Problems · by component
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning exterior lighting problems
43 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning cite exterior lighting, 14% of all 307 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
43
14% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the exterior lighting
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“REVERSING LAMP does not work, rear brake lights flicker; dealer could not fix due to lack of parts, I have been waiting over a month still no parts to fix; recall is from OCT 29, 2025!”
“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…”
“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…”
“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.”
“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.”
Showing 6 of 43 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.