NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford F-150 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford F-150 scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 13 recalls, and 382 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford F-150 secures an Average rating in the NHTSA Safety Index with a score of 74/100. While its NHTSA crash-test results are robust, the overall safety profile is tempered by 11 recall campaigns and a modest sub-score for its avoidance technology. For 2023, the F-150 demonstrates capable, though not unblemished, safety performance.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Super Crew HEV 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 85 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 13 |
| Owner complaints | 382 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 85 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford F-150?
The 2023 Ford F-150 exhibits a concerning defect record, evidenced by 11 recall campaigns across critical systems including trailer brake control, axle hubs, back-over prevention software, and roof assembly visibility. This extensive recall activity, impacting electrical, powertrain, and visibility categories, directly contributes to a low defect record sub-score of 3 out of 20. While the crash-protection sub-score stands at a strong 66 out of 70, reflecting a 5 out of 5 star overall rating from NHTSA with perfect frontal and side crash results, the defect record is the primary factor in the model's overall Safety Index of 74 out of 100. This places the 2023 F-150 in the Average safety band, a two-point decline from the 2022 model year's 76 out of 100. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 further impacts the overall rating, despite the inclusion of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning. For this specific model year, the volume and breadth of recalls overshadow strong crash-test performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford F-150 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 F-150 Super Crew HEV 4WD achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's frontal and side crash tests. This performance contributed to an overall 5 out of 5-star safety rating for the vehicle. Its rollover assessment, while still strong at 4 out of 5 stars, stands as the single area not to receive a top score. Despite this, NHTSA reported a 0% rollover risk and a No Tip outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17308
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 have any recalls?
Yes, 11 recall campaigns cover this model year. Specific components include the integrated trailer brake control electrical system, sun and moon roof assembly visibility concerns, axle hubs on vehicles with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package, back-over prevention software, and equipment labeling. No data in this record designates a park-outside or do-not-drive order, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING26V578000
Risk: A detached tank can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel leak can cause an engine stall or increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank straps, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 14, 2026.
Reported 2026-09-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION26V489000
Risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this r
Reported 2026-07-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL26V104000
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-20
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY25V729000
Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-24
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS25V512000
Risk: Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. This is a phased recall. Ford owners will receive letters in multiple phases, beginning August 2025 through Winter 2025. Phase 1 will include 2023 F-150 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include 2025 F-150 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 F-150 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letter
Reported 2025-08-08
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V315000
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, 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 update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is avail
Reported 2025-05-09
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Reported 2024-11-08
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS23V896000
Risk: Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.
Reported 2023-12-22
STEERING:COLUMN23V847000
Risk: A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the clock spring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Reported 2023-12-15
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL23V509000
Risk: Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.
Reported 2023-07-21
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY23V128000
Risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.
Reported 2023-02-24
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION23V070000
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
Reported 2023-02-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has received 382 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 F-150. Alleged problem areas include the power train at 145 reports, the electrical system at 81, and service brakes at 42. Owners have also alleged 16 crashes and 11 injuries in these unverified filings. All figures are consumer allegations, not established facts.
382 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford F-150?
Any shopper considering a used 2023 F-150 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. With 11 recall campaigns on record, confirming which remedies have been completed at a dealership is a concrete, no-cost step that directly affects safety readiness. Open recalls travel with the vehicle, not the original owner.
- The 2023 F-150's Safety Index fell two points to 74/100 compared to the 2022 model year's 76/100, driven primarily by a defect-record sub-score of only 3 out of 20 tied to 11 active recall campaigns.
- A specific 2023-only recall targets F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy axle hub, a component concern that does not appear in prior model year records provided here.
- NHTSA's back-over prevention software recall covers 2021-2024 F-150 units, meaning the 2023 model year sits squarely within the affected range and shoppers should confirm software remedy completion by VIN.
- Power train complaints lead all categories at 145 unverified allegations out of 382 total, the highest single-component complaint volume in this year's NHTSA consumer filing record for this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford F-150 places
The 2023 Ford F-150 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford F-150 safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford F-150 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford F-150, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford F-150 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford F-150 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 13 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford F-150. 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 382 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford F-150. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other F-150 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 17308), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-150 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 85 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.