Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford F-150 Lightning

2 Ford F-150 Lightning Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford F-150 Lightning average of 51/100

The Ford F-150 Lightning years to avoid are 2022, 2023 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 39/100. The best Ford F-150 Lightning year to buy is 2024 61/100.

Verdict

The 2022, 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning score significantly below the model average of 51/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 39/100 due to power train (78) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2024 61/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford F-150 Lightning Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford F-150 Lightning average of 51/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202239/100Risky9280Power Train (78)
2202345/100Mixed11175Electrical System (71)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

39
RiskyReliability score: 39 out of 100, rated Risky

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has poor reliability. There are 9 recalls and 280 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (78), Electrical System (75), Exterior Lighting (32).

9 recalls280 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (78), Electrical System (75), Exterior Lighting (32), Unknown Or Other (26), Equipment (10), Vehicle Speed Control (8)

View full 2022 reliability report →
45
MixedReliability score: 45 out of 100, rated Mixed

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has mixed reliability. There are 11 recalls and 175 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (71), Power Train (37), Exterior Lighting (17).

11 recalls175 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (71), Power Train (37), Exterior Lighting (17), Unknown Or Other (17), Steering (5), Service Brakes (5)

View full 2023 reliability report →

What Are Common Ford F-150 Lightning Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford F-150 Lightning model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

150 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

POWER TRAIN

118 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

49 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

48 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

SERVICE BRAKES

13 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

13 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023

Best Ford F-150 Lightning Year to Buy Instead

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Electrical System (4), Power Train (3).

Score: 61/100 (Good)4 recalls19 complaints
View full 2024 reliability report →

All Ford F-150 Lightning Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford F-150 Lightning Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2022–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford F-150 Lightning years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford F-150 Lightning years: 2022 (score: 39/100), 2023 (score: 45/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford F-150 Lightning average of 51/100.
What is the best year for the Ford F-150 Lightning?
The best year for the Ford F-150 Lightning is 2024, with a reliability score of 61/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 19 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford F-150 Lightning have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a total of 28 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford F-150 Lightning worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 61/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 51/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford F-150 Lightning problems?
The most common Ford F-150 Lightning problems are electrical system (150 complaints), power train (118 complaints), exterior lighting (49 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford F-150 Lightning reliable long-term?
The Ford F-150 Lightning has an average reliability score of 51/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Is the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 61/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 19 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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