Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the rear lights on the vehicle were inoperable. The contact stated that the rear lights failed to function properly while attempting to reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear light bar had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the rear taillights were inoperative, and the taillight housings were full of water. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was repaired under an undisclosed recall; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,729.
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 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.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning BEV vehicles previously repaired under recall number 23V418. The rear lightbar may have microcracks in the outer lens that allows moisture to accumulate, which can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lights.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear lightbar and fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 BEV vehicles. The rear lightbar may have microcracks in the outer lens that allows moisture to accumulate, which can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lights.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear lightbar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S30.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-150 Lightning years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2022 (34) and 2023 (26) model years. Headlight complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2022.
Is there a recall for Ford F-150 Lightning headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 25V-731 (exterior lighting, Oct 24, 2025); 23V-418 (exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford F-150 Lightning headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles; 83% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tail lights (1 mentions).
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.