2022–2026 · Last reviewed 6/9/2026 · evcostpermile.com
Ford F-150 Lightning Buyer Checklist
Electric F-150 with class-leading payload-monitoring and Pro Power Onboard. Battery production issues in 2023 paused deliveries — check for resulting recall remedies.
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.
No active NHTSA recalls in our database for this model. We refresh nightly from nhtsa.gov. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.