F-150 (14th)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
3.0L-4V
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Ford
4.6L 8-cyl / 292 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.0L 4V
5.0L 8-cyl / 395 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.7L-4V
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5.0L-4V
5.0L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GTDI
3.5L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
TIVCT
3.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2021-2025 Ford F-150
That's about 4.0x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.5 per year). Above peer average β but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 172 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about β not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2023] I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, with 48,200 miles and 2.5 years of ownership. Recently, my truck began displaying a βPowertrain / Reduced Powerβ warning while driving, and the air conditioning stopped producing cold air. The dealer scanned the vehicle and found DTC P0534 β A/C System Charge Loss. Further diagnostics indicated that multiple vehicle modules may require reprogramming and software
- [2023] After the vehicle sat parked for 12 days, upon initial startup, the vehicle experienced a total failure of the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB). The dashboard displayed multiple critical fault codes including "Brake System Failure," "Service AdvanceTrac," and "Check Brake System." The vehicle software triggered a safety interlock, refusing to shift out of Park, rendering the vehicle completely disab
- [2023] Our 2023 F150 has had two back-to-back powertrain failures. I was accelerating out of an intersection after the light turned green and suddenly experienced a loss of power. The Ford service center diagnosed this as a Transmission fluid auxiliary pump fault. This is dangerous because I was driving when the failure occurred and the truck lost power. This could have been catastrophic on a highway or
High-Voltage Battery
- [2023] I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, with 48,200 miles and 2.5 years of ownership. Recently, my truck began displaying a βPowertrain / Reduced Powerβ warning while driving, and the air conditioning stopped producing cold air. The dealer scanned the vehicle and found DTC P0534 β A/C System Charge Loss. Further diagnostics indicated that multiple vehicle modules may require reprogramming and software
- [2023] Regarding EV Battery Failure β 2023 Ford F-150 Lightningβ} To Whom It May Concern, NHTSA I am writing to formally file a complaint against Ford Motor Company regarding a serious and ongoing battery issue with my electric vehicle, which remains unresolved despite multiple attempts to obtain warranty service. Vehicle Information: Vehicle: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately
- [2024] I am the lessee of a 2024 Ford Fβ150 Lightning XLT, VIN [Insert VIN], and I am submitting this description due to repeated failures, recalls, and safety-related defects that have significantly impacted the safe operation, reliability, and value of my vehicle. Since taking delivery, the vehicle has experienced multiple malfunctions in critical systems that have been confirmed by the dealership and
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2023] Brand new truck with less than 500 miles on the odometer and now having issues with the auxiliary transmission pump which is responsible for switching between the hybrid system (engine to battery and vice versa). The issue with this is that is also makes the vehicle lurch forward as if it was rear ended, with the potential to hit something in front as a result. I left the vehicle with the dealer o
- [2024] The vehicle based in this report is a 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum with a Power Boost drivetrain, which is a hybrid system. I purchased this vehicle new in December of 2024 from Dewey Ford in Ankeny, IA and it has accumulated approximately 6,000 miles on the vehicle. I have been expeiriencing probems starting at around 900 miles on the vehicle. The issue is that the vehicle experiences a significant
- [2022] Loss of Acceleration in 2022 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2022 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, which has been experiencing acceleration lag and loss of power during regular driving conditions. Component/System that Failed: The powertrain system, specifically related to the integration between the electric motor and gasoline engine, appears to be malfun
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2023] The 12v battery on these vehicles are severely strained or defective AGM batteries have been used since vehicle inception in 2022. Dozens of reports from owners show "system off to save battery" error codes and 12v symptoms such as inoperable multi-function displays, especially in cold weather. After replacing the OEM 12v battery, i have pictures showing the bulging the battery has suffered. Again
- [2025] When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will NOT operate as the shifter locks in "drive" and won't shift. This happened to me while travelling and was stuck in middle of no where for
- [2023] The 12v battery on these vehicles are severely strained or defective AGM batteries have been used since vehicle inception in 2022. Dozens of reports from owners show "system off to save battery" error codes and 12v symptoms such as inoperable multi-function displays, especially in cold weather. After replacing the OEM 12v battery, i have pictures showing the bulging the battery has suffered. Again
Regenerative Braking
- [2025] When parking the vehicle at Auto Zone, at a very slow speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Without the accelerator being pressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. Notes: Vehicle has One-pedal always activated. It is a new vehicle. Only has 3k miles. I was taken once to the shop for maintenance. Malfunction components: Maybe Speed related components and safety features. The airbag
- [2025] When parking the vehicle at Auto Zone, at a very slow speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Without the accelerator being pressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. Notes: Vehicle has One-pedal always activated. It is a new vehicle. Only has 3k miles. I was taken once to the shop for maintenance. Malfunction components: Maybe Speed related components and safety features. The airbag
- [2025] When parking the vehicle at Auto Zone, at a very slow speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Without the accelerator being pressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. Notes: Vehicle has One-pedal always activated. It is a new vehicle. Only has 3k miles. I was taken once to the shop for maintenance. Malfunction components: Maybe Speed related components and safety features. The airbag
Thermal Events
- [2022] On Sunday, [XXX], my truck spontaneously burst into flames while parked in my front yard. I had just returned from doing a number of errands. The truck had been running fine with no indications of a problem. I was outside tending to my smoker when I heard a sort of popping/crackling noise. I looked up at my truck approximately 40 feet away and saw flames shooting out from the engine bay through th
- [2022] After driving home from work on 12/20/24 the truck was parked at ~10pm. At ~1AM on 12/21/24, I was alerted that the truck was on fire. I found the vehicle fully engulfed in the hood and cab area. There was no prior indication of a problem or issue. The truck was fully destroyed and my home and Jeep were damaged. My home was damaged and only saved because I brought my garden hose out and sprayed th
- [2023] The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked near the side of the residence and unoccupied as he was inside the home asleep, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the dogs alarmed them of the failure and the contact could hear the tires possibly popping/exploding due to the fire. The exterior and interior walls, attic, and electrical box we
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN β high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: Ford F-150 Lightning Standard Range (SK On NCM)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: Ford F-150 Lightning Standard Range (SK On NCM)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range (SK On NCM)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range (SK On NCM)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford F-150 regardless of engine variant.
Alternatives in Full-Size Truck
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Ford F-150 problems?
The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 has accumulated 9,581 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Exterior. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford F-150 engine is most reliable?
The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2021-2025 Ford F-150 a good used car?
The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 9,581 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Ford F-150 have?
The 2021-2025 Ford F-150 has 9,581 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Ford F-150?
There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Ford F-150 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN β check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Ford F-150?
Before buying a used Ford F-150, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Exterior, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the F-150?
The 2025 Ford F-150 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 9,581 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.