2025 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks. The electronic cabin coolant heater module may be missing a solder joint, which can cause intermittent or no cabin heat and result in an inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: SYNC 4 / APIM Infotainment Screen Blackout and Backup Camera Failure, 12V Battery Undercharge and Parasitic Drain — "Plug In to Maintain 12V Battery" Warnings, Charge Port Door Latch Sticking, Freezing and Failing to Open/Close. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Ford F-150 Lightning issues range from $0 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Owners report the large SYNC 4 touchscreen going black or freezing, and the rearview/backup camera failing (black or frozen image) when shifting into reverse. Ford has acknowledged a SYNC 4 freeze-in-reverse defect (software versions ~1.7-1.9) affecting many 2021-2024 vehicles in… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.
The Lightning's 12V battery is only recharged by the DC-to-DC converter while the high-voltage battery is charging or the truck is on, so parked trucks can experience 12V undercharge and parasitic (vampire) drain despite a full traction battery. Owners widely report "Plug in to m… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: medium.
The charge port door uses a push-push electric latch that owners widely report as flimsy and unreliable. It frequently requires several pushes to open or close, and in cold weather the tight-tolerance latch mechanism freezes shut, preventing charging. Failure modes include the pi… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.
The Lightning relies heavily on OTA updates, and a failed or interrupted update can leave the truck inoperable ("bricked") — it may not start, showing "Full Accessory Power Active" but no drive. The most common root cause is a weak 12V battery that drains mid-update, because the… Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: medium.
Owners report water leaking into the cab and frunk, commonly from open body seams at the firewall/front bulkhead between the cab and frunk (often the passenger side), clogged or pinched sunroof/A-pillar drain tubes, and windshield/rear-window seams. A separate gripe is the Mega P… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
