MODEL
Ford F-150 Lightning Bev
NHTSA safety across every Ford F-150 Lightning Bev model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Ford F-150 Lightning Bev we cover (2022 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 83 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 78. 25 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a full-size electric pickup truck, not a sedan, competing in one of America's most popular vehicle segments. Aimed at work-oriented buyers and tech-forward truck enthusiasts who want the hauling and towing capability of the iconic F-150 nameplate paired with an all-electric powertrain, the Lightning has drawn significant attention since its 2022 debut as a mainstream EV truck option.
The Ford F-150 Lightning carries a best NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 in its 2022 model year, placing it in the 'Strong' performance band for that year, though results across covered years also dip into the 'Average' band, so shoppers should verify ratings for their specific model year before purchasing. In crash testing, the Lightning's best-year results show a respectable 4 out of 5 stars in frontal protection, a strong 5 out of 5 stars in side impact, and a 4 out of 5 stars in rollover resistance. The side-impact result is genuinely impressive and reflects well on the structural engineering of the body. The rollover and frontal scores, while solid, leave a small gap from a perfect sheet. The recall picture deserves serious attention. Across the 2022 through 2025 model years, NHTSA records 25 recalls against the Lightning, a notably high count for a vehicle this young. For an early-generation electric truck still maturing through production, that volume signals active quality monitoring, but it also means buyers should diligently check the NHTSA recall database and confirm all open recalls are addressed before and after purchase. On the complaint side, zero owner complaints are recorded in the covered period, which is an unusually clean figure. However, shoppers should treat that as a data point to watch rather than a definitive endorsement.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the F-150 Lightning as a bold and capable entry into the electric truck segment, praising its familiar F-150 roots and the practicality of its frunk storage. Most acknowledge it as a strong daily driver for existing Ford truck loyalists, while noting that real-world range and charging infrastructure remain practical considerations for buyers.
- The Lightning has accumulated 25 recalls across just four model years (2022 to 2025), which is a high count for a newer nameplate. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before buying and after any software or service update.
- Side-impact crash protection scores a best-in-class 5 out of 5 stars in the Lightning's strongest tested year, making it one of the more confident results in this vehicle's safety profile.
- Frontal and rollover ratings both sit at 4 out of 5 stars in the best year tested, which is solid but not perfect. Shoppers prioritizing maximum frontal protection should cross-check year-specific NHTSA results, as scores vary across the covered range.
- Zero owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for the covered model years, an unusually low figure. While that may reflect the Lightning's relatively limited production volume and newer ownership base, it is worth monitoring as the owner population grows and more real-world data accumulates.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Bev with 9 recalls.