2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV Problems

The high-voltage battery in my Ford F-150 Lightning is exhibiting significant degradation and erratic power availability. The vehicle will no longer charge above approximately 60% state of charge. Upon startup, available power can suddenly drop from 100% to approximately 50%, and the indicated available power continues to fluctuate unpredictably while the vehicle is being driven. I am concerned this condition could result in an unexpected reduction or loss of propulsion power while driving, creating a potential safety hazard. Car is scheduled to go to dealer on 10/8/2026.

On August 20, 2026, while driving my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of propulsion. The truck stopped abruptly while in motion on an active roadway. This immediate loss of power created an extremely hazardous situation, exposing myself, my passengers, and oncoming traffic to an immediate risk of a collision. The vehicle was towed directly to Williams Ford of Binghamton (Vestal, NY), where technicians diagnosed the issue as a major component failure tied to an outstanding manufacturer safety recall. Ford recall 24S12 Positive HV battery junction box. The vehicle has been grounded at the dealership for over a week awaiting replacement safety parts from the manufacturer. This unexpected, abrupt stop constitutes a severe safety risk that renders the vehicle dangerous to operate on public roads.

While maneuvering the vehicle to park near a building, the truck unexpectedly accelerated forward and crashed into the building. I did not intend for the vehicle to accelerate into the structure. During the incident, I did not receive the expected assistance from the vehicle’s front sensing/collision-warning systems before impact. The vehicle struck the building, and no airbags deployed. Because of the nature of the incident, I am concerned about a possible malfunction involving the accelerator, braking system, electronic controls, driver-assistance systems, front sensors, or associated vehicle software. I am also aware that Ford previously issued Customer Satisfaction Program 24B56 and related Special Service Messages concerning inoperative front parking sensors on certain 2022–2024 F-150 Lightning vehicles

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)

The rear tail lights do not function. The vehicle cannot be driven at night because it has no rear illumination. It puts both the operator and other vehicles at risk of collision. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer for repair. They reported the tail lights failed due to corrosion of the wiring harness pin connectors due to water intrusion. The wiring harness would have to be replaced at a cost of $4,375.32. I was unaware of the taillight failure until the power tailgate became inoperable. The tailgate and taillights are operated by the same wiring harness. There are no warning lamps or messages on the vehicle indicating the lights are not working. I believe this issue may be related to recall 23S30 and the harness may have been improperly connected during the initial failed recall repair.

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)

The high-voltage battery in my Ford F-150 Lightning is exhibiting significant degradation and erratic power availability. The vehicle will no longer charge above approximately 60% state of charge. Upon startup, available power can suddenly drop from 100% to approximately 50%, and the indicated available power continues to fluctuate unpredictably while the vehicle is being driven. I am concerned this condition could result in an unexpected reduction or loss of propulsion power while driving, creating a potential safety hazard. Car is scheduled to go to dealer on 10/8/2026.

On August 20, 2026, while driving my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of propulsion. The truck stopped abruptly while in motion on an active roadway. This immediate loss of power created an extremely hazardous situation, exposing myself, my passengers, and oncoming traffic to an immediate risk of a collision. The vehicle was towed directly to Williams Ford of Binghamton (Vestal, NY), where technicians diagnosed the issue as a major component failure tied to an outstanding manufacturer safety recall. Ford recall 24S12 Positive HV battery junction box. The vehicle has been grounded at the dealership for over a week awaiting replacement safety parts from the manufacturer. This unexpected, abrupt stop constitutes a severe safety risk that renders the vehicle dangerous to operate on public roads.

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)

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.

The high-voltage battery in my Ford F-150 Lightning is exhibiting significant degradation and erratic power availability. The vehicle will no longer charge above approximately 60% state of charge. Upon startup, available power can suddenly drop from 100% to approximately 50%, and the indicated available power continues to fluctuate unpredictably while the vehicle is being driven. I am concerned this condition could result in an unexpected reduction or loss of propulsion power while driving, creating a potential safety hazard. Car is scheduled to go to dealer on 10/8/2026.

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)

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.

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.

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)

I purchased my 2023 Ford F150 Lightning Lariat in November 2023 and although it has been an outstanding vehicle in most regards, there is a glaring software/infotainment problem that has been extremely dangerous on multiple occasions. When putting the truck into reverse, the screen sometimes freezes on a static image, leading me to believe that there are no vehicles or pedestrians behind my truck when in fact there are vehicles and pedestrians behind my truck. Additionally, the screen frequently freezes completely or fails to initiate in the first place. This is an issue that has been repeatedly posted about both in F150 Lightning forums and on the [XXX] subreddit. Many users have taken their vehicles in to address this issue, but Ford technicians seem under-trained to handle this and refer customers to a potential future update that might resolve this. We believe Ford is failing to ensure the safety and security of both Lightning owners and pedestrians by not addressing this issue with their Infotainment system. Specifically, this issue occurs on Sync 4A on the 15.5 inch screen. At present, I am running the most recent software available as of 4/4/24. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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.

I made a left-hand turn during a snow storm, and the right rear wheel slid and I made contact with the curb at a relatively low speed. The rear right wheel assembly failed and snapped, leaving the wheel assembly 90 degrees to normal. In other words, the wheel went from vertical to horizontal. Upon visual inspection, the axle snapped, and the axle's interior steel looked defective. The axle appeared very coarse, porous, and poorly consolidated. I requested to keep all the parts which are now located in storage. Both the insurance company and the Ford Motor Company dealership seemed to think the axle was defective. Nobody was injured or hurt.

On my new Ford F-150 Lightning, five out of the six studs on the right front wheel sheared off, leaving just one lug nut and stud holding the wheel on. I took my truck into the Ford dealership who repaired the vehicle and it was returned to me. They did not appear to be escalating the dangerous situation to Ford. The dealership kept the removed parts for warranty submission.

While braking slowly to park at my home, my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT suddenly accelerated forward without any throttle input. The vehicle struck a wall. My foot was on the brake and I did not touch the accelerator. There were no warning messages prior to the incident. This could have caused serious injury or worse if anyone was in front of the vehicle. I believe this may be a critical safety defect.

Driver instrument cluster shuts off , go's black and resets while driving vehicle. Antilock and airbag system show failure message on Ford app. Instrument cluster then reappears condition reoccurs approximately every 5 minutes

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.

I made a left-hand turn during a snow storm, and the right rear wheel slid and I made contact with the curb at a relatively low speed. The rear right wheel assembly failed and snapped, leaving the wheel assembly 90 degrees to normal. In other words, the wheel went from vertical to horizontal. Upon visual inspection, the axle snapped, and the axle's interior steel looked defective. The axle appeared very coarse, porous, and poorly consolidated. I requested to keep all the parts which are now located in storage. Both the insurance company and the Ford Motor Company dealership seemed to think the axle was defective. Nobody was injured or hurt.

See attached document for complaint.