2023 Ford F-150 Lightning exterior lighting problems

“2023 Ford F-150 Lightning with 42,220 mi. The rear light bar has formed a crack which will allow moisture intrusion (photo attached). This is the same condition named in recall 25SB6 (NHTSA 25V731) and predecessor 23S30 (NHTSA 23V418): water droplets in the lightbar outer lens, which can cause inoperative or flickering reverse lamps. On 10/06/2026 I took the truck to Elmhurst Ford. The dealer did not point to any outside forces that caused the crack, and acknowledged the recall stating they would attempt to have it covered under warranty or extended service plan purchased through Ford as my VIN was not listed/included. The dealer later said the part number was not covered and wanted to charge a diagnostic fee for searching a part number in a database. The service manager did relent on charging the diagnostic fee. I contacted the Ford BEV customer service and they confirmed it was not covered under any warranty or extended service contract and my VIN was not part of recall VIN population even though the defect is same model year truck (2022-2023), same trim (Lariat), same part number as recalled VINs. The dealer confirmed I have the earliest part number, not…”

“The rear tail lights do not function. The vehicle cannot be driven at night because it has no rear illumination. It puts both the operator and other vehicles at risk of collision. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer for repair. They reported the tail lights failed due to corrosion of the wiring harness pin connectors due to water intrusion. The wiring harness would have to be replaced at a cost of $4,375.32. I was unaware of the taillight failure until the power tailgate became inoperable. The tailgate and taillights are operated by the same wiring harness. There are no warning lamps or messages on the vehicle indicating the lights are not working. I believe this issue may be related to recall 23S30 and the harness may have been improperly connected during the initial failed recall repair.”

“Dealer identified Water intrusion into the rear wiring, harnesses is causing corrosion in the PIN connectors, which therefore leads to flickering tail lights which could be mis interpreted as braking or a turning. I also experienced random acceleration from slow speeds and a failure to decelerate. [XXX]”

“The driver's side rear light is full of moisture and some water. It is available for inspection. The Ford dealership in Beeville Texas Coastal Bend Ford inspected it already and informed me that it would cost $1,400 to replace and that it was only going to get worse. They also informed me that Ford allows a certain percentage of moisture and water to be in there safely. When you see the pictures this is definitely unacceptable and unsafe. This is causing the reverse lights to flicker intermittent. The moisture accumulation inside the lights can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lamp function. Inoperative reverse lamps 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. I bought the vehicle from a Ford dealership in Austin Texas less than 10 days ago. I reported it to them and they stated it wouldn't be covered under warranty. The best assessment in my opinion of cause is going to be microcracks in the outer lens. Because my truck is a 2023 Ford F-150 King Ranch, and there is a known recall for the same issue for 2022-2023 Lariat and Platinum…”

“2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, VIN [XXX], 42,370 mi. The rear light bar has microcracks allowing moisture intrusion. Water droplets are visible inside the red lens across the tailgate and inside the white reverse lamp (photos attached, taken 5/30/2026). This is the warning condition named in recall 25SB6 (NHTSA 25V731) and predecessor 23S30 (NHTSA 23V418): water droplets in the lightbar outer lens, which can cause inoperative or flickering reverse lamps. On 6/15/2026 I took the truck to Koons Baltimore Ford, 6970 Security Blvd, Baltimore MD 21244, Advisor Rahim King, RO [XXX]. The dealer's own repair order Line B states: RECALL 25SB6 REVERSING LAMP INSPECTION, VERIFIED OPEN RECALL, at $0 warranty pay. After verifying the open recall on this VIN, the dealer still refused to replace the moisture-failed light bar under the recall. Instead, they have charged me $190 customer-pay to check and advise on water in the red bar and white reverse light, the identical defect the recall fixes for free. The dealer also tried to bill my third-party extended service plan and told me to file an auto insurance claim. All three are improper: a federal recall remedy must be provided…”

“I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning that is subject to an active safety recall involving electrical components and exterior lighting (potential water intrusion leading to lighting failure, including rear/reverse lamps). I was notified of the recall around October/2025 and contacted a Ford dealer shortly after. The dealer confirmed the recall is active but stated that no remedy is available. I have followed up multiple times with both the dealer and Ford corporate, and as of today, there is still no repair available and no timeline has been provided. This has persisted for approximately 6 months. Ford communicated a fix in Q1 of 2026. This defect affects critical lighting and electrical systems necessary for safe operation and visibility. Operating the vehicle under these conditions presents a safety risk. Despite this, Ford has not provided a repair, interim solution, or clear guidance. Due to the unresolved recall, I have been unable to reasonably use the vehicle. The vehicle is also used for business purposes, resulting in financial loss. I continue to incur a monthly loan obligation of approximately $2,000 while the vehicle remains effectively unusable. Ford…”