on my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. My vehicle currently has approximately 21,000 miles, and I have been informed that the rear brake pads and/or rotors require replacement significantly earlier than would be expected under normal driving conditions. Given that the F-150 Lightning utilizes regenerative braking technology, I expected brake component wear to be substantially reduced compared to conventional vehicles. Vehicle Information: Owner: [XXX] Model: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 21,000 miles Selling/Servicing Dealer: Shultz Ford Date of Purchase: December 2023 I am concerned that the level of rear brake wear may indicate a defect, design issue, or improper brake system operation. I respectfully request that Ford review this matter and determine whether this condition is covered under warranty, subject to a Technical Service Bulletin, or associated with any known issues affecting this model. Please advise what diagnostic steps Ford recommends and whether assistance with repair costs may be available. I would also appreciate information regarding any similar complaints, investigations, or known issues related to excessive rear brake wear on the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a timely resolution of this concern. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, VIN [XXX], 42,370 mi. The rear light bar has microcracks allowing moisture intrusion. Water droplets are visible inside the red lens across the tailgate and inside the white reverse lamp (photos attached, taken 5/30/2026). This is the warning condition named in recall 25SB6 (NHTSA 25V731) and predecessor 23S30 (NHTSA 23V418): water droplets in the lightbar outer lens, which can cause inoperative or flickering reverse lamps. On 6/15/2026 I took the truck to Koons Baltimore Ford, 6970 Security Blvd, Baltimore MD 21244, Advisor Rahim King, RO [XXX]. The dealer's own repair order Line B states: RECALL 25SB6 REVERSING LAMP INSPECTION, VERIFIED OPEN RECALL, at $0 warranty pay. After verifying the open recall on this VIN, the dealer still refused to replace the moisture-failed light bar under the recall. Instead, they have charged me $190 customer-pay to check and advise on water in the red bar and white reverse light, the identical defect the recall fixes for free. The dealer also tried to bill my third-party extended service plan and told me to file an auto insurance claim. All three are improper: a federal recall remedy must be provided free by the manufacturer (49 USC 30120), not charged to the customer, an insurer, or a service contract. SAFETY RISK: A truck backing up without working reverse lamps is more likely to strike a pedestrian or a child below the driver's sightline, since others are not alerted the vehicle is reversing. Reverse lamps are federally required. This failure can result in serious injury or death. REQUEST: Please document (1) the recurring light bar moisture and reverse-lamp defect, (2) the dealer's refusal to remedy a verified open recall free of charge, (3) the improper $190 diagnostic charge, and (4) attempts to shift recall cost to the customer, a service contract, and auto insurance. I can provide RO [XXX] and photos. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The turn signal stalk on the steering column will stick after being activated. It requires a sizable amount of force to disable and turn off the turn signal, enough that there is concern of damaging the mechanism.
WHAT FAILED: Ford's recall-tracking and consumer-information system. Ford has internally inconsistent records re: Safety Recall 25V315 / 25S49 (Rear Camera Screen Software Update) on my VIN [XXX] . Vehicle and Ford-account portal available for inspection. STATUS SUBSYSTEM SAYS CLOSED: (1) Mailed "Successful OTA Update" notice received 6/1/2026 (verbatim): "the software to remedy this concern has been installed on your vehicle through a free Over-The-Air (OTA) software update, meaning the recall is now closed" (2) NHTSA database refreshed 6/2/2026: 25V315 no longer in unrepaired list (3) Ford VIN-specific recall dashboard 6/3/2026: 25S49 removed; only 25C69 remains DELIVERY SUBSYSTEM SAYS NOT DELIVERED: (4) ford.com/support/software-updates 6/2/2026: 9 of 10 expanded OTA detail cards captured, NONE references 25S49. Portal DOES show Compliance Recall 26C10 (ITRM-25.B04) with explicit completion language ("This completes Compliance Recall 26C10. No further action is required.") - proving the portal surfaces recall OTAs when they actually deploy. (5) In-vehicle SYNC Software Updates 6/2/2026: silent on 25S49. SYNC version 25221_PRODUCT Rev 2025 unchanged from 3/26/2026 despite 25S49's remedy being an APIM software update. (6) Ford MODEL-level recall page 6/3/2026 (verbatim): "Recall service not available right now. We have a remedy but parts are not available right now." SAFETY RISK: Ford simultaneously tells me the recall is closed via OTA delivered to my VIN AND publishes that the remedy parts are not yet available. Both cannot be true. Consumers cannot verify whether safety-critical recalls have been delivered. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED: Contradiction is Ford-generated, reproducible by any reviewer. INSPECTED: No dealer or independent inspection of this discrepancy has occurred. WARNING LAMPS / FIRST APPEARANCE: Not lamp-driven. Confirmed [XXX]. I request ODI review of Ford's recall-tracking accuracy for OTA-remediated recalls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552
WHAT FAILED: Ford-shipped OTA software (update ID OBCC-AS.AU, "Plug & Charge Improvements," delivered May 10, 2026) generates an admitted false-positive instrument-cluster wrench-light and Ford App service-needed notification. The OTA is installed; vehicle available for inspection on request. FORD'S OWN ADMISSION (verbatim, from Ford's published OTA release note): "In some instances after this update, a 'Service vehicle soon' wrench icon may appear in your instrument cluster... You may also receive a Ford App notification indicating service is needed on the vehicle, which you can disregard. Please be assured this is a visual notification only..." SAFETY RISK: The same wrench-light is the documented symptom of NHTSA Safety Recall 25V863 / Ford 25C69 (Park Pawl engagement failure) - active and unrepaired on this VIN per NHTSA's June 2, 2026 refresh (see complaint 11741722). Ford's 25V863 NHTSA filing states a Park Pawl failure displays "A WRENCH LIGHT AND SHIFT SYSTEM FAULT MESSAGE... IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER" with automatic EPB application and roll-in-park crash risk. Ford has instructed me in writing to disregard the same notification surface that would warn of a genuine 25C69 failure. The two are visually indistinguishable without dealer diagnosis. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED: Ford itself confirms the defect in its written release note. INSPECTED: No dealer or independent inspection of this OTA-induced false-positive has occurred; Ford preemptively instructed disregard. WARNING LAMPS / FIRST APPEARANCE: The wrench-light icon and Ford App service-needed notification ARE the symptoms. They began with the May 10, 2026 OTA install per Ford's published note. Both are also the warning channels for the unrepaired 25C69 safety condition. I request ODI review of whether OBCC-AS.AU constitutes a defect under 49 U.S.C. 30102(a)(11) when it masks an active federal-recall warning channel on the same VIN.
Ford Motor Company has failed to remedy NHTSA Safety Recall 25V863 (Ford recall number 25C69, Integrated Park Module / Park Pawl Engagement) on my vehicle within the timely manner required, and the recall remains in "Recall Incomplete" status more than four months past Ford's own stated remedy availability deadline. The recall was announced on January 26, 2026. The defect — the Integrated Park Module (IPM) failing to properly engage the Park Pawl when "P" is selected — creates a documented safety risk of roll-in-park and increased crash risk, per Ford's own filing summary as displayed on NHTSA's VIN-lookup result. At the time of the January 26, 2026 announcement, Ford stated that no remedy software was yet available and committed to a Q1 2026 remedy-availability deadline. That deadline (March 31, 2026) elapsed without a remedy being authorized. As of NHTSA's recall-data refresh on April 7, 2026, the recall remained "Recall Incomplete" on my vehicle with no remedy available. As of NHTSA's recall-data refresh on June 2, 2026 — 137 days after the original announcement and 63 days after Ford's own Q1 deadline — the recall still shows "Recall Incomplete" on my vehicle, although Ford has now (very late) authorized dealers to perform the SOBDMC (Secondary Onboard Diagnostic Module C) software update as the remedy. I am filing this complaint under the criterion explicitly published on NHTSA's VIN-lookup recall-result page: "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline." The substantive concern is not that the remedy will never arrive. It is that a remedy for a documented roll-in-park crash-risk defect was not delivered within the timeline the manufacturer itself committed to, leaving my vehicle and similarly affected vehicles in an unrepaired safety-defect state through the Q2 2026 window. This is exactly the manufacturer-timeliness failure per NHTSA's guidelines
About 30 mins prior to the incident,the accelaration was vey slow getting upto only 30/35MPH Message appeared in Dash Board instructing to SCHEDULE MAITANANCE SERVICE SOON. My last service was done only 2 months ago. anyhow i decided to drive the nearest Ford Dealer. On exiting the Freeway,the ramp was downhill and the Braking System completely failed and I crashed into the pavement. All the AirBags came on. I have Sternal Contusion.
I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning that is subject to an active safety recall involving electrical components and exterior lighting (potential water intrusion leading to lighting failure, including rear/reverse lamps). I was notified of the recall around October/2025 and contacted a Ford dealer shortly after. The dealer confirmed the recall is active but stated that no remedy is available. I have followed up multiple times with both the dealer and Ford corporate, and as of today, there is still no repair available and no timeline has been provided. This has persisted for approximately 6 months. Ford communicated a fix in Q1 of 2026. This defect affects critical lighting and electrical systems necessary for safe operation and visibility. Operating the vehicle under these conditions presents a safety risk. Despite this, Ford has not provided a repair, interim solution, or clear guidance. Due to the unresolved recall, I have been unable to reasonably use the vehicle. The vehicle is also used for business purposes, resulting in financial loss. I continue to incur a monthly loan obligation of approximately $2,000 while the vehicle remains effectively unusable. Ford has not offered a loaner vehicle, compensation, or alternative remedy. Complaint with Ford CXXX was submitted, with stated return calls, my repeated follow-ups, and no resolution. I am submitting this complaint to document that the manufacturer has issued a safety recall but has failed to provide a timely remedy, leaving the vehicle unusable and creating ongoing safety concerns and financial harm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning caught fire while parked in my driveway. The vehicle was NOT charging at the time of the incident. There were no warning lights, alerts, or prior mechanical issues before the fire. At the time, I was inside my home asleep when my children alerted me that the truck was “exploding.” I immediately went outside and attempted to move another vehicle and control the fire using a water hose, but the fire spread rapidly and became uncontrollable. The fire department later arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire also caused: Damage to my dump trailer Damage to landscaping Damage to a wall on my property Battery-related debris and residue left on my driveway This debris is still present and I am concerned it may be hazardous, especially since I have children and a dog at home. The incident caused serious emotional distress to my family, who witnessed the fire, and significant financial loss. My insurance company (Allstate) is covering the remaining loan balance, but I am still left with financial loss from payments already made and property damage. Police report number: VV260910161 Fire department report: (pending) I have not received any communication from Ford Motor Company regarding this incident.
I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, with 48,200 miles and 2.5 years of ownership. Recently, my truck began displaying a “Powertrain / Reduced Power” warning while driving, and the air conditioning stopped producing cold air. The dealer scanned the vehicle and found DTC P0534 – A/C System Charge Loss. Further diagnostics indicated that multiple vehicle modules may require reprogramming and software updates. The dealer stated they need to evacuate and recharge the AC system, add dye, and remove front trunk components to locate the leak. This AC system is part of the high-voltage battery and eDrive thermal management system, meaning that failure of the HVAC system affects battery cooling and powertrain performance. Loss of cabin cooling is a symptom of a thermal system malfunction, which can lead to battery overheating, powertrain derating, and reduced driving performance. The combination of unexpected reduced power and loss of cabin cooling creates a safety risk, particularly during highway driving, merging, or situations requiring acceleration. These failures occurred at relatively low mileage and are associated with the high-voltage EV system, which should be functioning properly to ensure safe vehicle operation. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect with the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning affecting the battery thermal management, high-voltage AC system, and eDrive components, which can result in sudden power loss and compromised vehicle safety.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon charging the vehicle, the charge was reduced by 40 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to charge properly with a low-volume charger but charged as needed while using the high-volume charger. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and overtaking another vehicle, the vehicle accelerated to 65 MPH as intended, but the vehicle temporarily lost motive power. The vehicle restarted independently, and the contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact was a field engineer and determined that the high voltage battery power module had failed, causing the main 12-Volt battery charging failure and a computer failure. The contact notified the dealer and the manufacturer that the high-voltage battery needed to be replaced. The contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
I was driving at 45 miles an hour. With no warning, the car had 28 warnings pop up and it just died with no warning. No power steering, no brake assist at all, no lights (not even emergency light would turn on). I was not able to put it into neutral so I was just stuck. Ford roadside was not able to get moving so I was just stuck. I called a tow and it was dragged up. The dealer determined it was a faulty 12v battery.
My f150 lightning won't drive wben put in Drive. Then all the sudden it goes forward when not expecting it and we almost was in an accident. This happened many times and has been in service for over 3 months. They aren't able to fix it. We are trying to get them to take it back. The computer we noticed was defective the day after we bought it and inquired about it immediately. delayed engagement followed by a sudden lurch or unintended acceleration—matches several reports from other F-150 Lightning owners. Because this vehicle is fully electric, "revving" effectively signals the electric motors to apply instant torque, which can lead to dangerous lunges if the software or sensors are out of sync.I mentioned the safety issues and it was not addressed Our computer goes in and out and blacks out when driving. Anything you ask of it has not worked. This isn't the biggest deal but the safety issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Rear light bar has water in it. Recall alert but no remedy available. Rear light bar has water inside. Reverse light and brake light are out or flickering
Water intrusion into rear lightbar/back up/brake light assembly that has caused shorting of the back up lights and flashing of the brake lights. This is a known issue, NHTSA campaign 23V418000. Ford is refusing to cover replacement of this part.
Earlier this year, I filed NHTSA ID 11663872 when I noticed moisture collecting in the brake light assembly on my truck and Ford called this "normal", despite earlier issuing a recall for this very thing happening under NHTSA action 23V-418. Now, the brake light has failed completely, and Ford is denying coverage of this under my extended warranty with the following explanation: "your claim is denied due to water intrusion. A subject matter expert advised that Ford and Lincoln Protect will not participate in this claim as the lighting option only covers electrical failures on incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, High Intensity Discharge (HID) and [Light-Emitting Diode] LED lamp assemblies. A mechanical failure of a lamp assembly that allows water intrusion (fogging/moisture) is not a covered failure. A resulting electrical failure from this moisture/water would be consequential to the mechanical failure and would not be covered." Having inoperable brake lighting and possibly reverse lighting as well is an obvious danger to the public and there is no messaging system in the vehicle to tell you those components are not working properly, and clearly the previous recall campaign that replaced the lens assembly the first time did not work.
Defective rear light bar allowing water intrusion causing some reverse lights and brake lights to malfunction including a running rear white light shining into the face of drivers causing a safety hazard
Rear light bar housing brake lights and backup lights have water inside the assembly. Water is causing shorting of the lights. It puts me and others at risk if it doesn't activate or activate at a bad time.
The rear light bar in the tailgate that also includes my back up lights is defective. The light bar was defective at delivery of vehicle and this is the second time this light bar has been deemed defective by a Ford Dealership Service Department. The first repair on this defect was covered under a recall. This issue is a safety concern as it causes the rear light bar to flicker on and off and it has disabled the back up lights. There was no warning lights or alerts, I was pulled over by law enforcement and given a verbal warning to resolve the issue. The vehicle is currently at Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio, TX and Ford is denying any issue with the vehicle.
Rear tailgate light bar has multiple cracks
The front traction motor on my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning failed without warning, causing the vehicle to lose all-wheel drive capability. The truck automatically limited available power to about 67%, which I later learned indicates the front motor was disabled and the vehicle was operating in rear-wheel drive only. The failure occurred with no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms on the dashboard or in the FordPass app. I assumed AWD was functioning, which could have caused a serious accident in snow, ice, or gravel conditions because the loss of front-wheel traction significantly reduces vehicle stability. The component/system is still available for inspection. At this time, the issue has NOT been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer, and the vehicle has NOT yet been inspected by the manufacturer or any other party. Cause of failure is UNKNOWN. This lack of a warning or alert to the driver represents a major safety hazard because it changes how the vehicle handles without the driver’s knowledge.
The rear light bar was replaced under warranty safety recall 23S30 on 10/19/2023. Subsequently the “new” light bar developed water in it and after a period of a month of flickering and partial illumination is fully out causing a safety issue with limited rear tail lights and reverse lights.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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