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9.8

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
475 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #30

Dec 192023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When it-??s below freezing, I am experiencing a loud humming/rumbling noise while driving. It last for a mile or two then stop. I haven't drove the vehicle much in fear or damaging anything. There are 2 other vehicle in my area experiencing?the same issue & they have the same vehicle. I've been to dealer, they werent able to duplicate the issue but informed me a sales advisor there with the same truck is also having this issue but havent found a fix as it continues to happen. There are many compliants and videos online regarding this issue. Ford need to open an inverstigation into this issue and provide a recall/remedy.

- Gratz, PA, USA

problem #29

Nov 012023

F-150 Lightning

  • 4,500 miles
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squealing sound was coming from the front driver-??s side tire. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure normally occurred while the temperature was below freezing. The vehicle would resume normal operation after switching back and forth from 2WD to 4WD. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it remained for a month. The dealer later informed the contact that the defect was related to the IWE (Integrated Wheel End) that had failed to operate as needed. The contact was informed that there was no repair for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #28

Oct 022023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
There was a grinding noise coming from the front end. I took it to the shop and they told me it was the IWE, so they replaced it. 3 days later the same noise returned. They again told me the same part needed to be replaced and that it must have been a faulty part. Waited for 6 weeks to get the new part in then another 2 to get an appointment. They replaced it and then called me and said that it was still making the noise so that wasn't the issue. 4 wheel drive has never worked on the vehicle. Searching forums shows that many people have had the same issue.

- Loveland, CO, USA

problem #27

Jan 162024

F-150 Lightning

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rumbling vibration in the front end when driving in temps below 30 degrees F. Appears to start and stop intermittently. Searching F150 owner forums reveals numerous other owners experiencing the same issue.

- Queen Anne, MD, USA

problem #26

Dec 162023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
The truck has a grinding noise in the front end that goes way after switching it into 4WD and then back to 2WD. The is also a smell of metal heating up. I took it to a Ford dealer to have it fixed. The dealer said it was a bad IWE and parts were on backorder. Once they came in I took the truck back to the dealer to have it repaired and they advised me that Ford had put a halt on them repairing the IWE.

- Highland, MI, USA

problem #25

Nov 042023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
The issue occurs any time when the temperature is approx 32 degrees F or below. After starting up the vehicle and driving for 2 miles a loud grinding/rumble sound occurs and last from 10-120 seconds. The sound eventually goes away on its own but it sounds as if there are parts rubbing or grinding together. The noise is below the drivers seat. I've taken it to the dealer after the first episode however the temperature was not under 32F when they inspected the vehicle. There are no warnings when this sound occurs and to date this has not been a safety issue but it has only occurred 6-7 times since I've owned the vehicle(have not had many days that I've drove it when temperature below 32F) and I worried if this continues there will be a failure.

- Galena, OH, USA

problem #24

Jan 042024

F-150 Lightning

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Problem affecting my 2023 f-150 along with many other owners who have 4wd and are in cold climates. See [XXX] for more. This pertains to the Electronic integrated wheel end (EIWE). In cold weather, vehicle begins to actuate the EIWE causing a grinding writhing the hub of the F-150. This grinding takes place while driving in 2H, or can be replicated by shifting from 4H back to 2H. The truck will then make the grinding noise for about 15 to 30 seconds. Ford has no fix at this time but a recall must take place to fix this faulty system! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Port Washington, NY, USA

problem #23

Jan 122024

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
The front transfer case or wheel ends will grind causing vibration and an audible growl when the outside temperature is below 32 degrees and driven first thing in the morning before the internal components have had a chance to come up to normal operating temperature. I suspect the hubs are either not fully engaging or disengaging and thus causing the grinding. This happens regularly in the AM and will last for 30sec to 2 minutes unless you press the 4 wheel high button. This is a saftey concern due to the fact that components are being prematurely worn and at risk of sudden failure resulting in the inability of operation. No error codes or warning lights.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #22

Dec 182023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
Whenever temperatures are below freezing, the TCCM engages the front IWE system and hubs to warm up for the first 2 miles of driving. However, when the system disengages, the hubs are not fully disengaging from the IWE shaft and a loud grinding noise happens. I have taken my vehicle to the Ford dealer and they gave a contradictory answer by saying that it was a -??issue, -?? but that it was -??operating normally.-?? It is definitely not normal and they know it is a defective system that is damaging the drive system on a brand new vehicle with less than 800 miles on it.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

problem #21

Dec 012023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
while driving in gears between 8-10 I experienced a loss of power (Possible mis-firing) while at speed between 50-60 miles per hour. This occurs every time the vehicle is driven.

- Aledo, TX, USA

problem #20

Nov 222023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Loud vibration while driving, similar to passing over a rumble strip, believed to originate from IWES operating in colder weather. Fear of damage from grinding parts effecting operation of 4WD system.

- Windsor, CO, USA

problem #19

Nov 072023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
Truck will randomly start making rumble strip or like you have knobby tires noise from front end. You can put it in 4 high and back 2wd an it goes away.this has happened at different speed and differs temp.

- Hazard , KY, USA

problem #18

Dec 122023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
Loud humming noise coming from the driver side front end. It comes on randomly when temps are below freezing. It is something near the wheel such, likely the IWE as it grows higher pitch at higher speeds and lower at lower at lower speeds. When you hit the button to go from 2H to 4H or switching to 4 wheel drive, the humming goes away. Switching back to 2 wheel drive and it comes back sometimes. I see a lot of posts online with others having the same similar issue. This is on a 2023 xlt f150 with the 2.7 liter ecoboost. I contacted the dealer and they are aware of the issue but have not heard of any solutions from Ford. It does not appear to be a formal recall issue yet, but my guess is that it is something that should be recalled. This noise is fairly loud, I can send a recording of it. It also makes the steering wheel shake a little bit with it happening, fairly minor, but obviously not good. Sounds like they need a redesign on the electronic IWE.

- Woodbury, MN, USA

problem #17

Nov 022023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
EIWE (Electronic Integrated Wheel End) failure or malfunction. Ford has multiple Field Service Engineers aware of the issue with no fix found. Multiple vehicles not only at one dealership but across the country have confirmed issues. Ford Customer Relations is aware and has an open case with me and many other owners. As requested for Ford case manager, the vehicle is currently going back for a third time to the dealership for something "they can't currently fix".

- Charlotte, VT, USA

problem #16

Aug 252023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
Significant clunking in the transmission, purchased this 2023 brand new. Ford dealer tells me this is normal but it feels like this truck is going to break down at any moment. Disruptive shifting all over this place, very sloppy. I am also getting excessive exhaust smoke from the tailpipe, almost looks like the truck is on fire every morning when I start it up. Smells awful too. Dealer again states all of this is -??normal-??. Not sure what Ford is compensating dealers with but they are going to have a real issue here soon with upset customers if they keep producing trucks like this.

- Red Lion, PA, USA

problem #15

Oct 132023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
This is my second F150 that has had severe vibration through the floorboard, steering wheel and gas pedal. The last one the torque converter and steering failed. Both trucks were brand new. This is a serious safety issue. My foot goes numb after about 15 minutes of driving from the constant vibration. Ford acts as this is normal, but this issue has been well documented in the Ford community. There have thousands of similar reports made to Ford Motor Co.

- Allen, TX, USA

problem #14

Oct 162023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
At times will go out to start truck after it has been running for a while and will not start. Push start button and will not do anything. I had to wait for a least 2 hours before it would start again. I have read on internet that this has happened to several people. It could be very dangerous at night if this happened in some places. This problem doesn't happen very often but does happen. The truck acts like a dead battery this is the Power Boost model. I was told per dealer let it sit for a while and should start.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #13

Sep 092023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
1. My 2023 Ford F-150 Powerboost Hybrid is receiving the Stop Safely Now message. The vehicle has failed to start on a few occasions. 2. The vehicle not starting left me in a position where the vehicle was inoperable. This is a safety concern because is would put me or my family in potential danger from the elements, inability to receive health care and potential danger from individuals of I-??ll intent. 3. Yes. 4. Unknown. 5. Unknown. Although I received low voltage messages, I had no idea what that meant. The Ford app simply told me to drive the vehicle to charge the battery. I drive the truck daily.

- Calhoun, KY, USA

problem #12

Sep 212023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
My truck is less than 1 month old and less than 1,000 miles. On two separate occasions, when attempting to start the ignition the engine will not start. A "Stop Safely Now" message appears on the dashboard, and the truck will power on the accessories only. Now matter how many attempts to turn on the ignition, the truck will not turn on. This leaves you completely stranded wherever you are. You do not know when this SSN message will occur, and can be a serious safety issue if being left stranded somewhere. There were no messages, codes, or other issues reported from the truck prior to this. The battery was checked and is sufficient. This is a problem with the powerboost hybrid engine in the Ford F150.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #11

Aug 222023

F-150 Lightning

  • miles
-?? power train malfunction / reduced power -?? dealer sees the same problem / issue -?? I did get a "wrench" icon on my dashboard and a power train malfunction notice on my ford pass app

- Emerson , GA, USA

Read the next 10 complaints »

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