Recall 23V168 affects 18 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV trucks for a high-voltage battery short circuit. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 18 2023 F-150 Lightning BEV pickup trucks because the high-voltage battery pack can short-circuit when the battery is fully charged or near fully charged. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The high-voltage battery array in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV stores the electricity that powers the truck's propulsion system. It is made of battery cells packed together inside a protected case. Each cell depends on its internal positive and negative materials staying separated while the pack charges and sends power to the drive system.
On affected trucks, supplier production process deviations left the cathode aluminum tabs, which are conductive pieces inside the cell, able to contact the anode electrode material on the opposite side. When the battery is fully charged or close to fully charged, that contact can create an internal short circuit. The problem starts inside the battery cell, so heat builds inside the pack instead of at an outside cable or connector.
Ford lists smoke or heat from the high-voltage battery pack as the warning sign. That heat can melt or damage the battery pack and nearby vehicle components.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV | high-voltage traction battery |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 18 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit in the high voltage battery pack increases the risk of a fire. Smoke or heat from the pack means the battery and nearby components are at risk of damage. If you notice either sign, park safely and call a Ford dealer for instructions. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free high-voltage battery-pack replacement that addresses the short-circuit fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V168 when you call.
- Avoid charging the battery to full or near full until the dealer repair is complete.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if the dealer cannot confirm parts or scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the high-voltage battery pack covered by recall 23V168. The replacement pack and labor are free under the recall. Ford's general reimbursement plan covers eligible owner-paid remedy costs before the recall notice, with eligibility ending April 14, 2023. Bring repair invoices or payment records to the Ford service desk, or contact Ford customer service, to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 15, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 15, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 27, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 31, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 7, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V168?
Recall 23V168 covers 18 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV pickups with a high-voltage battery pack that can short-circuit when fully charged or near fully charged. Ford dealers will replace the high-voltage battery pack for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 23V168. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the high-voltage battery pack replacement. Reference Ford recall number 23S15 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will replace the high-voltage battery pack free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Ford reported that the high-voltage battery pack can experience an electrical short-circuit when the battery is fully charged or near fully charged, which increases fire risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
When were owners notified about recall 23V168?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on March 31, 2023. If you bought the truck used or did not receive a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 23S15.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V168000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V168 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V168000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →