Disappointed - Multiple, unrelated warranty work items

[MaintGrl]

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.

Can anyone please explain to me what this is doing to the shifter to be able to move it, after being stuck in Drive. Seemed like a tough patch (Not easy) to get going...

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[chl]

Can anyone please explain to me what this is doing to the shifter to be able to move it, after being stuck in Drive. Seemed like a tough patch (Not easy) to get going...

My educated guesses are one of...

1) it is sending power to the servo motor in surges which may be unsticking it, like if your rear wheels get stuck in the mud or snow sometimes rocking the car will free it (not a great analogy but)...or

2) there is some electrical component, like for example a stuck relay, or a leaky capacitor, and the surges shake it loose (relay) or increase the charge (capacitor) until it activates the servo.

 

[BabyDoc1012]

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.

I agree with you, I would be pretty upset if I had just purchased that truck and it was having this many issues. Whether they are major issues or "minor" issues any problem with a new vehicle sucks. It would be understandable if you bought a 10 year old used truck with 100k miles on it, but it something this new should not have this many issues, even if they are "minor". I bought a brand new Ram 1500 that was spending more time in the shop than it was in my driveway and I ate the depreciation because I wanted it gone before something major happened.

 

[wescravinshocker]

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?

Didn't have any of those issues. But battery module 1 & 2 took a dump when I was up North and had to drive 150 miles on 66% power, and 90% SOC. This happened with only 9,000 miles on it, a known issue with 2023 SR XLT models. Dealership had it for 2 weeks but gave me a brand new ICE 2025 XLT, and treated me like a valued customer. Other than that, it is a fantastic truck. No more issues.

 

[jjupi91897]

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?

I own a 2023 Lariat ER. Just crossed 43K miles, and I love it. I haven't had any problems thus far, but I can definitely understand your frustrations. Best of luck with it.

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