Considering a used Lightning - what to avoid?

[jnthn98]

Hi,

First post here. I am considering trading in my Mach-E for an used Lightning. Is there any major or common problems that I should look out for while shopping? For example, Mach-E have the dreadful HVBJB issue or common front-camera faults. Anything for the Lightning? Is 2022 (first year model) more buggy?

Thanks!
Jon

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[Henry Ford]

2022 is the best vintage of Lightning. Starting in 2023 there were feature deletes and it was further decontented in 2024. The downside to a 2022 is it's a little closer to the end of the warranty if that's important to you.

 

[Tropical Jack]

But 2024 brought the heat pump.

For me, this seems major.

 

[TaxmanHog]

dreadful HVBJB issue

We have not seen that as a major defect with Lightning F150's , there have been a couple but not an unusual number beyond normal 1 in 50,000 defect expectations.

 

[MountainAlive]

If I had to buy used now I’d probably consider looking at a 2022 Platinum and would find a good EV tech to check it out for me before I buy it.

 

[RickLightning]

It is very clear that the Mach-E's HVBJB is underdesigned, and the Lightning's is not. 2024 Mach-Es, with the newest HVBJB, fail. I cannot recall any posts anywhere on the Lightning having the same issue.

The 2022 Lightnings had battery packet issues for some production dates. Mach-Es didn't really.

Anyone considering a used or new Lightning should spend time READING THE FORUM. It's all there.

 

[RocketGhost]

There are some problems we see multiple people run into, but nothing that would cause me to avoid the truck or any particular model or trim or to "look out for" (inspect) when looking at a particular truck.

There are a lot of used buybacks on the market, so check the title and Carfax (some lemon buybacks don't show up on the title but Carfax picks it up). Many were bought back due to parts shortages at the time or because the dealer wasn't competent enough to fix it, and a few were because they really were lemons.

Mine is a 22 early build. It was one of the first batch Ford sent to dealers as a demo. It's been trouble-free (knock on wood) in the 10 months and 10k miles I've had it. I don't believe the Lightning has "first year problems" to worry about. Some early issues were readily addressed by recalls.

As mentioned really the only difference between model years is content and features.

If you get one that's nearing the end of warranty and that's a concern get a Ford Protect Premiumcare extended warranty. That's what I'm going to do since mine was a demo that sat for almost two years so it only had a year left of bumper to bumper warranty when I got it.

 

[cal]

But 2024 brought the heat pump.

For me, this seems major.

So far it‘s not a game changer. No significant increase in winter driving range.

Older years have more options that got deleted/charged for in later years. My used 2022 Lariat (bought in 23) came with heated steering wheel, wall charger, mobil charger, onboard scalesw/smart hitch, trailer brake controller and an extnd range battery. Due to parts shortage heated steering wheels became unavailable in 2024. Took awhile for it to come back. I laughed when I saw people buying new Lightning Pros, XLT's, Flash's for more $ than a older used higher level trim. The older Platimums are especially good buys (not so much for the sellers).

The new ones do come with complimentary wall chargers with installation! I've never installed mine so for me that is a mute issue.

 

[WilliamRobert]

I think you will really like the Lightning, it doesn’t ride like a truck, it rides like a Lincoln and it is quicker that the Mach-e!

My 22 came with a mobile evse and the 48 amp hardwired evse. If these aren’t with the truck make them take it off the price.

The air damn in the front is very low check it for zip ties and curb damage!

 

[Piquette]

I am in a love/hate relationship with a ‘22 Lightning Lariat ER. I love the way the truck drives and that there were no deletes on my early ‘22. I hate that I have had to have two battery modules replaced in 23k miles, and each time the truck has had to be in the shop for 14-17 days. If you read through the threads on this site you will see this is a common problem on the ‘22s and some 23s.

 

[cal]

Not sure how common. Forums have been long famous for over promoting problems. Mine has been flawless. Except for the customer recall champagnes! 17k miles.

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