Ford has both a success and a problem on its hands. The Detroit-based automaker builds the best-selling electric pickup, the Ford F-150 Lightning. It also leads the nation in a more dubious metric – quality issues. The automaker leads the industry in recalls.
Those two trends have collided. The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford has delayed all dealer orders for new 2023 F-150 Lightning pickups while conducting “additional quality checks” to ensure trucks rolling out the factory door won’t return for repairs.
Lightning trucks ordered by customers will still be delivered on time. But dealers won’t get more trucks to sell until the automaker completes a new round of quality inspections.
An Award-Winning Truck
The Lightning has a giant sales lead in the nascent electric pickup category. It won our Best Buy Award among electric trucks for 2023 and is the reigning 5-Year Cost to Own champion among electric trucks.
Extended-range models are pricey, but our test drivers have found the Lightning capable, comfortable, and a conversation starter. Try putting your purchases in the frunk at a hardware store without a stranger coming up to you to express amazement.
But competition is coming fast. Rivian just had a record quarter delivering its R1T pickup. The Chevrolet Silverado EV should reach customer driveways next summer. GMC’s Sierra EV will follow. And Tesla looks close to successfully producing its future-punk Cybertruck after years of delays.
But Ford Leads in Recalls, Too
Meanwhile, Ford fights persistent quality issues. The automaker had more recalls than any other builder last year (though to be fair, Tesla had the most per car sold). Ford is on pace to repeat the feat this year, with 44 so far to Chrysler’s 38.
The Lightning has been recalled at least three times in its short life, though none of the recalls applied to every Lightning built. Ford has called EV trucks back over battery fires, inoperative lights, and balky tire pressure monitoring systems.
Ford is preparing to change over to the 2024 Lightning – not a significant truck redesign, but a year with minor improvements. Next year, for example, the system that provides power to tools and accessories in the field will work with the truck’s main power switched off.
We’re unaware that the Lightning faces more quality problems than other models. But Ford spokesperson Marty Günsberg told the Free Press the automaker has “identified a couple of additional areas where we believe additional checks are necessary as we ramp up production.”
Dealer Orders, Not Customer Orders Affected
So, the company has canceled dealer orders for the 2023 Lightning. Those ordered by customers will still be delivered on time. But those headed to dealership lots are on hold for additional inspections. A Ford spokesperson clarified that dealers will ultimately receive 2023 trucks after they’ve been through additional quality checks, though they can order 2024 versions starting today.
