Moisture in the tail lightbar

[locks66]

Hi! I had noticed moisture in my taillight bar. Took it to the Ford service center. Was told moisture in there post car was is normal and when I showed up there was no moisture in the light bar.

I do regular washes though hasn't in the past few days.

Can anyone confirm if this is "normal"? Or should I try a different service center right after a wash?

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[It's Just Me]

You were lied to I suspect. There's a recall on it.

But lamp assemblies in general usually are designed to have some small drainage holes because, well, there's air in there and air has condensation and it needs to get out somehow.

There is an ongoing issue with moisture in the tail lamps as well causing them to not work that Ford doesn't consider to be a big issue.

 

[locks66]

You were lied to I suspect. There's a recall on it.

But lamp assemblies in general usually are designed to have some small drainage holes because, well, there's air in there and air has condensation and it needs to get out somehow.

There is an ongoing issue with moisture in the tail lamps as well causing them to not work that Ford doesn't consider to be a big issue.

Yeah I saw that but doesn't show up for my vin. I'm gonna try a different service center after a wash

 

[abcut973]

My VIN was not showing up as well for the recall but my tailgate lightbar had water in it. So much that it was not functioning anymore. Took it to the dealer so they could start the replacement process (they took pictures + entered it in the FORD claim system). It took them 3 weeks to receive the part but just 45 mins to install it.
I'm still under the factory warranty until July this year.

 

[bmwhitetx]

Lots of folks with this problem. Here is one thread to check out, there are others.
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/water-in-rear-light-bar.13176

 

[JDub]

Hi! I had noticed moisture in my taillight bar. Took it to the Ford service center. Was told moisture in there post car was is normal and when I showed up there was no moisture in the light bar.

I do regular washes though hasn't in the past few days.

Can anyone confirm if this is "normal"? Or should I try a different service center right after a wash?

 

[JDub]

Eventually, your LEDs will fail.

 

[Jmmanley1]

Mine died two months after getting it. Moisture (not condensation) entered the light, freezing temps…it stopped working. It’s the one thing I wish wasn’t on the truck…. The plastic always looks cheap. The front especially.

 

[chl]

Could get a ticket if a noticeable amount of water in there- the police will call it a broken tail light violation.

 

[Jmmanley1]

Could get a ticket if a noticeable amount of water in there- the police will call it a broken tail light violation.

I don’t think that’s true. It’s not a required like, has no function and is decorative in nature.

 

[rdr854]

I have a 22 that was recalled for the light bar. Did the recall and recently the new light bar failed (significant amount of water droplets). Will be gett8ng a new one tomorrow - again.

Do note that a new camera may be required when the light bar is replaced.

 

[Jmmanley1]

Could get a ticket if a noticeable amount of water in there- the police will call it a broken tail light violation.

You could disconnect it without anyone noticing. And a Flash doesn’t even have one.

 

[bmwhitetx]

I don’t think that’s true. It’s not a required like, has no function and is decorative in nature.

Not decorative. For your Lariat it is the reverse light when the tailgate is up. That’s why it was the subject of a safety recall.

 

[chl]

I don’t think that’s true. It’s not a required like, has no function and is decorative in nature.

It happened to someone according to a post.
In Virginia, if there is water in the tail light, or any light, including a back-up light, the police will assume it is cracked (how else would water get in) and it would not pass the yearly safety inspection either.
Think about it - water and electricity could cause the tail light/back-up light to stop working and/or cause a short circuit and short circuits can cause fires.
So it is a safety concern according to the NHTSA.

 

[luebri]

I have a 22 that was recalled for the light bar. Did the recall and recently the new light bar failed (significant amount of water droplets). Will be gett8ng a new one tomorrow - again.

Do note that a new camera may be required when the light bar is replaced.

Similar story... We collectively need to continue making a stink to Ford about this. The initial recall fix was not sufficient as many of us have now had the issue occur after the recall was done. It is 100% a safety issue... the white Reverse light ceases to operate if not replaced in time.

My experience....

1. February 2023 – 1st Replacent done under warranty for electrical malfunction caused by substantial water intrusion (first observed in December 2022, approximately one month after taking delivery).

2. September 2023 – Replaced under Recall 23S30. I do not recall whether the failure occurred prior to this service or if the part was replaced proactively as part of the recall.

3. April 2025 – Replaced again just prior to the 36,000-mile warranty expiration, due to similar symptoms of water intrusion and corresponding lighting malfunction.

At this point I have no reason to believe this wont be a continuing liability throughout the ownership of the truck. Hopefully I am covered under my Extended warranty but some have debated that. Either way even extend warranty doesnt last forever... it's a known issue and Ford needs to resolve it.

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