How many brake complaints does the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning have?

NHTSA records 15 brake-related complaints for the 2023 F-150 Lightning, which is 14% of the 109 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for brake problems on the 2023 F-150 Lightning?

Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls, campaign 25V313000 and campaign 23V801000, both involving SYNC software that may fail to activate the electronic stability control system.

Have the brake issues caused any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 4 crashes associated with the 15 brake complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?

The median reported mileage at failure across complaints in this area is 1,170 miles.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 15 brake-related complaints for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, 14% of its 109 total complaints for the year. Four crashes are tied to these reports, and two related recalls (25V313000 and 23V801000) address an ESC software issue affecting brakes.

Brakes complaints: 15; 14% of 109
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 1,170 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

One-pedal braking sometimes fails to re-engage when shifting from reverse to drive, letting the truck roll backward several feet.
Drivers report sudden, unexpected loss of regenerative braking force when the vehicle switches out of Sport mode on its own, requiring extra manual braking input.
Some owners describe a full brake failure event, including one report of brakes not working after a downhill freeway exit and another after a lightning strike caused total electrical loss.
The parking brake has engaged on its own while the truck was stopped, occurring multiple times a day in one case.
The collision avoidance system has triggered hard, unexpected braking on the highway, which one owner said nearly caused a rear-end collision.
A dash warning system failure combined with a complete loss of power steering and brake assist left one vehicle undriveable at 45 mph.

When 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning brake complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 25, 2023, latest Jun 19, 2026.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2023 to Jun 2026; peak Jun 2026 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

NHTSA 25V313000May 9, 2025Brakes6 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V801. The SYNC software may fail to activate the electronic stability control (ESC) system at the beginning of each ignition cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C15.
NHTSA 23V801000Nov 28, 2023Brakes5,118 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electronic stability control (esc)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles. The SYNC software may fail to activate the electronic stability control (ESC) system at the beginning of each ignition cycle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Failure to reset the ESC to active may result in the driver unknowingly operating the vehicle without electronic stability control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C38.

Brakes complaints by F-150 Lightning model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20222 (2%)
202315 (14%)
20247 (23%)
20253 (38%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning have?: NHTSA records 15 brake-related complaints for the 2023 F-150 Lightning, which is 14% of the 109 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for brake problems on the 2023 F-150 Lightning?: Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls, campaign 25V313000 and campaign 23V801000, both involving SYNC software that may fail to activate the electronic stability control system.
Have the brake issues caused any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 4 crashes associated with the 15 brake complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?: The median reported mileage at failure across complaints in this area is 1,170 miles.