Water in rear light bar

[MTBAZ]

I just got mine done for the 3rd time, what do we do? The dealer says this is a recurring issue and Ford doesn't have a solution.

Happens every year. Seems to be when I go to the snow and get my car washed or if it rains.

I don't want to have to pay out of pocket next time when I'm out of warranty in 3 months.

Is this a lemon, class action lawsuit, recall (again).

For your what do we do question. To stop the pain of getting this replaced because it cracks. Could you wrap the entire light in clear PPF or a high grade lens tape?
It’s not a ford fix, but it is a fix.

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[Peddyr]

For your what do we do question. To stop the pain of getting this replaced because it cracks. Could you wrap the entire light in clear PPF or a high grade lens tape?
It’s not a ford fix, but it is a fix.

Your dealer needs to make this right. There is something going on beyond just the recall. Many of us have had ours done once and that was the end of it. Maybe try a different dealer if that's an option?

 

[JDub]

I have an appointment to take mine to the dealer next week. Hopefully, it's a “one” and done

 

[luebri]

Your dealer needs to make this right. There is something going on beyond just the recall. Many of us have had ours done once and that was the end of it. Maybe try a different dealer if that's an option?

Dont be so sure you're in the clear... I thought I was good as I had made it nearly 2 years without issues since last replacement. Then it happened again.

 

[Peddyr]

Dont be so sure you're in the clear... I thought I was good as I had made it nearly 2 years without issues since last replacement. Then it happened again.

I believe we got ours done around the same time! The way my dealer explained it to me was that the replacement part was supposed to fix the design flaw. if that is not the case

 

[luebri]

I believe we got ours done around the same time! The way my dealer explained it to me was that the replacement part was supposed to fix the design flaw. if that is not the case

I certainly hope that is not what I did!

I was under the impression the new part # fixed a design flaw as well, but apparently not in my case.

 

[jimhlee]

Hi everyone, I'm in the midst of filing to NHTSA and also writing to Ford.
I think with so many of these cases, I've had 3 instances myself and about to come off warranty and don't want to go through the ordeal again. I'm hoping with enough pressure, we can push for another recall, Ford extending the repairs past warranty, or even working towards a permanent fix. Worse case Lemon Law.

Here is a link to use for NHTSA.

Feel free to use the template below so that you can also send a letter to Ford.

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Date]

Ford Motor Company

[Ford's Address - You can find this on their website or in your owner's manual]

Subject: Formal Notification of Ongoing Defect and Demand for Remedy - [Your Vehicle's VIN] - [Year] Ford F-150 Lightning

Dear Ford Motor Company,

This letter serves as formal notification of a persistent and unresolvable defect in my [Year] Ford F-150 Lightning, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [Your Vehicle's VIN]. The defect concerns the tailgate light, which continues to leak water despite multiple repair attempts.

I purchased/leased this vehicle on [Date of Purchase/Lease] from [Dealership Name] in [Dealership Location]. The vehicle is currently under the original manufacturer's warranty.

The tailgate light has exhibited a recurring issue of water intrusion, leading to [Describe the problems, e.g., condensation, malfunction, potential for electrical damage]. This problem significantly impairs the vehicle's [Mention how it impairs the vehicle, e.g., value, safety, use].

The following repair attempts have been made to address this defect:

1. [Date of First Repair]: [Dealership Name] performed [Description of repair].
2. [Date of Second Repair]: [Dealership Name] performed [Description of repair].
3. [Date of Third Repair]: [Dealership Name] performed [Description of repair]. (This repair was performed under Recall Reference Number: 23S30)

Despite these attempts, the defect persists.

I have also become aware that numerous other Ford F-150 Lightning owners across the country are experiencing the same or a similar tailgate light issue. This is evidenced by [Cite your sources, e.g., "discussions on the Ford Lightning Owners Forum," "complaints filed with the NHTSA (cite specific complaint numbers or links)," "reports on social media platforms such as [Platform]"]. This widespread problem indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect that Ford has failed to adequately address.

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Lemon Law), I am entitled to a remedy for this ongoing defect. I demand that Ford Motor Company [State your desired remedy clearly, e.g., "repurchase my vehicle," "replace my vehicle with a comparable new F-150 Lightning that is free of defects," or "provide a permanent repair solution at no cost to me"].

I request a written response to this demand within [Number] days (e.g., 10 days) outlining the steps Ford Motor Company will take to resolve this matter.

Please be advised that I have retained all documentation related to this issue, including repair orders, service records, and evidence of other owners experiencing the same problem. I am prepared to pursue all available legal options, including arbitration and litigation, to protect my rights under California law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

 

[JDub]

I have an appointment to take mine to the dealer next week. Hopefully, it's a “one” and done
[/QUOTE

Done!

 

[Pjunior76]

Hello everyone...looks like I'm not alone in this situation! My girlfriend saw the bar flashing intermittently, now I think it's out completely. Went to my closest Ford dealership...they looked for cracks but didn't find any...escaped by saying it's not covered under my PremiumCARE warranty and I'm apparently not part of the recall (23S30). I took it for a second opinion...the second dealer couldn't find any cracks either but the appointment for further inspection isn't for a couple weeks. As I mentioned both dealers inspected for cracks but couldn't find any...that seems to be their 'out'. This is most definitely a safety issue and I am living proof that 23S30 didn't cast a wide enough net. My only guess is that whatever their 'fix' was for 23S30 wasn't really a fix...so why bother with another recall if they can't figure it out. Just a guess. Fingers crossed my 2nd dealership figures something out. Otherwise I'll use the copy/paste letter above. Best of luck everyone!

 

[Pjunior76]

Hello everyone...looks like I'm not alone in this situation! My girlfriend saw the bar flashing intermittently, now I think it's out completely. Went to my closest Ford dealership...they looked for cracks but didn't find any...escaped by saying it's not covered under my PremiumCARE warranty and I'm apparently not part of the recall (23S30). I took it for a second opinion...the second dealer couldn't find any cracks either but the appointment for further inspection isn't for a couple weeks. As I mentioned both dealers inspected for cracks but couldn't find any...that seems to be their 'out'. This is most definitely a safety issue and I am living proof that 23S30 didn't cast a wide enough net. My only guess is that whatever their 'fix' was for 23S30 wasn't really a fix...so why bother with another recall if they can't figure it out. Just a guess. Fingers crossed my 2nd dealership figures something out. Otherwise I'll use the copy/paste letter above. Best of luck everyone!

Update on 5-26-2025
Unfortunate update...Ford dealership says it's not covered by my premium care warranty and will cost me $1097 to fix. Please see attached.

Looks like letters to Ford and the NTSB are in order.

 

[Pjunior76]

Update on 5-26-2025
Unfortunate update...Ford dealership says it's not covered by my premium care warranty and will cost me $1097 to fix. Please see attached.

Looks like letters to Ford and the NTSB are in order.

It gets better...no cracks... original part is defective...but to get my truck back they want $199! See attached. Shame on Ford.

 

[jimhlee]

I wrote a letter to Ford (look for earlier post in this thread) and they offered to buy mine back.

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