EVCost Per Mile

Ford F-150 Lightning Buyer Checklist

2022–2026·Last reviewed 6/9/2026·2 active NHTSA recalls

Electric F-150 with class-leading payload-monitoring and Pro Power Onboard. Battery production issues in 2023 paused deliveries — check for resulting recall remedies.

Used EV battery health →

Paperwork

  • VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
  • Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
  • Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
  • Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
  • Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status

Exterior

  • Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
  • Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
  • All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
  • Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
  • Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
  • Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
  • All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work

Interior

  • Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
  • Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
  • All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
  • Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
  • Floor mats present and correct part numbers
  • Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered

Tech / Software

  • Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
  • Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
  • Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
  • Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
  • Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
  • Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account

Charging

  • Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
  • Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
  • Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
  • Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
  • Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter

Lightning specifics

  • Pro Power Onboard outlets in bed and frunk all energize
  • Charge Station Pro (80A) included if Extended Range trim — uncrate and inspect
  • BlueCruise hands-free works on a mapped highway
  • Frunk auto open/close motor functions; drain plug installed
  • Tonneau cover (if optioned) operates without binding

Known Issues

Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.

  • Major

    2023 battery cell defect / shipping hold

    Cell-defect issue paused production and shipments in Feb 2023. Affected trucks received battery replacement.

  • Minor

    DC fast-charge speed limited at moderate temps

    Owners report sub-150 kW peaks even with preconditioning. Improved with later OTA.

  • Watch

    Vehicle-to-Home backup install variability

    Sunrun installation experiences vary widely. If buying used with home backup, verify the transfer switch hardware is included.

Active NHTSA Recalls

Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

  • VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT 23V688000

    2023 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks. The electronic cabin coolant heater module may be missing a solder joint, which can cause intermittent or no cabin heat and result in an inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
    Consequence: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic cabin coolant heater, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C32.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 23V168000

    2023 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning pickup trucks. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit when the battery is fully charged or near fully charged.
    Consequence: A battery short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S15.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

Checklist for Ford F-150 Lightning (2022–2026). Last reviewed 6/9/2026. evcostpermile.com — not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.