2022 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING BEV Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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)

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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)

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Extreme corrosion on connector for headlamp assembly and front camera. Also, extreme corrosion on connector that powers lightbar. Ford denied warranty claim by considering it a lamp issue even though lamp was good. The lightbar and connector w/ corrosion are one single part. Corrosion was so bad multiple pins had rusted off. This could cause electrical short and potential fire risk.

Within first two months of ownership of new F-150 Lightning, we found the windshield is covered by or contains in its lamination far too many tiny bright dots, specks, or tiny pin point bubbles (say, on average, less than 1/4" apart) that appear and cause glare when the sun shines almost directly through them. This glare from the tiny defects makes it hard to see the full road, especially when the sun is low. I assume it is a manufacturing defect. Reported to Ford Dealer back in December, 2022, but they never responded to me. And after windshield glass was replaced due to a rock hit with OEM glass, it has the same sun glare with the tiny bubbles, so manufacturing is consistently bad? I think this could be a recall situation.

VIN: [XXX] NHTSA recall number: 23V41800 Manufacturer recall number: 23S30 My car has a current NHTSA, I have scheduled over 5 appointments to have Ford address the reverse lightbar replaced. And all 5 appointments have been unsuccessful at replacing the light since [XXX]. It is now October 2024, over 17 months since the NHTSA recall from June 2023. As of the date of this letter, my next appointment is schedule for [XXX], once again I called Colonial Ford dealership in Plymouth, Massachusetts to confirm my lightbar is available and the service advisor told me it is not in stock, and rescheduled me to [XXX]. This letter pursues, after several failed appointment and long wait times waiting to hear the part is on backorder for the last year. I am attaching proof all appointments and phone calls, and email notices of scheduled appointments, but were unsuccessful since the part is not in at the dealership. Over the course of the last year, I have called monthly and after receiving email and recall notices, and to no avail, each time I am told the part is on backorder and to call back. I continue to have problems with my taillight flickering, and problems with my reverse light for the last six months, recently a few weeks ago, I was given a warning by Plymouth Police Department in Massachusetts. I explained and showed proof of the recall. I have patiently waited since I keep thinking it will be here next month, well it is now almost 1.5 years later and the part is still on “backorder”. Patiently waiting is now a safety issue. I have explained to the service advisor that my car detects an accident collision because of the faulty light and Ford has failed to promptly address and replace the tail light. Please see Ford attached invoices addressing the Collision Detection malfunctioning from November 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Driving into the office today I was stopped at a stoplight. When it turned green I started to accelerate when a error came up on the screen saying the vehicle needed to be serviced immediately and the vehicle reduced power (<15 mph) in the middle of a busy road with a speed limit of 55 mph. In the FordPass App I got a message saying "Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power" What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Powertrain How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, I was unable to go faster then 15 mph in a 55 mph zone while trying to move the vehicle to the side of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There are over 600 incidents reported of this problem by other F150 Lightning Owners in [XXX] that are compiled in the attached spreadsheet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps/messages were on before the failure happened. I bought the pickup used last Friday and the problem happened today for the first time after putting more then 500 miles on it this week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Instrument cluster screen goes completed black while driving. This happened once every couple months. Turning off the car and restarting it seems to fix the issue.

When looking under the vehicle we noticed that Ford came up with a poor design when it comes to road debris and Snow/Ice conditions in regards to sealing up the main battery connections/terminals. With normal driving on freezing days there is nothing to keep water/snow from building up on top of the "Skid plate" for the front of the battery compartment. This might be the worst attempt at covering or trying to protect a very expensive battery system from the elements. With a system such as the Lightning, we recommend a full custom skid plate replacement from the front of the front drive axle to the crossmember at the front of the battery tray.. This will involve numerous hours of work to confirm fitment and keep them as tight to the frame as possible. We also recommend trying to resolve the gaps in the wheel well opening where debris (mud/snow/water) from everyday driving can have a chance to get through the openings and again pile up onto major battery wiring components.

I’ve had 11 times back at the dealer to fix my airbag, pre-collision and battery. Ford can’t figure out the solution and keeps throwing parts at it. Already replaced my computer, computers, my wiring, harnesses, my charge port, my wiring harness for the charge port, my seat cushion for the airbags. Ford no longer knows how to fix the problem And is leaving the truck in the backyard for over six weeks now. I’m seeing multiple people having the same problem and Ford doesn’t know how to fix the problem even though they’ve reset my modules and replace them. Ford hotline doesn’t know how to solve the problem either so they’re just resetting The code and telling customers to get back in their vehicle. I found out that Ford wanted me to drive my truck for a month with a code reader with no airbags, hoping that they could find the problem but I told them no and when I said that they said I’ve already been driving it for months even though they never fix the problem Not knowing if I had airbags. Ford is willingly putting people in vehicles with no airbags, hoping the problem is fixed, but they don’t know what’s causing the problem and I’m not the only person I know five other people with the same problem.

About a year ago there was a wiper motor recall, bought jt in for that. Last few months wipers get “stuck” mid wipe for a few seconds and then rectify. Today wipers got stuck mid wipe indefinitely. I hit the button a few times and they completed the wipe. Annoying for a 2 year old vehicle , perhaps a problem with the recall replacement motors?

I have received "High Voltage Battery Warnings" on 3 separate occasions (5/5/24, 5/9/24, 7/14/24), each time being told to stop the vehicle as soon as possible. On each occasion, once the vehicle is stopped it is bricked and cannot be driven at all. Fortunately, each of the three times I was able to stop the vehicle in a safe place. However, if others are experiencing the same issue, they may not be able to stop in a safe place. Furthermore, Ford has failed twice to fix the High Voltage battery issue, and the vehicle is currently at the dealer trying to resolve the issue for a third time. The fact that Ford does not know how to resolve this repeating issue is a large safety concern for two main reasons. First, as the high voltage battery is the main power unit for the propulsion system of the car, and with Ford clearly unaware of what or how to fix the issue, the car is at risk of stopping at any time or location. Second, the dealership working with Ford to fix the car mentioned that the repairs were taking a long time because Ford indicated that the High Voltage from the battery may be discharging into other components of the vehicle, e.g. frame, door panels, etc., and so they had to proceed with extreme caution. With Ford failing to resolve the issue at least two time, there may be a risk of very high electric current coming in contact with the driver or passengers in the vehicle. It would be shocking if that were to happen.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 20–25 MPH with the BlueCruise hands-free driving mode activated, the steering wheel inadvertently veered to the right, and the vehicle violently jerked across three lanes of traffic before slamming into the guardrail. No warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained, and medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The contact received a citation for reckless driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Crash

While driving on interstate (I-95) truck lost power and stopped in lane of traffic. Car displayed the following messages "Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power" and "High-Voltage Battery Warning" (see attached from Ford App). After turning truck off and on a few time and waiting several minutes it drove again, but displayed same messages. Tuck was serviced at dealership on 4/16/20204 before this event to get recalls and software updates made.

The tail light stopped working, I found water in it, I called the dealer and he said he couldn't replace it for free.

After starting the truck the instrument panel was illuminated as I saw that the parking brake was on. After less than 1 mile of driving, the entire panel was black and no speed, battery, temperature, or other information was displayed. We parked the car as soon as we could without further incident