Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked near the side of the residence and unoccupied as he was inside the home asleep, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the dogs alarmed them of the failure and the contact could hear the tires possibly popping/exploding due to the fire. The exterior and interior walls, attic, and electrical box were all burned. The Ford app indicated a "Faulty Connection" warning message as he attempted to dial 911. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the flames and filed a report but was unavailable. A police report was not filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated the fire marshal advised that the vehicle should not be moved until further investigation. In addition, the contact stated that the fire may have started from the middle console due to an EV battery failure. …
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 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 owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving after a cold start or after stopping at a traffic light, whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the "Wrench Symbol" was illuminated and the message "Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power - Contact Dealer" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the gear shift module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Communications: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) High Voltage Battery Module Replacement Program Number: 23H01 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 2,300.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated. The vehicle was moving but the warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no failure found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel and display screen went blank at every one and a half miles. The Parking Brake and Front Camera Malfunction, Clear Screen messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 1,170.
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.
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. While driving, the gauge screen on my vehicle intermittently goes black, leaving me without critical driving information, including speed, battery charge level, and warning indicators. This issue occurs unexpectedly and poses a severe safety risk, particularly at high speeds or in heavy traffic conditions. The inability to monitor vital vehicle data while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, as it forces the driver to operate without essential real-time information. Additionally, this issue may lead to non-compliance with speed limits, missed warnings for mechanical failures, and impaired vehicle control. I have reached out to Ford regarding this issue, but as of now, no effective resolution has been provided. …
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. …
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. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles. The fasteners that secure the junction box bus bars inside the high-voltage battery pack may not have been tightened securely, which can cause electrical arcing at the busbars.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 21, 2025.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles. A manufacturing defect in the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high voltage battery array as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles. The fasteners that secure the junction box bus bars inside the high-voltage battery pack may not have been tightened securely, which can cause electrical arcing at the busbars.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2024.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit when the battery is fully charged or near fully charged.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical complaints in other F-150 Lightning years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the electrical system of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, 54% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 25V-272 (traction battery, Apr 23, 2025); NHTSA recall 25V-131 (traction battery, Feb 28, 2025); NHTSA recall 24V-144 (traction battery, Feb 23, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.