Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 6% | — |
| 2024 | 50 | 26% | 25,000 miles |
| 2023 | 23 | 6% | 55,000 miles |
| 2022 | 65 | 11% | 40,000 miles |
| 2021 | 115 | 11% | 55,000 miles |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% | 22,000 miles |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% | 25,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% | 128,000 miles |
| 2016 | 16 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 1% | 32,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2013 | 17 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 1% | 53,000 miles |
| 2011 | 30 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2010 | 32 | 4% | 44,000 miles |
| 2009 | 13 | 4% | 38,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% | 82,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% | 61,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% | 47,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% | 126,000 miles |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% | 14,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 2001 | 13 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 2000 | 23 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 1999 | 22 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 1998 | 28 | 2% | 86,000 miles |
| 1997 | 56 | 2% | 92,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% | 105,000 miles |
| 1995 | 9 | 1% | 245,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The tail lights have a design flaw that results in micro cracks appearing in the lights. This is similar to the issue related to the rear light bar, however it applies to the rear tail lights. (for reference the ford recall for he light bar is here: Recall Reference Number 23S30. The result in my vehicle is that the left tail light is now filled with moisture, full water droplets. This is both for the red tail light as well as the white backup light. When these lights fail it will cause a safety issue. Additionally, the same light housing includes the backup sensors, so when they fail there will be no backup alert. My left tail light is already filled with water like I mentioned. A perfectly symmetrical crack is forming on the right tail light although there is no visible water in that light yet. …
The driver-side rear tail lamp on my 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning developed a crack and internal condensation/moisture without a known impact event. The condition was confirmed by a Ford dealer, which recommended replacement of the LH tail lamp assembly. Ford denied warranty coverage and classified the lamp as non-warrantable cracked housing / outside-force damage. My concern is that cracking and moisture intrusion in a rear lamp assembly may affect lamp integrity, visibility, and safe operation, especially if similar failures are occurring in other recent F-150 Lightning vehicles. I had no crash, no fire, no injury, and no police report. The vehicle remained drivable, but the rear lamp assembly is available for inspection and the condition has been documented by the dealer and in photographs.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that following an unsuccessful Over-the-Air (OTA) software update, the display screen and instrument panel were constantly rebooting, with a loss of functionality for several electrical features. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where technicians associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V104000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). After several service repairs and the inclusion of a field service engineer, the vehicle remained unrepaired and had been with the dealer for over two months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The contact was not provided any status updates because the master technicians were on extended leave. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Purchased new vehicle May 2024 primarily for towing my recreational vehicle (2024 Ford F150 Pickup). June 2024 took vehicle to dealership indicating that I was intermittently getting a "Trailer Disconnect" warning while driving (loss of trailer brakes, lights etc.). Dealer indicated no issue found. Subsequently returned to dealership on 6 other occasions over 2 years after continuing to experience the failure. Replaced 7 pin connector on trailer and dealer has replaced the 7 pin on vehicle and Trailer Control Module (TCM) but problem persists. Early 2026 dealership performed a recall on TCM software - did not resolve the issue (vehicle intermittently indicates the trailer is disconnected while driving or manually activating the trailer brakes). …
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and hauling a trailer, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate. There were several messages displayed related to the trailer connection and brake lights. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailer was difficult to control, and the display screen inside the vehicle was flashing off and on. The vehicle was driven back to a storage facility. While reversing and attempting to park the trailer, the message that the trailer was disconnected from the vehicle was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V104000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. …
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway turned off and unattended, the contact became aware that all the interior and exterior lights were flashing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V682000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle experienced a temporary loss of motive power while accelerating and turning. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure, and the contact needed to maintain a fuel level above half tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it passed the State Inspection, and the contact was advised to wait until the recall part was available for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight was flickering while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V802000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.
Related recalls (14)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended.
Remedy: ,Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recalls 22V686 and 23V802. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the light emitting diode control module and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V686. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the light emitting diode control module and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2025.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Onboard Scales feature that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V443. An over-the-air software update to the body control module (BCM) may have disabled both reverse lights.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Show 9 more recalls
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED Driver module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C30.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will update the LED driver module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 F-150 vehicles. The parking lights may flicker when the headlights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED Driver module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C22.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior lighting › Back up lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford f-150, 2012 expedition and Lincoln navigator, and 2012-2013 mustang vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the trs as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 11, 2012.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Ford is recalling 8,735 my 2009 f-150 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the brake stop lamp switch May be improperly adjusted.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and have the brake stop lamp switch removed and reinstalled which will provide proper adjustment. The remedy will be performed free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2009.
Interior lighting
Certain pickup trucks fail to comply with either the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) no. 105, 'hydraulic and electric brake systems' or FMVSS no. 135, 'passenger car brake systems.' these vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the instrument cluster in these vehicles. The recall began on February 27, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: Mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-150 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (115), 2022 (65), 1997 (56), 2024 (50) and 2010 (32) model years. Headlight complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Ford F-150 headlight problems?
Yes — 14 recalls, including 26V-373 (headlights, Jun 9, 2026); 26V-104 (tail lights, Feb 20, 2026); 25V-515 (lighting control module, Aug 8, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford F-150 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (37 mentions), followed by the brake lights (24).
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.