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2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues reported for the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, categorized by major component, with specific details where available. The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning marked Ford’s entry into the electric truck market, offering impressive performance, innovative features, and a practical workhorse. It’s powered exclusively by electric motors and a battery pack. No internal combustion engine options are available, and there is no traditional transmission. The F-150 Lightning boasts near-instant torque and rapid acceleration, making it a favorite among drivers. However, like any new vehicle, it has experienced some growing pains. Owners appreciate the Lightning’s quiet operation, powerful performance, and advanced technology but have voiced concerns about range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and some quality control issues.

Electric Motor

Standard-Range and Extended-Range Battery Options

  • Unexpected Power Loss / “Stop Safely Now” Message
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden and unexpected loss of power while driving, often accompanied by a “Stop Safely Now” message on the dashboard. This can occur at various speeds and battery charge levels. This is often a software glitch rather than a true mechanical failure.
    • Solution: Software updates and, in some cases, hardware replacements (inverter or battery module).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Covered under warranty. Out of warranty, diagnosing and repairing inverter issues can range from $500 to $5,000+ depending on the failure and the battery repair options.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Charging Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty charging the battery, slow charging speeds, or the vehicle failing to charge altogether. This can be related to the onboard charger, the charging port, or the charging station.
    • Solution: Replacing the onboard charger, repairing the charging port, or resolving issues with the charging station (if applicable). Software updates have also addressed some charging-related issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Onboard charger replacement can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Battery Pack

  • Reduced Range/Range Anxiety
    • Description/Symptoms: The actual driving range is noticeably less than the EPA-estimated range, especially in cold weather or when towing. This discrepancy can lead to “range anxiety,” where drivers worry about running out of battery power.
    • Solution: This is often related to driving habits, weather conditions, and load. While there is no direct “fix,” Ford has released software updates to improve range estimates and driving efficiency.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Not applicable as it is not a defect.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Premature Battery Degradation
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported faster-than-expected battery degradation, meaning the battery’s capacity to hold a charge diminishes more quickly over time.
    • Solution: While battery degradation is normal over time, premature degradation could indicate a problem with the battery management system or individual battery modules. Ford offers a battery warranty (typically 8 years/100,000 miles) that covers excessive degradation.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Covered under warranty if degradation exceeds warranty limits. Out of warranty, battery replacement is extremely expensive, potentially exceeding $10,000.
    • Recalls: None Found

Cooling System

  • Cooling System Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the battery cooling system. Coolant leaks are often visible near the battery pack, and can cause the vehicle to overheat, which can damage the battery.
    • Solution: Replacing leaking cooling lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical System

  • 12V Battery Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The 12V auxiliary battery (used for starting the vehicle’s systems and accessories) can experience premature failure, leading to starting problems or other electrical malfunctions. This seems to be an issue affecting many EVs, including the Lightning.
    • Solution: Replacing the 12V battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Software Glitches/Connectivity Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Various software glitches, including issues with the infotainment system (SYNC 4A), over-the-air updates, and connectivity features (FordPass app). This can result in unresponsive screens, error messages, or features not working as expected.
    • Solution: Software updates and, in some cases, resetting the system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Typically resolved through software updates, which are often free.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Tailgate Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate malfunction, including difficulty opening or closing, misaligned latches, or issues with the power-operated tailgate (if equipped).
    • Solution: Adjusting or replacing the tailgate latch mechanism, repairing or replacing the power tailgate motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the nature of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Poor Bed Liner Quality
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or peeling of the bedliner after only a few months of use.
    • Solution: Replacing the bedliner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Infotainment Screen Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen (SYNC 4A) freezing, crashing, or becoming unresponsive.
    • Solution: Restarting the system, software updates, or, in some cases, replacing the infotainment unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Often resolved with software updates, but a replacement infotainment unit can cost $1,000 - $2,000+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Speaker Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Speakers failing or producing distorted sound.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty speaker.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 per speaker, depending on the complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Summary

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, while innovative, has been reported with issues mainly concentrated in the electrical and battery systems. The most concerning are unexpected power loss and battery charging problems, as these impact vehicle reliability and usability. Software glitches also appear frequently. While many issues are covered under warranty, potential out-of-warranty repairs, especially those related to the battery, can be very costly. Overall, many issues can be solved with software updates, and are more of an inconvenience. Some issues, such as battery degradation and tailgate issues, are more concerning as they can be expensive to fix and can impact the owner experience.

Ford, F-150 Lightning
Ford F-150 Lightning 2022
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