Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning scores 39/100 ("Risky"). With 9 recalls and 280 owner complaints, this model year has significant reliability concerns.
2022 is the first model year of the First generation.
Recalls
9
Complaints
280
Complaint Rate
179.3
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
N/A
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Significant reliability concerns — explore more reliable alternatives.
Top Issues
9 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is the first model year of the First generation.
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2022 model year.
- 1st generation F-150 Lightning (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2022 pricing and recall counts against 2023+ before deciding.
First generation
Should You Buy the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning?
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning scores 39/100 ("Risky"), indicating significant reliability concerns. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
With 280 owner complaints and 9 recalls, multiple owners report serious issues. Problem areas include power train (78).
Unless priced well below market and covered by a comprehensive warranty, buyers should explore more reliable alternatives. If purchasing, an independent mechanical inspection is essential.
Compared to the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, which scored 6 points higher.
Pros
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Below-average reliability score
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- POWER TRAIN: Rear axle bolt failures and transmission problems (78 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Rear lightbar and sound system (75 complaints)
- 3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning With
2022 Ford F-150
Score: 62/100
2022 Ram 1500
Score: 64/100
2022 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 70/100
2022 Toyota Tundra
Score: 57/100
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (78)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (75)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (32)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26)
- EQUIPMENT (10)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8)
- WHEELS (7)
- STRUCTURE (6)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (6)
- VISIBILITY (6)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
- ENGINE (5)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- STEERING (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- TIRES (1)
- HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
179.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.5
Safety Incidents
Crashes
8
Fires
3
Injuries
11
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles. The integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence
A loss of park function can allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The park module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 26, 2026.
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.
Consequence
Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other driver's that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear lightbar and fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 10, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 29, 2025.
TIRES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 Lightning BEV vehicles equipped with 20" or 22" all season tires that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-453. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light may not illuminate as intended, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence
Low tire pressure can lead to poor vehicle handling and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C20.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
BEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 12.7%
Safety Technologies
Ford F-150 Lightning Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
1.5Maintenance rating: 1.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Noise Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn | $49 – $72 |
| Ignition Switch Replacement | $128 – $156 |
| Sunroof Motor Replacement | $760 – $1,016 |
| Traction Control Switch Replacement | $363 – $511 |
| Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement | $1,099 – $1,407 |
| Backup Warning System Sensor Replacement | $1,686 – $1,725 |
| Power Seat Switch Replacement | $140 – $163 |
| AC Recharge | $344 – $441 |
| AC Condenser Replacement | $1,008 – $1,208 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect rear light bar for moisture and flickering lights
- Test audio system for loud popping or static noises
- Check for coolant leaks under the vehicle
- Verify recall repairs for power train and exterior lighting
- Test acceleration response, especially at low speeds
- Check for any unusual noises from the power train
Check Any 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 F-150 Lightning in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford F-150 Lightning with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Common Problems by Component
280 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
78 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the powertrain of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, primarily involving rear axle bolt failures and transmission problems. Complaints often describe abnormal noises, such as clunking, grinding, or clicking, and some mention unintended acceleration or deceleration, particularly at low speeds. Many owners note these issues occurring around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. A significant number of reports highlight delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with some owners experiencing extended periods without their vehicles. Safety implications include potential loss of drive power and one instance of a vehicle fire, which could pose risks during operation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
75 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the electrical system of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, primarily involving the rear lightbar and sound system. Complaints frequently mention moisture accumulation in the rear lightbar, leading to flickering or non-functional lights, which can impair signaling visibility and potentially increase collision risk. Additionally, numerous owners describe an extremely loud noise from the Bang & Olufsen sound system, which occurs unexpectedly, causes ear pain, and distracts drivers, potentially leading to loss of control. These issues often appear after recall repairs, with some owners noting recurrence within months. Safety implications include reported crashes, a fire incident, and injuries, suggesting significant risks for prospective buyers to consider.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
32 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the rear light bar on the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, primarily involving moisture intrusion leading to malfunctioning brake and reverse lights. Complaints frequently mention moisture accumulation due to micro-cracks, even after recall repairs, causing lights to dim, flicker, or fail entirely. These issues often arise within the first 36,000 to 40,000 miles. Multiple owners describe safety concerns such as reduced visibility and compromised communication with other drivers, particularly when reversing. Additionally, some owners have experienced problems with daytime running lights, which are not replaceable individually, requiring costly headlight assembly replacements.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
26 complaintsOwners report several recurring issues with the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, primarily involving the audio system and HVAC controls. Complaints frequently mention extremely loud popping and static noises from the speakers, which can occur without warning and cause ear discomfort. Another significant issue is the erratic behavior of the HVAC system, where the temperature control fails to maintain the set temperature, often blowing excessively hot air regardless of the settings. Some owners also describe problems with the rear camera system, including freezing or lagging, which could potentially affect safety when reversing. These issues are noted to occur at various mileage points, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.
EQUIPMENT (10 complaints)
EQUIPMENT
10 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning frequently report issues with the B&O Unleashed audio system, specifically mentioning extremely loud popping and static noises from the speakers. These sounds occur intermittently, often upon starting the vehicle or while driving, and persist despite attempts to turn off the audio system or the vehicle itself. The noise can be startling and disorienting, with some owners reporting temporary hearing damage and physical pain. Incidents are reported across various mileage ranges, with no clear pattern of occurrence. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control due to driver distraction or disorientation, but no crashes are directly reported. This issue is documented by multiple owners and remains unresolved by dealerships, which may be a consideration for prospective buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving unexpected acceleration and loss of acceleration during low-speed maneuvers. Complaints frequently mention a lag in throttle response, especially when turning or after stopping, with some reports indicating a complete lack of acceleration followed by a sudden surge. Two incidents involve crashes, one due to unintended acceleration while in a car wash line and another when the vehicle accelerated at a red light without driver input. Mileage at the time of failure varies, with some issues occurring as early as 3,000 miles. Safety implications include increased risk of collisions in traffic and parking areas.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (6 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance systems, particularly the adaptive cruise control and BlueCruise features. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly crossing lane lines or veering off the road, as well as abrupt and unpredictable speed reductions when passing exit ramps or underpasses. One complaint involves a crash where multiple safety components, including adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, reportedly failed to engage, although no injuries occurred. These issues are noted as occurring at various mileages, with one specific report mentioning problems at approximately 1,600 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-miss incidents and instances where the system does not maintain safe distances from other vehicles, posing potential risks for drivers and passengers.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning report several engine-related issues, primarily involving acceleration loss and coolant leaks. Multiple complaints describe a temporary inability to accelerate after coasting or turning, which poses a safety risk when merging or maintaining traffic flow. Additionally, owners frequently mention coolant leaks from the heat exchanger, leading to engine overheating and triggering low power mode, often requiring drivers to pull over. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, with some occurring shortly after purchase. The lack of available replacement parts for these problems is a common theme, leading to prolonged repair times and potential safety inspection failures due to persistent check engine lights.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning report issues with the service brakes, including instances where the auto hold brake feature unexpectedly disengages, leading to roll-forward incidents and rear-end collisions. In some cases, emergency braking and pre-collision safety systems fail to activate, resulting in crashes. Affected vehicles have been noted to exhibit brake system warnings, such as ABS and traction control lights, following hard braking, with one owner describing a loss of braking power and brake fluid leakage at approximately 27,901 miles. Additionally, some owners mention difficulty transitioning between the brake and accelerator pedals due to their relative positioning, causing near-miss accidents. These complaints highlight potential safety concerns, including crashes and loss of control, for prospective buyers to consider.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning report issues related to the engine and engine cooling system. One complaint describes an abnormal sound and fluid leaking from a crack in the exhaust system due to rust, occurring around 58,000 miles. Another report involves a fire incident, with symptoms such as low turbo boost warnings and reduced engine power, followed by a burning odor and flames while driving at approximately 5,500 miles. Safety concerns are significant in the second case, where the vehicle was deemed totaled after the fire, though no serious injuries were reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and the associated mileage when considering this vehicle.
When Do 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford F-150 Lightning Years
Best Ford F-150 Lightning Years to Buy
The best Ford F-150 Lightning year is 2024 with a reliability score of 61/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (60/100) and 2023 (45/100).
Ford F-150 Lightning Years to Avoid
The worst Ford F-150 Lightning year is 2022 with a score of 39/100, primarily due to power train (78) issues. Also avoid 2023 (45/100).
2022(this page)
9 recalls · 280 complaints
2023
11 recalls · 175 complaints
Ford F-150 Lightning Reliability Score Trend
Ford F-150 Lightning reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 61/100 compared to 42/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 39/100 | Risky |
| 2023 | 45/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 60/100 | Good |
Ford F-150 Lightning Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning?
How many recalls does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning have?
Is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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