Tailgate light leaking after recall

[jimhlee]

Hi everyone, I'm in the midst of filing to NHTSA and also writing to Ford.
I think with so many of these cases, I've had 3 instances myself and about to come off warranty and don't want to go through the ordeal again. I'm hoping with enough pressure, we can push for another recall, Ford extending the repairs past warranty, or even working towards a permanent fix. Worse case Lemon Law.

Here is a link to use for NHTSA.

Feel free to use the template below so that you can also send a letter to Ford.

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Date]

Ford Motor Company

[Ford's Address - You can find this on their website or in your owner's manual]

Subject: Formal Notification of Ongoing Defect and Demand for Remedy - [Your Vehicle's VIN] - [Year] Ford F-150 Lightning

Dear Ford Motor Company,

This letter serves as formal notification of a persistent and unresolvable defect in my [Year] Ford F-150 Lightning, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [Your Vehicle's VIN]. The defect concerns the tailgate light, which continues to leak water despite multiple repair attempts.

I purchased/leased this vehicle on [Date of Purchase/Lease] from [Dealership Name] in [Dealership Location]. The vehicle is currently under the original manufacturer's warranty.

The tailgate light has exhibited a recurring issue of water intrusion, leading to [Describe the problems, e.g., condensation, malfunction, potential for electrical damage]. This problem significantly impairs the vehicle's [Mention how it impairs the vehicle, e.g., value, safety, use].

The following repair attempts have been made to address this defect:

1. [Date of First Repair]: [Dealership Name] performed [Description of repair].
2. [Date of Second Repair]: [Dealership Name] performed [Description of repair].
3. [Date of Third Repair]: [Dealership Name] performed [Description of repair]. (This repair was performed under Recall Reference Number: 23S30)

Despite these attempts, the defect persists.

I have also become aware that numerous other Ford F-150 Lightning owners across the country are experiencing the same or a similar tailgate light issue. This is evidenced by [Cite your sources, e.g., "discussions on the Ford Lightning Owners Forum," "complaints filed with the NHTSA (cite specific complaint numbers or links)," "reports on social media platforms such as [Platform]"]. This widespread problem indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect that Ford has failed to adequately address.

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Lemon Law), I am entitled to a remedy for this ongoing defect. I demand that Ford Motor Company [State your desired remedy clearly, e.g., "repurchase my vehicle," "replace my vehicle with a comparable new F-150 Lightning that is free of defects," or "provide a permanent repair solution at no cost to me"].

I request a written response to this demand within [Number] days (e.g., 10 days) outlining the steps Ford Motor Company will take to resolve this matter.

Please be advised that I have retained all documentation related to this issue, including repair orders, service records, and evidence of other owners experiencing the same problem. I am prepared to pursue all available legal options, including arbitration and litigation, to protect my rights under California law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sponsored

 

[Pitbull2o08]

This happened to me, I posted here back in feb. I had like 100 miles until warranty was up and that’s what covered it and made me buy the ESP.

 

[kalalp]

Mine stopped working completely. Full of water-condensation. Was going to take it in today but if it isn't under warranty, why? Mine was replaced a year ago. And I'm still under the 36k warranty.

 

[luebri]

Mine stopped working completely. Full of water-condensation. Was going to take it in today but if it isn't under warranty, why? Mine was replaced a year ago. And I'm still under the 36k warranty.

If under 36k warranty I do not believe there is any debate. It should be covered no questions asked.

 

[jimhlee]

The challenge is, when it breaks again and warranty status. We shouldn't have to be liable for repeated repairs for the same issue when happening by multitudes of people.

I sent my letter via mail and also via text on their Facebook profile. I got a response this morning and a case number assigned. I've also filed to nhtsa.

Let's be vigilant together.

 

[luebri]

Let's be vigilant together.

Totally agree, strength in numbers. At some point everyone is going to be "out of warranty" and sure as hell dont want this to be a perpetual liability and expense moving forward due to an obvious flaw. We need to collectively hold @Ford Motor Company accountable that this Light Bar issue does not seem to be resolved by the Recall they issued previously and we expect further resolution on the matter.

 

[Safari338]

So my truck is “out of warranty “ tail light was recall replaced just over a year ago. Now it’s leaking. Could have been leaking the while time, it doesn’t rain much here. Ford will not step up after speaking with multiple customer service people. Bottom line…. I’m now on the hook for just over $1,700.00. Fir the replacement

completely rediculous!!!

 

[jimhlee]

Was customer service from the Ford factory or the dealership? Did you try my demand letter?

They've gotten back to me end we're on a path forward.

 

[abcut973]

I don't know how long it takes to have the part shipped to the dealership but it has been almost 3 weeks since I inquired about a replacement and dealer is saying they haven't received it yet!
Those of you who got it replaced have you experienced the same delay/slow response?

 

[luebri]

I don't know how long it takes to have the part shipped to the dealership but it has been almost 3 weeks since I inquired about a replacement and dealer is saying they haven't received it yet!
Those of you who got it replaced have you experienced the same delay/slow response?

No, I have not. I got mine fixed a few weeks ago and they had the part in less than a week after I stopped for the water inspection/documentation so they could get the part ordered

 

[Safari338]

I was dealing with Ford customer service directly. Very unhelpful. I’ll try the demand letter but I’m only on my second tail light I’ll sure I’ll be back here again as these things appear to be completely defective.

 

[luebri]

From my standpoint that is part of the reason this thread should be merged with the original so we can at least reference that to point out the gravity of the known issue to @Ford Motor Company.

Perpetually replacing these things at $1500 or more is not going to sit well. Especially because it is a completely superfluous design only for the Lariat and Platinum lightning. I would take the XLT tailgate in a heartbeat so as not to have to deal with this in the future.

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/water-in-rear-light-bar.13176/

I’ll sure I’ll be back here again as these things appear to be completely defective.

 

[jimfigler]

The Ford Extra Care plans have an extra you can purchase called “Light coverage”, or something like that. It was an extra $70. I don’t know the details of what that actually covers or if it can be added later.

Someone reported in a FB group they were denied on extended warranty with the light option as they were told it wasnt a light.

 

[luebri]

Someone reported in a FB group they were denied on extended warranty with the light option as they were told it wasnt a light.

The light bar isn't a light. Got it. Makes sense.

 

[Peddyr]

@Ford Motor Company this is around the time you should step in here and say you'll research this and come back to us with an answer. Otherwise, what is the sense of having you on here?!!?

Sponsored