Second Battery Cell replacement in 12 months - Standard Range

KDF150 · Dec 10, 2024

It is the second time in 12 months (almost to the day) that I have a "Powertrain Malfunction/ Reduced Power" notification that leads me to visit my dealer who then needs to change a battery cell to my 2023-Lightning Lariat SR (30 000KM). And by coincidence, a fellow owner in the same city also needs to change a cell on his Platinum the same exact time this year than last year (I do not know his mileage tho).

While this is fully covered under the manufacturer's warranty and they provided a loaner car at no cost (Subaru Solterra, which I am not a fan of) Each time I am losing my truck for over a month during the holidays.

Any of you dealing with similar issues? I am trying to understand if it is something related to mileage or weather (I live in the Province of Québec, Canada), a lemon or just a fluke? If this is so common, is this not a part they should have on hand at the dealership. The battery cell alone takes 3 weeks to be delivered from the manufacturer to the dealer, and I am told the will need about a week to do the job.

I'd love to read your experience.

Cheers!

TaxmanHog · Dec 10, 2024

We have many threads and discussions about this issue, I hope with time the frequency will diminish, for the record my 22 Lariat-ER has been flawless for 28+ months

Issues / Repairs / TSB / Recalls / Warranty

Ford F-150 Lightning Second Battery Cell replacement in 12 months - Standard Range icon4

Powertrain Malfunction/ Reduced Power

GDN · Dec 10, 2024

It is not an easy environmental issue. It is a bad design or bad manufacturing or poor engineering. Take your pick. It is an issue, but never disclosed by Ford nor SK On.

Heliian · Dec 10, 2024

Compare the battery recall with your build date. There was a short run of batteries that had to be replaced due to a manufacturing defect.

We also need to remember that the trucks battery monitoring system(BMS) will fail the cell if the voltages are out of limit. This is to prevent dangerous failure modes and is very cautious. It's unfortunate it's your second one but I wouldn't worry.

KurtsRPMGarage · Dec 10, 2024

I had three fail in 7 months on my 2023 Pro SR before I had Ford buy it back. Spent over 50 days in the shop in that time. I think a few have tied my record but not sure if any have broken it. My current XLT ER has been flawless (knock on wood).

Zprime29 · Dec 10, 2024

KurtsRPMGarage said:
I had three fail in 7 months on my 2023 Pro SR before I had Ford buy it back. Spent over 50 days in the shop in that time. I think a few have tied my record but not sure if any have broken it. My current XLT ER has been flawless (knock on wood).

Wish I could give you a sad face and a like. Glad to hear the current truck is treating you better. Roughly 1 in 20 modules are bad during that initial go around. Some folk are getting more (un)lucky than others.

@KDF150 At least you are getting a loaner. Many have complained here that they are left without a truck and no loaner available or rental approved until it gets diagnosed. Fingers crossed this is the last one for you. Should only take 2 days once they start the job.