Recall 23V207 covers 148 2019-2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-86, FE4-86, FT3-43, and FE4-129 vehicles. Battery-pack repair will be free once available.
Lightning Emotors is recalling 148 2019-2022 FT3-86, FE4-86, FT3-43, and FE4-129 vehicles because the battery packs have defective structural welds and an internal radiator leak that can cause battery failure. Battery failure can cause loss of drive power and increase fire risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Lightning Emotors makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2019-2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-86, FE4-86, FT3-43, and FE4-129 vehicles use an eMatrix traction battery pack. That pack stores the high-voltage energy that powers the electric drive system. Inside the pack, a support structure holds battery components in place, and an internal radiator helps manage battery temperature with coolant.
On these vehicles, the battery packs have defective structural welds, and the internal radiator can leak. Weak welds let the support structure fail under normal vehicle loads. A coolant leak inside the pack can disturb electrical isolation and create cell imbalances, which can lead to battery failure.
Lightning Emotors identified the issue in vehicles equipped with eMatrix battery packs. Vehicles with Proterra or Romeo battery packs are not included in this recall.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner information lists no symptom for the driver to watch for before the battery pack fails.
Who's affected?
Spans FT3 and FE4 configurations across the 2019-2022 model years, all tied to the high-voltage traction battery.
| 2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-86 | high-voltage traction battery |
|---|---|
| 2020 Lightning Emotors FE4-86 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2020 Lightning Emotors FT3-43 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2020 Lightning Emotors FT3-86 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2020 Lightning Emotors FE4-129 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2019 Lightning Emotors FT3-86 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2019 Lightning Emotors FE4-129 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2021 Lightning Emotors FT3-86 | high-voltage traction battery |
| 2021 Lightning Emotors FE4-129 | high-voltage traction battery |
| Units affected | 148 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. It can also increase the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so drive cautiously and arrange service once the repair is open. Repair will be free at any franchised Lightning Emotors dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-86, FE4-86, FT3-43, or FE4-129 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Lightning Emotors repair instructions before scheduling the free battery-pack replacement.
- Call Lightning Emotors customer service at 1-970-744-7241 with questions, and reference recall number 23V207 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair opens; battery failure can cause loss of drive power and fire risk.
- Ask Lightning Emotors how to handle the vehicle if it loses drive power before the battery-pack replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
Once the final repair is available, a Lightning Emotors technician will replace the battery pack covered by recall 23V207. The source remedy identifies a full battery-pack replacement, not a software update or inspection-only repair. Parts and labor will be free under the recall once Lightning Emotors opens the repair path. If you already paid for a battery-pack repair tied to this defect, contact Lightning customer service and ask how to submit documentation under its general reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 7, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 28, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 28, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 31, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 2, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V207?
Recall 23V207 covers 148 2019-2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-86, FE4-86, FT3-43, and FE4-129 vehicles with battery packs that have defective structural welds and an internal radiator leak risk. Battery failure can cause loss of drive power or fire risk. Lightning will replace the battery pack for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-86, FE4-86, FT3-43, or FE4-129 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V207. If it is, contact Lightning Emotors customer service at 1-970-744-7241 and ask for the battery-pack replacement path. Reference recall number 23V207 and Lightning recall number 2023-001 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Lightning will replace the affected battery pack free of charge once the repair path is open for your vehicle.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power or fire from battery failure. The recalled battery packs have defective structural welds and an internal radiator leak risk. If your VIN is included, follow Lightning Emotors repair instructions and ask whether the vehicle needs special handling before it moves.
When were owners notified about recall 23V207?
Lightning mailed owner notification letters on May 31, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then contact Lightning Emotors customer service and reference recall 23V207.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V207000 |
|---|---|
| Lightning Emotors customer service | 1-970-744-7241 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V207 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V207000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →