NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV Safety Ratings
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV secures a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it within the Strong safety band. However, three active recall campaigns demand attention from prospective owners. These recalls temper an otherwise solid crash-test performance. Shoppers should verify resolution of all three recalls by VIN before purchase.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, a one-point gain over the 2024 model year's 82, while remaining in the Strong band throughout. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 anchors that result, supported by a perfect 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a 5-star side score. Where this year loses ground relative to its potential is in avoidance technology, which contributes only 5 out of a possible 10 points, reflecting that forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim rather than being universally standard across all configurations. The defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20 is respectable but reflects the weight of three open recall campaigns. The park pawl transmission recall is the broadest, covering multiple model years and nameplates. The brake hose bracket and ball joint recalls are specific to 2024 and 2025 Lightning BEV production. Together, these three campaigns represent the clearest safety story for this model year: strong passive protection, but active defect remediation still in progress.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection registered the highest possible score, with 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover assessment each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk is measured at 13 percent, and the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20316
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The most serious involves a park pawl defect in the automatic transmission that spans 2022 through 2026 Lightning BEV units. A second recall addresses front brake jounce hose bracket screws that may loosen. A third covers front upper control arm ball joint nuts that may not have been properly secured. Buyers should treat the brake and ball joint campaigns as safety-critical and confirm remedy completion by VIN.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS25V438000
Risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake hose and replace both brake jounce hose bracket screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S71.
Reported 2025-06-27
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT25V341000
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 June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S76. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V949.
Reported 2025-05-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. Because this vehicle is relatively new to the used market, the absence of complaints should be noted but not interpreted as a long-term signal.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV has been subject to three recall campaigns. These address critical safety issues: the transmission park pawl, a brake hose bracket, and the ball joint nut. Before any purchase, it is essential to use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to verify that all three recalls have been remedied. An outstanding recall represents a verifiable safety risk.
- Three distinct recall campaigns are active for this model year, targeting the transmission park pawl, front brake jounce hose bracket screws, and front upper control arm ball joint nuts. All three should be verified as resolved by VIN.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index of 83 out of 100 represents a one-point improvement over the 2024 model year's 82, driven by the same Strong-band crash protection score of 61 out of 70.
- NHTSA recorded zero owner complaints for this model year, with no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported. The vehicle's short time in the used market means this figure may not yet reflect broader ownership experience.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects inconsistent standard fitment of forward collision warning across trim levels. Buyers should confirm which safety technologies are equipped on any specific unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV places
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV safety questions
Was the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 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 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20316), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-150 Lightning BEV 2025.
- 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 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.