MODEL
Ford F-150 Lightning BEV Safety
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 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning achieves a "Strong" performance band rating with a Safety Index of 83 out of 100. This places it among the better performers for its model year. The vehicle earned 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact protection, an impressive result that reflects strong structural engineering. Frontal protection received 4 out of 5 stars, with rollover resistance also rated at 4 out of 5 stars. These solid scores indicate a high level of occupant protection. However, the recall record for the F-150 Lightning demands close scrutiny. Across the 2022 through 2025 model years, NHTSA has issued 25 recalls. This is a notably high number for a vehicle in its early production years. While such a volume can indicate active monitoring by the manufacturer, it also underscores the critical need for buyers to verify that all applicable recalls have been addressed both before and after purchase. The NHTSA recall database should be consulted diligently. Owner complaints present a contrasting picture: zero complaints are recorded within the covered period. While this appears to be an unusually clean record, it should be regarded as a data point requiring continued observation, rather than a definitive statement on long-term owner satisfaction or safety. Shoppers should verify specific model year ratings, as results for other years can dip into the "Average" performance band.
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.