NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 9 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, positioning it in the Average band. This represents a five-point decline from the 2022 model's 83/100 Strong rating. This drop primarily reflects a heavier defect record for the 2023 model year. While crash-test results for the F-150 Lightning BEV remain strong, the increased recall activity significantly impacts its overall safety assessment.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.7% |
| Recalls on file | 9 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
The 2023 model achieves a 5 out of 5 star overall rating from NHTSA, complemented by a "No Tip" dynamic rollover result. This crash protection sub-score, 61 out of 70, is genuinely competitive. Standard safety technology includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the 2023 model year's Safety Index score of 78/100, a decline from 83/100 in 2022, places it in the Average band. This reduction primarily reflects a defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20. Nine recall campaigns have been issued, addressing issues from traction battery fasteners and a high-voltage battery manufacturing defect to the park pawl and exterior lighting. An ESC recall also required a subsequent correction due to an earlier repair being found incorrect. For the 2023 model year, the breadth and number of recalls significantly influence its safety profile more than the crash-test results alone.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV perform in crash tests?
The 2023 F-150 Lightning BEV earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety evaluations, with a perfect 5-star rating for side impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk is assessed at 13 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17309
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV have any recalls?
Yes, 9 recall campaigns cover this model year. Key components include the traction battery and high-voltage electrical system, the park pawl inside the powertrain, exterior lighting on units previously repaired under an earlier recall, and electronic stability control on vehicles that received an incorrect prior repair. The traction battery campaigns in particular warrant close attention before purchase or continued use.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL25V863000
Risk: A loss of park function can allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The park module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 26, 2026.
Reported 2025-12-12
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V731000
Risk: Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other driver's that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear lightbar and fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 29, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-24
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)25V313000
Risk: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C15.
Reported 2025-05-09
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY25V272000
Risk: Electrical arcing increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S11. This recall expands previous recall number 24V-144.
Reported 2025-04-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY25V131000
Risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high voltage battery array as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.
Reported 2025-02-28
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT24V949000
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper control arm ball joint nut, and replace the nut and/or knuckle assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S76.
Reported 2024-12-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY24V144000
Risk: Electrical arcing increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S11.
Reported 2024-02-23
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)23V801000
Risk: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C38.
Reported 2023-11-28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING23V418000
Risk: Inoperative or flickering reverse lights may not alert other driver's that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear lightbar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S30.
Reported 2023-06-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2023 F-150 Lightning BEV. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged in consumer reports filed with the agency. There are no top complaint components to note. This absence of reported allegations is notable, though it does not alter the recall picture.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
Multiple recall campaigns remain open for the 2023 F-150 Lightning BEV, impacting the traction battery, powertrain, and lighting systems. Prospective owners should verify that all necessary repairs have been performed by a Ford dealer, particularly given that at least two campaigns address corrections to previous repair attempts. Checking the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool is a critical step before purchase.
- The 2023 model year Safety Index dropped five points to 78/100 Average from the 2022 model's 83/100 Strong, with the defect record sub-score of 11.5/20 as the primary cause.
- Nine recall campaigns are attached to this model year, covering the traction battery fasteners and high-voltage battery manufacturing defect, the park pawl, exterior lighting, and an electronic stability control remedy that required a second correction.
- NHTSA crash testing returned a 5-star overall rating, a 5-star side score, and a No Tip dynamic rollover result, making crash protection the strongest component of this year's safety profile at 61/70.
- Zero consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, meaning the recall campaigns are the sole driver of the defect record score, not a pattern of reported field failures.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV places
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 9 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other F-150 Lightning BEV years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17309), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-150 Lightning BEV 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 76 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.