52 of the
9,504 complaints filed about the Ford F-250 SD
are about the lighting —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
For years FORD vehicles, especially pickup trucks, have blinded drivers with their improperly adjusted headlights; because FORD gives incorrect instructions to adjust them. I refer to page 474 of the 2025 Superduty owners manual as evidence. The instructions FORD gives are to set the low-beam LEVEL, shinning the beam onto a vertical surface 25 feet from the vehicle with the beam at the same height as the headlight on the truck. This is incorrect. There should be at least a 3 inch drop of the low-beam at 25 feet. If there is no drop of the tall truck's headlight (the F-250 stock ride height of the headlight is 44 inches above the ground) it will always blind other drivers of cars/sedans--especially via the outside mirrors. This problem has become acute now that the extra bright LED headlights are becoming the norm; making two-lane roads on a rainy night a truly blinding experience. Please require FORD to correct their dangerous mistake.
NHTSA complaint #11746408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty Component: Door latch / door ajar sensor system This complaint concerns a latent manufacturing defect involving the door latch / door ajar sensor system on a 2022 Ford F-250. The defect causes the vehicle to falsely indicate that doors are open when they are fully closed, triggering alarms and safety warnings and impairing normal vehicle operation. This failure was detectable during the warranty period and manifested shortly after expiration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty, consistent with a latent defect rather than wear or maintenance. The same defect has occurred on multiple Ford vehicles purchased by the same family, including an identical repair performed on another Ford truck for the same door latch sensor failure. This demonstrates a patterned manufacturing issue, not an isolated incident. Numerous owner reports document this same failure mode on 2022 Ford F-250 vehicles, frequently occurring immediately following warranty expiration. The dealership declined to classify the failure as a defect and limited review to warranty dates only, refusing to provide a written determination or pursue goodwill consideration. Because this defect affects vehicle security systems and driver safety alerts, it warrants investigation as a systemic manufacturing defect. The dealership has also failed to repair recalls on the vehicle due to part shipment delays per their service team.
NHTSA complaint #11711930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
All of my rear lights stopped working with no warning. My blind spot monitoring and cross traffic detection also stopped working. This is a serious issue as the light go out intermittenly without warning. Especially dangerous at night. Dealership thinks it might be a faulty harness. Dealership thought they fixed it by cleaning contacts but the very next day they went out again while driving in a snow storm. Luckily no one was behind me because they would not have been able to see me.
NHTSA complaint #11706808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight bulb was blown, and the battery was not operating as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the headlight bulb was replaced; however, the bulb failed to illuminate. The vehicle was returned to the dealer two more times and the headlight bulb was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic and the headlight bulbs were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to replace the battery and filters. The contact replaced the battery and filters; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that there were metal shavings inside the fuel. The filters were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that a defective fuel pump had caused the failure and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11676211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlights are delaminating. They were replaced under warranty 2 years ago and now the replacements are delaminating. Ford has denied the claim for replacement
NHTSA complaint #11629905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlights on new Platinum 2024 F250--when driving at night there are several issues. On low beam there is a black line that shows up across the upper view. On high beam the black line is even more prominent and shapes start showing up in the lights. Squares first then as you drive and turn they change to V, M and X shapes. (see pictures). The truck has 560 miles on it and it has been to the Ford dealership twice. They are saying that there is nothing wrong with the lights, and these lights are the new projector lights from Ford. They even pulled another Platinum 2024 F250 next to mine to compare the lights and they are the same (see pictures) I am not getting anywhere with Ford, our local dealership is trying, but Ford is not helping them. I even made a call to customer service on 8/22/24. They told me that I need to go to another dealership and get a second opinion. These lights are very distracting with shapes moving across your line of vision and could be distracting to other vehicles. Also, there are totally blacked out areas on the sides, we live in a high deer population area, being able to see in the ditches is imperative. I do not want to drive at night due to it being unsafe. Truck is available for inspection upon request. Its just parked for now until we can get the lights changed or Ford does a recall. This is my second complaint filed online. I never got a call back from the first complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11613364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlights have failed multiple times causing bulbs to stop working or “blow”. Changed headlight bulbs approximately 4 times in the 18 months. Safety became an issue due to decreased lighting while driving. Also becomes a safety risk due to not being able to have the vehicle properly inspected by the state of WV. The problem has been discussed with the local ford dealer multiple times with no further progress other than discussions. No warning lamps or other problems prior.
NHTSA complaint #11612436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlights might have been damaged due to heat exposure or chemicals. In addition, upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
NHTSA complaint #11610845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlights on new Platinum 2024 F250--when driving at night there are several issues. On low beam there is a black line that shows up across the upper view. On high beam the black line is even more prominent and shapes start showing up in the lights. Squares first then as you drive and turn they change to V, M and X shapes. (see pictures). The truck has 560 miles on it and it has been to the Ford dealership twice. They are saying that there is nothing wrong with the lights, and these lights are the new projector lights from Ford. They even pulled another Platinum 2024 F250 next to mine to compare the lights and they are the same (see pictures) I am not getting anywhere with Ford, our local dealership is trying, but Ford is not helping them. I even made a call to customer service on 8/22/24. They told me that I need to go to another dealership and get a second opinion. These lights are very distracting with shapes moving across your line of vision and could be distracting to other vehicles. Also, there are totally blacked out areas on the sides, we live in a high deer population area, being able to see in the ditches is imperative. I do not want to drive at night due to it being unsafe. Truck is available for inspection upon request. Its just parked for now until we can get the lights changed or Ford does a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11610513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a pothole, the vehicle started shaking, and the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that after it rained, the driver's side and passenger's side doors were filled with water. Additionally, the interior lights failed to turn on as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that water was present inside the rear high mount stop light assembly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was concerned that the water intrusion might cause internal corrosion to some electrical components. The failure mileage was 22,250.
NHTSA complaint #11592075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My F250 was in service for fuel system replacement and to fix both side mirrors which wouldn’t go down after going up. Shortly afterwards I noticed the rapid turn signal you get when tail lights are out. This happened while using a trailer. The trucks rear lights weren’t working at all but trailer lights were. Also was getting the blinds spot and cross traffic alert faults on instrument panel. Dropped off for service. They found a loose trailer plug and reset some things and got it all working again. Soon after the blinkers would flash fast again meaning lights were out, but would quickly stop and back to normal. Later they stayed blinking fast and tail lights out again after stopping starting several times. I tried plugging in my trailer wire harness and it tail lights started working again on truck?? 2 days later Im using trailer again, truck tail lights quit working and getting blind spot and cross traffic fault alerts again!! Still not working after 3 days. had my trailer lights tested where i bought it, they used a battery powered tester found no fault and trailer lights all worked correctly no shorts in system. During times when faults occurred both my enclosed trailer and my rv back up lights would stay on constantly even when not in reverse! Trailers turn signal, brake and tail lights worked but not truck tail lights. No back up no brakes or signal. Just the license plate lights. WHY IS IT EVEN LEGAL TO BUILD A VEHICLE WHERE YOU LOSE USE OF TAIL LIGHTS IF YOUR OPTIONAL FEATURES LIKE BLIND SPOT AND CROSS TRAFFIC MALFUNCTION and CAN RENDER SAFETY LIGHTS USELESS??!! Dropping off at Ford dealer asap to hopefully fix problem. I’ve heard of other trucks having similar problems
NHTSA complaint #11587342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my truck into the dealership Ford of Upland for recalls on [XXX] (136923 miles) outstanding field service actions [XXX], [XXX] , [XXX] , 21M05, [XXX] . I called to make an appointment and confirm if parts are needed for these recalls that they had them and nothing was on backorder. Cabral Lillian let me know they had everything the truck would be done in 1.5 days at most. About 2hours before they closed on day 2 i called to see when i could pickup. She told me they just started the [XXX] and it would be ready in one hour. When i went to pick up I was informed that was the only recall that they did. I asked why she said they did not have the other parts, i explained to her when i made the appointment she they had everything. She just said they would call me when they have the parts. I called a handful of times to check status of the parts , kept saying they dont have them. Finally i emailed Lillian [XXX] and [XXX] no reply. I went ahead and emailed all the main people in the service department [XXX] Steven Isip service director said he would look into this. All that happened was he had Lillian call me and said they had the camera [XXX] ) and i could make an appointment it would take 2 day to complete. My husband called citrus Ford to see if they could do the recalls. They set the appointment [XXX] ( 147665 miles) had it done same day. I didn't look over all the paperwork and didn't see that the other recalls were not addressed. Until [XXX] the tailgate opened on its own . That's when i looked at the paperwork from citrus ford, saw that the only recall was done camera. I did, and call Ford customer service and explained what happened, they saw my truck service records gave in a case#. [XXX] all the exterior started flashing, horn, tailgate started going crazy. Dropped the truck off [XXX] 6:30am 154,000 miles. Ford is now saying diagnostics needs to be done, due to the recall was only good up 150000 mi INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
NHTSA complaint #11579089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The cab roof clearance lights leak water when it rains. The water leaks into the electronics in the overhead console and down the A-pillar. Dealer advises it is a nonwarranty issue under extended warranty and a commonly known issue on these. trucks.
NHTSA complaint #11578000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component: Battery Junction box then affecting other parts. water intrusion into battery junction box affecting and shorting out other components. Items shorted out due to water in battery junction box include: Battery Junction Box itself, Left rear Blind Spot Monitor, Left rear Brake Light, Drivers seat control (shorted all seat heated components, All lumbar and massaging components fully inflated and would not deflate) , Windshield wiper motor shorted and stopped working, Rain sensor stopped working. Both Tow Mirrors would Randomly deploy to the furthest out position. Main Safety Concerns were Windshield Wiper Motor Stopped Working and Seat Randomly adjusting, Inflating, Deflating. Vehicle is currently at for dealership ( Sam Packs 5 star Ford Lewisville TX) who has diagnosed the issues. The only warning lamp was for the Driver Side BLIS when the incident would occur.
NHTSA complaint #11569979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[XXX] watch?v=4QLrqlCd3c0 * This video is about the South Texas taillight theft rings that local Ford Dealers are aware of and not notifying the customers to protect their property. The Tail lights only take 30 to 45 seconds to steal and cost between $3,500.00 to $4,200.00 to buy plus install and coding. They are in shortage according to local Ford dealer because of the thefts. So, you have to go out to Facebook Market Place and buy your lights back from a host of characters reselling these lights. The consumers are out a lot of money and time dealing with , body shop, insurance company, and a host of characters. It's the next Ford part theft ring that cost folks money they cannot spare ....This is BS Ford Motor and Dealers!!!!!. The thieves easily bypass the alarm because of Ford's design that allows tailgate to be open from inside after easily removing inspection cover (4 screws) and remove the lights in 30 seconds (two screws per tail light). The theft of the Tail Lights makes the truck undriveable. The Ford Light Theft is so bad that there are a shortage of lights and Body Shop long lead-times if you try and order and install through Ford Body Shop. Could be all corrected if factory alarm would go off when tail gate drops after being set and using $10.00 worth of anti theft screws. Ford is not notifying F150/f250 customers when they know this is happening. Cost to consumer $4,500 to $5,000.00 and months of waiting for your truck. The thieves are advertising the lights on Facebook Market Place and E-Bay Motors. * This is a circus that Ford can stop by fixing a alarm system and using anti thief fasteners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11566116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The housing for the headlights have started to delaminate from the inside of the housing and starting to create a problem with the effective lighting and turn signal area. Where the delaminating is occurring, the lens has a milky , etched, , water spot film like appearance clearly on the inside of the housing. Since it first appeared , it has grown in size on both headlamps and appears that it will continue to grow over time. I first noticed this several months ago and reported it to the Ford dealer. After a lot of back and forth , and much to my dismay Ford is refusing to cover this under its top tier extended warranty even though it is a safety issue . It would have been covered under the initial 3/36 bumper to bumper . Ford has officially stated that it’s not a common problem, though it’s pretty easy to find quite a few others with the same issue from browsing Ford Internet forums.
NHTSA complaint #11521232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while the vehicle is in reverse, the rearview camera continuously displayed a white blur, obscuring the camera view. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V808000 (Exterior Lighting) and 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. Part distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11519144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.