Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
An aftermarket LED headlight kit was purchased from a large retailer of these products (Americantrucks.com). After receiving the kit and installing, condensation appeared inside the passenger side headlight. I contacted customer support to let them know of the defect. They told me that the part was not defective and I could take the headlight apart and wipe the inside out if I wanted to. I am concerned that the headlamp will fail in use from corrosion on electrical components exposed to the condensation. These headlights are supposed to be completely sealed.
After noticing the inside of my truck windows steaming up, I felt around and found the back seats and floor were soaked. It had been raining hard for several days and it turned out the 3rd brake/cargo light assembly for the cargo bed was full of water and had allowed water to inside of the cabin.the ceiling liner, seats and carpet were soaked. I have duck-taped it for now, but will have to replace the assembly. The light bulbs had never been changed. Ford is saying it's not their fault but with the amount of complaints on the net, it certainly isn't the customer's fault. Step up Ford and do what you should be doing; make a recall on this part and fix it. We spend alot of money for your product; stand behind it. There was a time when Ford meant quality, but it sure seems like it doesn't any more.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. The contact stated that water was leaking inside the vehicle from the third window and the middle brake light was full of water. Additionally, there was black mold in the vehicle. The contact attempted to remove the mold, but was unsuccessful. Also, the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The contact called elder Ford of tampa (9560 n florida ave, tampa, fl 33612, [phone]) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
I was driving my truck when all of a sudden all of my dash lights went on and my headlights and taillights shut off while I was driving in the dark! It was very dangerous as I was on the highway and my truck started jumping and shifting weird. The traction was messing up. After taking it to the shop they told me it was the computer. I was in a very dangerous situation because of a common fault in this year model. I will be taking to a lawyer Monday. Please get back to me as soon as possible.
Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-150. The contact stated that water was entering the cabin through on of the rear tail lights. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the third rear tail light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,974. Djr
Ford f150 4x4 xlt, dash board keeps going out. Shows skidding, and tire sensor faulty, dingging, A/C goes hot, inside lights don't work. Has happened many times, spoke with Ford took it in, they stated they could not duplicate the problem, which we have found out is a lie. They stated we needed a new battery, which we had tested as well as the alternator and nothing wrong there either. We took it to advanced auto to see what they could tell us. A young man said that Ford had put out a inside notice that his buddy showed him of a faulty wiring harness in the dash. He asked if he could show us a short term fix...he smacked the dash and all the lights came back on. If we hit a bump it will do it again, or on really hot days, because of the heat. We are waiting on Ford to recall this as it is a serious hazard and maybe start fires. …
1. I am not alone in a complaint about the fuel canister being a problem on the f150- I have complained about this twice now- others in the forum are doing the same. The vapor canister in the engine compartment becomes faulty and the engines stall or runs rough- when it stalls, it is impossible to steer. I grew up without power steering- 97$ out of pocket- dealer couldn't figure it out- had another mechanic diagnose and repair. It's a simple fix- yet can be dangerous if someone with strong arm strength cannot turn the vehicle or use the breaks. This has to be looked at.! I should have been reimbursed! Waiting for someone to get killed is inexcusable- happened with just 35K miles on truck. 2. …
2010 Ford f150...dashboard lights will not illuminate when in very low light conditions or very bright light conditions if equipped with 'auto lamp'...it will only illuminate in pitch black environments. Instrument panel is recessed 8 inches into dash and you cannot see the speedometer or other gauges as you drive.....this is extremely hazardous as knowledge of your speed is mandatory for safe vehicle operation in any light environment. Ford has advised me 'it is operating as designed'. This is unacceptable as the inability to quickly and accurately read your speed is paramount to driving any vehicle. The engineering shortcoming must be remedied. Google '2010 Ford f150 dashboard light problems' and you get 7 pages of concerns....... The only way to make the lights work normally during any daylight condition is to cover the dashboard sensor with a rag. …
2010 Ford f150...dashboard lights will not illuminate when in very low light conditions or very bright light conditions if equipped with 'auto lamp'...it will only illuminate in pitch black environments. Instrument panel is recessed 8 inches into dash and you cannot see the speedometer or other gauges as you drive.....this is extremely hazardous as knowledge of your speed is mandatory for safe vehicle operation in any light environment. Ford has advised me 'it is operating as designed'. This is unacceptable as the inability to quickly and accurately read your speed is paramount to driving any vehicle. The engineering shortcoming must be remedied. Google '2010 Ford f150 dashboard light problems' and you get 7 pages of concerns....... The only way to make the lights work normally during any daylight condition is to cover the dashboard sensor with a rag. …
After owning my truck for nearly 2 years I began to notice a musty smell. Last weekend my kids were riding in the back seat and noticed water pooled on the center seatbelt frame. I immediately thought the sliding glass window was partially opened, but it wasn't. Besides it was no where near where the water was pooling. Then we noticed in both corners of the headliner dark water stains. Just by looking at the cab of the truck it looks to me like it is the molding that extends about 18 inches up the cab of the truck. I'm thinking it wasn't properly sealed on the roof. I am sure it has been leaking since day one,but with the drought here in houston for the last year I am just now noticing since it rains at least twice a week. Ford is saying it is out of warranty and I would have to pay to have it fixed. …
Headlight complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2010 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 2010 Ford F-150, 4% of the model year's 843 complaints. The component named most often is tail lights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Ford F-150 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2010 Ford F-150, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford F-150 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
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.