On August 20, 2026, while driving my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete, and catastrophic loss of propulsion. The truck stopped abruptly while in motion on an active roadway. This immediate loss of power created an extremely hazardous situation, exposing myself, my passengers, and oncoming traffic to an immediate risk of a collision. The vehicle was towed directly to Williams Ford of Binghamton (Vestal, NY), where technicians diagnosed the issue as a major component failure tied to an outstanding manufacturer safety recall. Ford recall 24S12 Positive HV battery junction box. The vehicle has been grounded at the dealership for over a week awaiting replacement safety parts from the manufacturer. This unexpected, abrupt stop constitutes a severe safety risk that renders the vehicle dangerous to operate on public roads.
Ford F-150 Lightning Bev loss of power problems
18 of the 246 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 Lightning Bev describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2023 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2023
By model year
Often reported together
Trouble codes mentioned
P0534 1
What owners say
I own a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, with 48,200 miles and 2.5 years of ownership. Recently, my truck began displaying a “Powertrain / Reduced Power” warning while driving, and the air conditioning stopped producing cold air. The dealer scanned the vehicle and found DTC P0534 – A/C System Charge Loss. Further diagnostics indicated that multiple vehicle modules may require reprogramming and software updates. The dealer stated they need to evacuate and recharge the AC system, add dye, and remove front trunk components to locate the leak. This AC system is part of the high-voltage battery and eDrive thermal management system, meaning that failure of the HVAC system affects battery cooling and powertrain performance. Loss of cabin cooling is a symptom of a thermal system malfunction, which can lead to battery overheating, powertrain derating, and reduced driving performance. The combination of unexpected reduced power and loss of cabin cooling creates a safety risk, particularly during highway driving, merging, or situations requiring acceleration. These failures occurred at relatively low mileage and are associated with the high-voltage EV system, which should be functioning properly to ensure safe vehicle operation. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect with the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning affecting the battery thermal management, high-voltage AC system, and eDrive components, which can result in sudden power loss and compromised vehicle safety.
Gear Shifter stuck in D with amber light blinking constantly. At the same time, the Amber Wrench symbol appeared on the dash, with "Service vehicle soon" warning message. This indicates a Powertrain malfunction/Reduced Power issue. Vehicle towed to nearest Ford dealer (Scenic Ford, Mount Airy, NC) with about 225 miles on odometer. I purchased this new '24 Lightning Lariat [XXX] online, and picked it up at Sheehy Ford in Gaithersburg, MD [XXX], with 47 miles on odometer. The above issues occurred [XXX] as I was driving the vehicle home from Maryland to my home in Georgia. These problems occurred the same day I drove the new vehicle off the dealer lot. Additionally, the Gear Shifter has never folded down as its meant to fold down, enabling a flat work surface between the two front seats. This situation was present at Sheehy Ford when I picked it up brand new on [XXX]. I have an appointment at my local dealer, Akins Ford, Winder, GA, May 14, 2025 at 10am to have these issues assessed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving into the office today I was stopped at a stoplight. When it turned green I started to accelerate when a error came up on the screen saying the vehicle needed to be serviced immediately and the vehicle reduced power (<15 mph) in the middle of a busy road with a speed limit of 55 mph. In the FordPass App I got a message saying "Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power" What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Powertrain How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, I was unable to go faster then 15 mph in a 55 mph zone while trying to move the vehicle to the side of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There are over 600 incidents reported of this problem by other F150 Lightning Owners in [XXX] that are compiled in the attached spreadsheet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps/messages were on before the failure happened. I bought the pickup used last Friday and the problem happened today for the first time after putting more then 500 miles on it this week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
“Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power” error message with accompanied vehicle propulsion reduction to approximately 5 mph.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving after a cold start or after stopping at a traffic light, whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the "Wrench Symbol” was illuminated and the message "Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power - Contact Dealer" was displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the gear shift module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Manufacturer Communications: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) High Voltage Battery Module Replacement Program Number: 23H01 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 2,300.
While driving at high way speeds, a fault in the drive train was detected and reduced power to the electric motors, reducing our speed to only 5 MPH.
While driving on interstate (I-95) truck lost power and stopped in lane of traffic. Car displayed the following messages "Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power" and "High-Voltage Battery Warning" (see attached from Ford App). After turning truck off and on a few time and waiting several minutes it drove again, but displayed same messages. Tuck was serviced at dealership on 4/16/20204 before this event to get recalls and software updates made.
While driving on a wet road, a "frunk" open warning appeared to which I got out of the vehicle, opened the frunk and closed and it the warning went away. As I pulled away at about 25mph several warnings appeared and the vehicle lost power and shut off while on the road in a driving lane. Braking ability was greatly reduced and the vehicle continued to roll downhill with zero power, no lights worked, windows did not open then the vehicle suddenly shifted into park and came to a violent stop. I was stuck in the lane of a major roadway in the rain/fog with no lights, no hazard lights and the truck had zero power. A messaged was displayed on the infotainment screen of the vehicle which said "vehicle network communication error". Due to concern of my own safety, i exited the vehicle and stood on the side of the road as not to get rear ended.
Jan 9, 2024 Aprox 465 miles Powertrain malfunction/ reduced power (15 miles per hour) Vehicle was on the dealer shop for 8 days...at the time of returm 9f the car they told me that the issue was fixed
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Ford F-150 Lightning Bev loss of power
Which Ford F-150 Lightning Bev years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2023 (9 complaints), 2022 (8 complaints) and 2024 (1 complaints).
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