2022 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING BEV Exterior Lighting Problems

The rear lightbar assembly on our 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat has developed micro-cracks in the outer lens, allowing moisture to accumulate inside. This has caused flickering or inoperative reverse lamps and now appears to be impacting the rear passenger blinker, which functions intermittently. We are concerned that the moisture has begun to corrode the rear wiring harness or electrical system, creating additional safety risks. When we reported the issue, a Kendall Ford representative told us the rear lightbar replacement was “mainly cosmetic,” but that assessment contradicts both Ford’s recall documentation and our experience. Moisture intrusion has already led to intermittent lighting failures that reduce signaling visibility to other drivers, posing a real risk of collision. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and a Ford Field Service Engineer dispatched from Dearborn, who inspected the truck in 2025 after the same recall repair (23S30) failed. Ford has since issued a new recall (25V731 / 25S86) acknowledging improper dealer repairs as the cause. Visible condensation, flickering lights, and intermittent “charging system fault” and “sensor unavailable” messages began shortly after the 2023 recall repair and have continued to worsen. The vehicle remains in our possession and is available for inspection by NHTSA or Ford corporate upon request.

The light bar on the tailgate that is the brake lights and reverse lights is known to get moisture inside and stop working. It is a known problem with Ford as they recalled them 2 years ago and replaced it under warranty. However the replacement part suffers from the same issue. So, my replacement light bar has stopped working, and even though I have Fords Premium Care extended warranty that includes all LED lighting, they will not cover the repair. This part is a safety item (brake lights and reverse lights) that is known to fail, it should be a safety recall item covered out of warranty anyway, and SURELY covered with an extended warranty (Ford Premium Care with Lighting added) but it apparently is not .... It seems that this safety issue should be covered and replaced Thanks

I own a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat (VIN [XXX] ). Around June 6, 2025, I brought my truck to Apple Ford Shakopee for a scheduled appointment because I noticed moisture collecting inside the rear light bar. The service representative told me Ford considers that moisture normal, likely from a car wash, and that it would dry out on its own. At that time the truck had fewer than 36,000 miles and was still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. The moisture never went away, and the light bar is now failing — my backup lights are dimming and flickering. I’ve since learned there was a recall (23S30) on 2022–2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat and Platinum trucks for micro-cracks in the rear light-bar lens that allow moisture in. My VIN currently shows no open recalls, but this failure appears identical to what the recall described. Additionally, owner forums are full of reports from other Lightning owners experiencing the same issue — including those who already had the recall repair completed, whose replacement light bars are now showing moisture again. This suggests the defect may persist even after recall repairs. I’m reporting this because the issue compromises the rear lighting and visibility of the vehicle. I hope Ford and NHTSA will review whether the recall scope or remedy should be expanded to include affected vehicles like mine and ensure owners aren’t left with expensive out-of-pocket repairs for a known manufacturing defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the reverse lights failed to function as intended. The contact exited the vehicle, and someone pointed out that the rear passenger’s side reverse light failed to activate as designed. The contact stated that the rear light bar had failed to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V418000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) two years ago. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Mileage: 38,000

Rear light bar was replaced under Recall 23S30 on April 30, 2024. At the time, light bar had moisture inside and was no longer functioning. Now same issue has presented itself with the new part. Rear lightbar works sporadically or not at all. This means that the red part of the light bar flashes randomly while driving, probably confusing other drivers. This also means the reverse lights do not work. So there is no indication when the vehicle is reversing. I noticed the moisture around the beginning of August 2025 and then noticed flickering lights while in reverse around August 18, 2025. Now, there are no reverse lights at all.

Water formed from condensation caused the Lariat Light bar to no longer function

I bought my truck less than a year ago. I found out that the recall (23530) repair on my truck had been completed about 2 months prior to me buying it from another dealership. I took it to a local dealership last week (July 3rd) for the diagnostic and the findings were obvious. Water/moisture in the light that shorted out the right side lights and causes the camera to flicker like a strobe light. I paid $200 for the diagnostic fee only for them to repeatedly mention how the truck is out of warranty and the recall part warranty was expired as well. This isn’t a warranty/recall issue. This is a faulty parts issue that appears to be rampant amongst several lighting owners. There’s no record of the replacement part’s manufacturing date, but my tailgate light bar is having the same moisture issues as the original reasons for the recall. When this gets repaired, it will be the 3rd part on this truck in as many years as its existence. Ford corporate has repeatedly dismissed this as “out of warranty” even though the issue is with the same recalled part itself. I’ve called the ford customer service line for them to lean on the warranty expiration and the recall date. Sorry for the long windedness but I just need the steps to get this fixed. It’s beyond frustrating having to deal with this. Any help would be appreciated. If you need any info just let me know. thanks in advance [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

Mileage: 1,000

My trucks rear light bar was repaired under the NHTSA recall 23S30. This was done in 2023 but Ford's repair did not fix the issue and the light bar continues to allow moisture in and thus the light does not work. I currently have the truck being diagnosed by Hertrich Ford of Elkton in Elkton Maryland and a case number with Ford regarding the issue. The caes number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

This is a problem from an old recall. The rear tail gate light was recalled and replace because it was leaking in Jan 2024. The exact same problem has happened again in March 2025. Ford refuses to replace the defective part. After research in forums online I have noticed many other people having the same issue. This is a safety issue as it is part of the exterior lighitng system. It is either completely off or will be flashing making it difficult for other drivers to see me. Another safety issue, it made the backup camera inoperable I did have to have the light replace at considerable cost so it is no longer available. I did ask the dealer to save the light for me and they did not. There was no warning messages on the vehicle computer system

The rear light bar and reversing lamp assembly, which was part of a safety recall, is filled with water and the lights are malfunctioning again. Ford is telling me that the replacement part has a 1 year warranty so that I would have to pay over $1600 for a replacement. This is a widespread issue with many of these trucks. Ford admitted that it was a manufacturing defect with the original part. However, the replacement part has the same issue so it is my belief that Ford has not fulfilled their duty to adequately repair an obvious safety issue and should be held responsible for the replacement of this part at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Rear tail light/bar was recalled a couple of years ago for small micro cracks that water got in. My truck tail light had water in it and was replaced under recall. Less than 2 years later it has happened again. Ford denied covering it under warranty per the dealer who replaced it originally. . Others have posted that their tail light has failed and the leds stay on. Mine as far as I know, has not failed yet. No warning lamps. I feel ford should replace it again since they have had it recalled previously.

This letter serves as formal notification of a persistent and unresolvable defect in my 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. The defect concerns the tailgate light, which continues to leak water despite multiple repair attempts. I purchased/leased this vehicle on [XXX] from Galpin Ford on 15505 Roscoe Blvd, North Hills, CA 91343. The vehicle is currently under the original manufacturer's warranty. The tailgate light has exhibited a recurring issue of water intrusion, leading to condensation, malfunction, potential for electrical damage. This problem significantly impairs the vehicle's safety due to Inoperative reverse lamps. This may reduce the awareness of other motorists or road users of the driver’s intention to operate the vehicle in reverse gear, increasing the risk of injury or crash. It has also in the past caused electrical shorting that caused other lamps to fail, potentially resulting in the risk of injury or crash due to failed communication with other drivers. The following repair attempts have been made to address this defect, once under the recall: 1. March 14, 2023: Autonation Ford performed the repair for the first time. 2. March 18, 2024: Autonation Ford performed the repair for the second time. 3. March 24, 2025: Autonation Ford performed the repair for the third time. Despite these attempts, the defect persists. I have also become aware that numerous other Ford F-150 Lightning owners across the country are experiencing the same or a similar tailgate light issue. This is evidenced by discussions on the Ford Lightning Owners Forum, reports on social media platforms such as Facebook. This widespread problem indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect that Ford has failed to adequately address. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Under recall 23S30 in 2023 my rear light bar assembly which included brake light, back up camera, and white reverse lights for illumination the area behind the vehicle when backing up. There was a new rear lightbar part issued as part of that recall. After almost 2 years the same issue has occurred again to my vehicle. I'm concerned the new part # has not resolved this original issue and a new recall needs to be put in place.

My truck was "repaired" for recall 23S30. The light bar gets microcracks that leet water in and short out the lights. The "repair" was to replace the light bar with another light bar that does the exact same thing. It lasted just over a year before it went out. It didn't even last as long as the original that was recalled and replaced

No warning lamps but this could cause injury due to not having working tailgate lamps. Lamps started flickering like it was shorting and then just stopped turning on. Item that is not working. 2022-2024 Ford F-150 Lightning EV LED Center Tail Light Bar OEM NL34-13N466-AC

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 failure mileage was 12,550.

Mileage: 12,550

The rear light bar was replace a year or so ago by a recall from Ford due to manufacturing defect that cause water to be trapped within the light bar and LEDs will short out. A few months back, the water has returned within the light bar and causing the LED's to short out just like before. Since the lightbar holds the back up light, with LED shorting out the other drivers will not be able to notice the truck is in Reverse mode which I get a few near misses. The factory recall did not fix the water in the light bar issue.

I’m on my 2nd rear tailgate light bar. The new one has moisture in it causing the backup lights to flicker becoming distracting when trying to backup in the dark or have other drivers realize I’m backing up.

Moisture entered the rear light bar and caused the reverse / back-up lights to fail. Reverse / back-up lights do not work and thus do not illuminate the area behind the truck when backing up. The rear camera does not provide a usable image when the reverse / back-up lights do not illuminate the area behind the truck. The rear light bar was previously replaced about 9/15/2023 under Ford Recall 23S30 for the same issue. The replacement light bar suffers from the same moisture intrusion issue as the original light bar, so the original safety issue has not been resolved.

The rear marker light that is on the tailgate of my Lariat has water in it and no longer works. this reduces the visability of the vehicle. There is a recal to repair this exact problem issued for my yr vehicle but not my specific vin.

Extreme corrosion on connector for headlamp assembly and front camera. Also, extreme corrosion on connector that powers lightbar. Ford denied warranty claim by considering it a lamp issue even though lamp was good. The lightbar and connector w/ corrosion are one single part. Corrosion was so bad multiple pins had rusted off. This could cause electrical short and potential fire risk.

VIN: [XXX] NHTSA recall number: 23V41800 Manufacturer recall number: 23S30 My car has a current NHTSA, I have scheduled over 5 appointments to have Ford address the reverse lightbar replaced. And all 5 appointments have been unsuccessful at replacing the light since [XXX]. It is now October 2024, over 17 months since the NHTSA recall from June 2023. As of the date of this letter, my next appointment is schedule for [XXX], once again I called Colonial Ford dealership in Plymouth, Massachusetts to confirm my lightbar is available and the service advisor told me it is not in stock, and rescheduled me to [XXX]. This letter pursues, after several failed appointment and long wait times waiting to hear the part is on backorder for the last year. I am attaching proof all appointments and phone calls, and email notices of scheduled appointments, but were unsuccessful since the part is not in at the dealership. Over the course of the last year, I have called monthly and after receiving email and recall notices, and to no avail, each time I am told the part is on backorder and to call back. I continue to have problems with my taillight flickering, and problems with my reverse light for the last six months, recently a few weeks ago, I was given a warning by Plymouth Police Department in Massachusetts. I explained and showed proof of the recall. I have patiently waited since I keep thinking it will be here next month, well it is now almost 1.5 years later and the part is still on “backorder”. Patiently waiting is now a safety issue. I have explained to the service advisor that my car detects an accident collision because of the faulty light and Ford has failed to promptly address and replace the tail light. Please see Ford attached invoices addressing the Collision Detection malfunctioning from November 2023. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The tail light stopped working, I found water in it, I called the dealer and he said he couldn't replace it for free.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V418000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the tailgate light bar had failed to illuminate. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 28,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 28,000

Campaign/NHTSA# 23S30/23V418 Issue Date 2023-06-09 Description On your vehicle, it may be possible that your reversing lamps may not function due to microscopic cracks that can develop in the vehicles rear lightbar. If a microscopic crack is present, condensation can potentially enter the reversing lamp lens through these cracks and cause electrical failure to the reverse lamps. Safety Risk This may result in inoperative reverse lamps which can reduce the awareness of other motorists or road users of the drivers intention to operate the vehicle in reverse gear, increasing the risk of injury or crash. Remedy Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to replace the rear lightbar free of charge parts and labor. Campaign/NHTSA# 23C38/23V801 Issue Date 2023-11-28 Description Affected vehicles may have software logic that does not reset the electronic stability control esc system to default operation at the initiation of each ignition cycle. Section 5.4.1 of fmvss no. 126 requires that the vehicles esc system return to the manufacturers original default esc mode at the initiation of each ignition cycle Safety Risk The vehicle operator may not notice that the vehicle operates differently after receiving the ota update 6.3.0 and now remains in off-road mode with a reduced esc state after cycling the ignition. If the vehicle operator does not notice the esc off telltale in the cluster, they may not know the vehicle is in a reduced esc state. For these vehicles, failing to revert back to a normal esc-on state after being in off-road mode makes the vehicles noncompliant to fmvss no. 126, increasing the risk of crash. Remedy The remedy for this program is a software update to accessory protocol interface module apim. Ford began Ford power-up over-the-air deployments to update the apim software for affected vehicles in November 2023. Alternatively, owners will have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to complete the software update. Campaign# 23B1

Water seeps into brake lightbar in tailgate and shorts the light. The light bar now does light at all during braking or normal operation. This seems to be a known issue amongst forum contributors, some which have had 3+ light bars replaced. Seems to be an awful design choice but it’s affecting the safety of travelers.

I HAVE A 22 F150 LIGHTNING LARIAT WITH A TAILGATE LIGHT BAR THAT IS TAKING ON WATER. AS OF NOW THE LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING AND BURNING OUT. THE WATER MAY BE SHORTING OUT THE LIGHTS AND COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE READ ON LIGHTNING FORUM SIGHTS ABOUT OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES.

Front driver side turn signal fails to signal randomly. From the instrument panel, I see the turn signal flashing 2x as fast like the bulb is out and it appears the amber light isn't flashing in the headlight. This continues for the entire duration of the drive, but the next several drive it works OK. Drivers can't see which way I'm turning when it's failed.

Rear tailgate lights red and white fill up with water and stop working. Cruise control jumps up 10mph when passing signs, very scary!

Vehicle is a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range. The light bar on the tailgate is filling with water on the right side. The light bar provides rear tail lamp and reverse light functions when the tailgate of the truck is in the closed position. With the tailgate in the closed position, no other reverse lights are visible.

After recent rain storms, my 2 month old F-150 Lightning’s rear reversing lamps on the tailgate have accumulated water, and they now flicker constantly whether or not I’m in reverse.