Disappointed - Multiple, unrelated warranty work items

[jnickell221]

2023 Lightning Lariat
Purchased from Carmax with about 10,200 miles in April 2025

I have had to bring the truck in for multiple failures. I'm seriously considering dumping it but I invested in a spray-on bedliner and folding bed cover, so financially, it would sting. Below is a list of items that caused me to bring it to the dealer over the last few months. None of these things was conveniently identified simultaneously. They all exposed themselves separately, several weeks apart from each other..

1. Door moulding was vibrating very loudly with the sunroof open. It sounded like when you blow under a piece of paper flat on a table. That sound was directed directly into my left ear.
Solution: The dealer reinstalled new moulding.

2. The driver's side door was stuck in the closed position. I had to recline the seat back and climb out the back.
Solution: The dealer replaced the door latch.

3. I used the shifter fold-down feature to eat lunch in my truck. After retracting the shifter, it was then stuck in park. It would not move.
Solution: After waiting about 30 minutes, it didn't suddenly start working again, unlike some issues that do. However, after a couple of hours, the tow truck arrived and I tried one more time with success. I drove directly to the dealer, where they were able to troubleshoot and determine it was a problem with the module responsible for the folding shifter. They replaced it.

4. The heater no longer blows hot air.
Solution: I have an appointment on Thursday to troubleshoot.

What would you guys do? Also, have you experienced any of the above issues?

Sponsored

 

[hturnerfamily]

you're in that 'aggravating' time in your ownership, but, when you get all those 'issues' resolved, and 80,000 miles later you look back - you'll hardly remember.

 

[frautumn]

The heater no longer blows hot air.
Solution: I ha

Did you check that the “Heat” button is enabled in the climate settings? It randomly gets disabled now and then.

 

[GDN]

None seem all that bad, and truly if they've all been fixed, you're in great shape.

 

[Tclark5]

2023 Lightning Lariat
Purchased from Carmax with about 10,200 miles in April 2025

I have had to bring the truck in for multiple failures. I'm seriously considering dumping it but I invested in a spray-on bedliner and folding bed cover, so financially, it would sting. Below is a list of items that caused me to bring it to the dealer over the last few months. None of these things was conveniently identified simultaneously. They all exposed themselves separately, several weeks apart from each other..

1. Door moulding was vibrating very loudly with the sunroof open. It sounded like when you blow under a piece of paper flat on a table. That sound was directed directly into my left ear.
Solution: The dealer reinstalled new moulding.

2. The driver's side door was stuck in the closed position. I had to recline the seat back and climb out the back.
Solution: The dealer replaced the door latch.

3. I used the shifter fold-down feature to eat lunch in my truck. After retracting the shifter, it was then stuck in park. It would not move.
Solution: After waiting about 30 minutes, it didn't suddenly start working again, unlike some issues that do. However, after a couple of hours, the tow truck arrived and I tried one more time with success. I drove directly to the dealer, where they were able to troubleshoot and determine it was a problem with the module responsible for the folding shifter. They replaced it.

4. The heater no longer blows hot air.
Solution: I have an appointment on Thursday to troubleshoot.

What would you guys do? Also, have you experienced any of the above issues?

All things are being repaired, why would you get rid of such an awesome truck. Do you think other brands are perfect. My dealer always to care of me. Loaner, turnaround time 1 to 2 days! Mine is approaching 3 years in August, I just bought a Ford extended warranty, I normally don’t do that, as I don’t keep more than 3 years. This the most satisfying experience when I travel, ability to use Tesla charging infrastructure, and much more.

 

[FloridaMan655321]

So I'm sure these can be annoying, but nothing was really *that* bad. The heat issue might be a setting that was missed.
I would be very concerned if you had these many issues with a motor or battery module.

 

[swajames]

Honestly, these are all very minor issues indeed. Get the last one fixed and enjoy the best truck on the market.

 

[ZSC100]

All of your issues are child's play. This will be the best truck you've ever owned.

 

[Adventureboy]

Check your coolant levels. This is a common issue with the heater. The tank is under the driver side frunk cover but you can see the level through the frunk linear actuator cutout without removing the cover. It should be about 1/2 full.

Otherwise, your issues seem minor and no different than any new (to you) vehicle. Drive on

 

[MaintGrl]

Did you check that the “Heat” button is enabled in the climate settings? It randomly gets disabled now and then.

Yes, there are only a couple of settings that I have changed from my preferences, be it he truck or my Android phone. There is an update and all of a sudden someone else decides to change my settings, (to a default) then I gotta go back and try to remember how to get back to the settings I want. Current problem is the Shutter sound when taking a picture with my phone, I think it is no longer available, it's more of a beep or click
All that being said, as others have posted above, these were repairable items, the fact that you haven't had to replace the components in the HVBJB, or a failed battery module as some here. I'd keep the truck. Besides, no sense in paying for the depreciation if you sell.

 

[chl]

You experienced some "common" issues with these trucks, relatively minor except the shifter could be a real problem if it leaves you stranded out in the middle of nowhere.

For the stuck shifter, I recently found this video on how to get it out of Drive if it gets stuck there (as some people have reported). Not sure if it works with the Lightnings, but from what I gather, the ICE F-150 and the Lightnings have a lot of the same issues.



I have seen reports that there is a backlog for the shifters. Some folks have switched to a rotary type as per this video:


I bought a 2023 Pro new back in Jan 2024, and have not had any of these issues, knock on wood.

Be sure to check that all the Customer Service Program (CSP) issues have been fixed by checking on the Ford.com web site support page using your VIN - they show up in the recall section as do any outstanding recalls:

https://www.ford.com/support/recalls-details/

Enjoy the truck if you can - when one buys a used vehicle I think one should expect a few issues, but Ford will resolve them if they can.

Good luck.

 

[jnickell221]

Some of you act like it's normal to take a vehicle into the shop as often as I have. This isn't my first truck. My first truck lasted 250,000 abusive miles with zero failures. Nothing but expected wear and tear. My last truck, a 2013 Tundra, had zero failures until a water pump crapped out at about 140000 miles. Since these failure rates have established my expectations of reliability, crawling out of my truck through the back seat, having no heat, listening to the vibration in my left ear, and also being unable to shift into any gear all seem unacceptable, regardless of Ford's willingness to repair them. Having a single issue would be fine, but all 4 of these issues occurred at different times within the last 4 months. With all the time and money invested in this vehicle, it makes zero financial sense to dump it. Also, maybe this was the last of the issues. My only choice is to carry on and hope this is the last of the weird problems.

 

[jnickell221]

You experienced some "common" issues with these trucks, relatively minor except the shifter could be a real problem if it leaves you stranded out in the middle of nowhere.

For the stuck shifter, I recently found this video on how to get it out of Drive if it gets stuck there (as some people have reported). Not sure if it works with the Lightnings, but from what I gather, the ICE F-150 and the Lightnings have a lot of the same issues.



I have seen reports that there is a backlog for the shifters. Some folks have switched to a rotary type as per this video:


I bought a 2023 Pro new back in Jan 2024, and have not had any of these issues, knock on wood.

Be sure to check that all the Customer Service Program (CSP) issues have been fixed by checking on the Ford.com web site support page using your VIN - they show up in the recall section as do any outstanding recalls:

https://www.ford.com/support/recalls-details/

Enjoy the truck if you can - when one buys a used vehicle I think one should expect a few issues, but Ford will resolve them if they can.

Good luck.

Thanks for that article. I'll keep it in my bag of tricks. Also, mine was stuck in Park, but it's probably the same issue. And regarding the backlog, it did take about 3 weeks to get the part. Service told me I would be fine as long as I didn't push the button to fold the lever. Kind of like the joke where a doctor asks you what your doing when it hurts then says, well, don't do that.

 

[chl]

Thanks for that article. I'll keep it in my bag of tricks. Also, mine was stuck in Park, but it's probably the same issue. And regarding the backlog, it did take about 3 weeks to get the part. Service told me I would be fine as long as I didn't push the button to fold the lever. Kind of like the joke where a doctor asks you what your doing when it hurts then says, well, don't do that.

I do sympathize with having so many issues.

Not that it is any consolation, but...at least you haven't had the more serious leaking sun roof - Ford had a recall/CSP to replace the drain ("trough") - or the tailgate light bar water issue (stops the reverse lights from working apparently) - or the misaligned electrodes in the HV battery issues (OMG), among other more serious issues.

At Ford quality used to be job one?

Such is life.

 

[jnickell221]

Check your coolant levels. This is a common issue with the heater. The tank is under the driver side frunk cover but you can see the level through the frunk linear actuator cutout without removing the cover. It should be about 1/2 full.

Otherwise, your issues seem minor and no different than any new (to you) vehicle. Drive on

Thanks for the advice... I'll give that a look.

Sponsored