Recall 23V678 covers 239 2021-2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-40, FT3-80, and FT3-120 vehicles. Warning lights fail startup checks. Software update is free.
Lightning Emotors is recalling 239 2021-2023 FT3-40, FT3-80, and FT3-120 vehicles because an instrument-cluster defect affects the Brake, Park, and ABS warning-light check at startup. Without those startup indicators, a driver is not properly warned of brake or system failures, increasing crash risk; Lightning Emotors dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The instrument cluster in these 2021-2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-40, FT3-80, and FT3-120 vehicles is the display panel the operator checks before driving. It shows brake system indicators, including the Brake, Park, and ABS lights, during the lamp check when the ignition is turned to the on position. That check confirms the lights can illuminate before the vehicle is put in service.
On affected vehicles, a software update changed the lamp-check function. The cluster does not activate those Brake, Park, and ABS indicators during startup, even though the lights are part of the brake warning system. This is a compliance problem because the operator loses that quick confirmation that the brake warning indicators are working.
The warning sign is visible at startup. The operator can see that the Brake, Park, and ABS indicator lamps do not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the on position during the bulb check sequence.
Who's affected?
Covers the FT3-40, FT3-80, and FT3-120 across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the instrument panel.
| 2021 Lightning Emotors FT3-40 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-40 | instrument panel |
| 2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-80 | instrument panel |
| 2021 Lightning Emotors FT3-80 | instrument panel |
| 2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-80 | instrument panel |
| 2022 Lightning Emotors FT3-120 | instrument panel |
| 2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-120 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 239 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the indicator warning lights do not illuminate during startup, the driver loses an early alert that another vehicle system has failed. During the ignition bulb check, lamps that stay dark are a warning sign to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lightning Emotors dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-40, FT3-80, or FT3-120 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lightning Emotors dealer to schedule the free instrument-cluster software update that restores the Brake, Park, and ABS warning-light startup check.
- Bring the recall notice if you have one, or reference recall number 23V678 when you call.
- Watch the instrument cluster when you turn the ignition to the on position and report missing Brake, Park, or ABS indicator lights when scheduling service.
- Call Lightning Emotors customer service at 1-970-744-7241 with questions about the recall or the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lightning Emotors technician updates the instrument cluster software so the Brake, Park, and ABS warning lights activate during the ignition light function check. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Lightning Emotors has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before the recall notice. Bring repair documentation to the service desk or contact Lightning Emotors customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 9, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 1, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| December 1, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 1, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V678?
Recall 23V678 covers 239 2021-2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-40, FT3-80, and FT3-120 vehicles with an instrument cluster software issue. The Brake, Park, and ABS warning lights fail to illuminate during the startup light check. Dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Lightning Emotors FT3-40, FT3-80, or FT3-120 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V678. If it is, contact a franchised Lightning Emotors dealer to schedule the instrument cluster software update. Reference recall number 23V678 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 Lightning Emotors dealers will update the affected instrument cluster software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 23V678.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is missed warning information at startup. If the Brake, Park, or ABS indicator lights do not illuminate during the light check, the driver is not properly alerted to system failures, increasing crash risk. The dealer software update fixes the indicator-light function.
What if I bought my Lightning Emotors vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your FT3-40, FT3-80, or FT3-120 is included, then contact a franchised Lightning Emotors dealer and reference recall number 23V678.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V678000 |
|---|---|
| Lightning Emotors customer service | 1-970-744-7241 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V678 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V678000 |
Source documents
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 →