2023 Lucid Air Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Lucid Air, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1029.4%
- Driver assistance823.5%
- Engine38.8%
- Powertrain (other)38.8%
- Body & structure25.9%
- Brakes25.9%
- Interior & seats25.9%
- Visibility25.9%
- Fuel system12.9%
- Exterior lighting12.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car’s backup camera and main infotainment computer lag badly. It is available for inspection. When I start the car, I have to wait 20–30 seconds for the system to boot before it even lets me shift into reverse. Once in reverse, the backup camera stutters and lags significantly instead of showing smooth, real-time video. This creates a severe blind spot for crossing pedestrians and cars when backing out, violating FMVSS 111 rear visibility standards. The issue consistently repeats on cold starts and is well-documented on early Air models. Lucid has inspected and serviced the car via routine service and OTA updates. No warning lamps appear. I am on the latest software (v2.11), but updates haven't fixed it. Lucid has publicly acknowledged early cars have hardware limits and publicly offered a $950 chip/computer upgrade. A properly functioning backup camera is a core federal safety requirement, and owners should not have to pay $950 out of pocket to fix factory hardware that can't handle basic camera latency.
The vehicle manufacturer (Lucid USA, Inc.) is refusing to perform federally mandated safety recall remedies under 49 U.S.C. § 30120 for open safety recalls SR-24-04-0 (NHTSA 24V-495) and SR-26-06-0 (NHTSA 26V540). Vehicle VIN [XXX] holds an official State of Arizona Restored Title. The vehicle is currently immobilized due to a physical Webasto High-Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) failure resulting in an Auxiliary Power Supply (APS) fault, falling under Campaign 24V-495. Furthermore, Lucid is withholding the software deployment for Campaign 26V540 (eFuse fire risk, software build 2.10.0+), which carries an explicit NHTSA advisory to park outside away from structures. Lucid refuses to execute these zero-cost safety fixes or allow diagnostic access unless I pay an out-of-pocket $40,000+ proprietary recertification inspection fee. I offered in writing to pay 100% out-of-pocket for towing and a replacement Telematics Control Unit (TCU) to restore network communication, but Lucid has refused to provide a remedy path. Federal law contains no salvage-title exemption allowing OEMs to withhold safety recall remedies or tie them to compulsory paid services. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car’s backup camera and main infotainment computer lag badly. It is available for inspection. When I start the car, I have to wait 20–30 seconds for the system to boot before it even lets me shift into reverse. Once in reverse, the backup camera stutters and lags significantly instead of showing smooth, real-time video. This creates a severe blind spot for crossing pedestrians and cars when backing out, violating FMVSS 111 rear visibility standards. The issue consistently repeats on cold starts and is well-documented on early Air models. Lucid has inspected and serviced the car via routine service and OTA updates. No warning lamps appear. I am on the latest software (v2.11), but updates haven't fixed it. Lucid has publicly acknowledged early cars have hardware limits and publicly offered a $950 chip/computer upgrade. A properly functioning backup camera is a core federal safety requirement, and owners should not have to pay $950 out of pocket to fix factory hardware that can't handle basic camera latency.
My 2023 Lucid Air Touring experienced a rearview camera/display failure while reversing, resulting in a backing collision and rear bumper damage. The main display/rearview image went blank or became unavailable during an active reverse maneuver, and the vehicle did not provide effective visual guidance or rear safety alerts before impact. This failure is consistent with NHTSA Recall 26V017 / Lucid SR-26-01-0, which concerns the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, increasing the risk of a crash. Lucid denied responsibility but has not provided the underlying data, logs, timestamps, diagnostic records, software version history, OTA update records, or methodology supporting its conclusion. Lucid initially stated that the vehicle was not being operated during the reported time window, which I disputed because the vehicle was actively reversing when the display failure occurred. Lucid later acknowledged that a collision occurred but claimed no system errors were detected and that the recall update had allegedly been installed before the incident. If true, that creates an additional concern that the recall remedy may have been ineffective, incomplete, or insufficient. The absence of a recorded fault code does not prove that the rearview camera/display system functioned properly. I request that NHTSA investigate this as a potential rear visibility safety defect, FMVSS 111 issue, recall remedy failure, and inadequate manufacturer investigation. Lucid should be required to preserve and review all telemetry, event data, diagnostic logs, software records, OTA update records, camera/display/ACU logs, service history, and internal engineering analysis related to this incident.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle manufacturer (Lucid USA, Inc.) is refusing to perform federally mandated safety recall remedies under 49 U.S.C. § 30120 for open safety recalls SR-24-04-0 (NHTSA 24V-495) and SR-26-06-0 (NHTSA 26V540). Vehicle VIN [XXX] holds an official State of Arizona Restored Title. The vehicle is currently immobilized due to a physical Webasto High-Voltage Coolant Heater (HVCH) failure resulting in an Auxiliary Power Supply (APS) fault, falling under Campaign 24V-495. Furthermore, Lucid is withholding the software deployment for Campaign 26V540 (eFuse fire risk, software build 2.10.0+), which carries an explicit NHTSA advisory to park outside away from structures. Lucid refuses to execute these zero-cost safety fixes or allow diagnostic access unless I pay an out-of-pocket $40,000+ proprietary recertification inspection fee. I offered in writing to pay 100% out-of-pocket for towing and a replacement Telematics Control Unit (TCU) to restore network communication, but Lucid has refused to provide a remedy path. Federal law contains no salvage-title exemption allowing OEMs to withhold safety recall remedies or tie them to compulsory paid services. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle became completely inoperable suddenly while driving on the road due to a "drive unit failure." Fortunately, I was still at an intersection when this occurred. I don't what would have happened if I was in motion, especially at higher speed on a highway. The car was towed to the nearest Lucid service center, but it remains there over 6 weeks later as they are not able to fix the problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Drive Mode - Moves the vehicle reverse and Reverse Mode - Moves the vehicle forward, no matter what it moves only FORWARD direction. If I would have trusted the Mode and drove it would have hit a high KWH charging station, would have been a major accident and lost my family! Lucid customer support recorded the whole incident and acknowledged and ordered the towe service! Vehicle is in Lucid Service center till now! They said it is software issues and all usual stories and rectified now and ready to drive( I am afraid to drive honestly as this is very dangerous issue- forward and reverse works to move ONLY in forward!) Here are the sequence: 1. Brake light failure 2, Vehicle will be in reduced power 3. Brake System failure 4.few more errors drove slowly from the parking lot to charging slot then when I put reverse mode - it moved forward only! Before this happened ADAS Issues: Lane Departure Protection Failure, Front Emergency Brake Failure, Traffic Drive Off Alert failure - Lucid Service acknowledge and corrected before!
I was driving on I80 west in San Francisco with about 75 mph. Suddenly shows turtle mode and dropped the speed to 52 mph. I was on the second lane and a lot of vehicles are behind us with same speed. I towed to the service center.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
truck does not close all the way. repaired it many times and keep happening.
left rear passenger door opens while opening the any other door. locking mechanism does not work, notified lucid.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Drive Mode - Moves the vehicle reverse and Reverse Mode - Moves the vehicle forward, no matter what it moves only FORWARD direction. If I would have trusted the Mode and drove it would have hit a high KWH charging station, would have been a major accident and lost my family! Lucid customer support recorded the whole incident and acknowledged and ordered the towe service! Vehicle is in Lucid Service center till now! They said it is software issues and all usual stories and rectified now and ready to drive( I am afraid to drive honestly as this is very dangerous issue- forward and reverse works to move ONLY in forward!) Here are the sequence: 1. Brake light failure 2, Vehicle will be in reduced power 3. Brake System failure 4.few more errors drove slowly from the parking lot to charging slot then when I put reverse mode - it moved forward only! Before this happened ADAS Issues: Lane Departure Protection Failure, Front Emergency Brake Failure, Traffic Drive Off Alert failure - Lucid Service acknowledge and corrected before!
Pulling into a gated parking lot. Once the gate opened the car accelerated and would not brake. Crashed into three car causing damage to Lucid and their vehicles. Have sent car to the dealership but still have not heard back from them. We also have video of accident
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Premature wear in perforated leather/vinyl seats. Cracking and tearing.
The contact owns a 2023 Lucid Air. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to unlatch consistently. The contact had to enter the vehicle using the other doors. There are no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer sent for the vehicle to be picked up and taken to one of the Service Centers to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 8.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car’s backup camera and main infotainment computer lag badly. It is available for inspection. When I start the car, I have to wait 20–30 seconds for the system to boot before it even lets me shift into reverse. Once in reverse, the backup camera stutters and lags significantly instead of showing smooth, real-time video. This creates a severe blind spot for crossing pedestrians and cars when backing out, violating FMVSS 111 rear visibility standards. The issue consistently repeats on cold starts and is well-documented on early Air models. Lucid has inspected and serviced the car via routine service and OTA updates. No warning lamps appear. I am on the latest software (v2.11), but updates haven't fixed it. Lucid has publicly acknowledged early cars have hardware limits and publicly offered a $950 chip/computer upgrade. A properly functioning backup camera is a core federal safety requirement, and owners should not have to pay $950 out of pocket to fix factory hardware that can't handle basic camera latency.
The contact owns a 2023 Lucid Air. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V521000 (Visibility/Wiper). The contact stated that the regional service personnel was contacted; however, the contact had received a response. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
On one occasion, with the shifter set to reverse, pressing on the accelerator resulted in the car lurching forward. This problem first appeared in April 2023. I do not know if this is a drive problem, software problem, or something else. My safety was put at risk as I nearly hit the back wall of the garage. I have reported this problem to Lucid some time ago but Lucid has not responded. Neither Lucid nor any other entity has attempted to inspect or make any corrections. There were no warnings or symptoms from the car prior to the problem. Some other Lucid owners have reportedly experienced similar problems.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
driver headlight intermittently failing, restarting, and failing again. driver door now not locking correctly and electronic sealing incorrect. intermittent failure of sound throughout car including all warning sounds and turn signals. multiple contact to manufacture without any return of contact from anyone who can actually assist and extreme delays to reach customer service on the order of hours to even have someone answer the phone
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .