Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
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2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Pro / XLT / Lariat / Platinum (1st gen, 2022–present)
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The F-150 Lightning is Ford's electric truck — practical, powerful, and capable of bidirectional charging for home backup power (Intelligent Backup Power). Early production had multiple suspension and electrical recalls. The frunk is genuinely useful. Battery range is lower than EPA in cold weather. Ford has been active with OTA updates and dealer repairs. Verify all recalls are closed — there were significant early-production issues.

Items to check
10
Open recalls
5
NHTSA complaints
420
Top concern
Electrical / Battery / Software / Suspension

Recalls — Check First

Multiple early-production recalls (2022)

Critical — Run Full VIN Check
Lightning had recalls including suspension failure, battery fire risk, software, and charging issues.
Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. ALL must be confirmed closed. Ask for recall completion paperwork.
Est. cost: Free dealer repairs Source: NHTSA Ford Lightning recalls

Battery

HV battery SoH

Monitor
Lightning batteries have shown some degradation. Check displayed range vs EPA at 100%.
Compare displayed range to EPA rated range for the specific trim. Any >10% deficit = investigate.
Est. cost: Free Ford dealer battery check Source: Ford Lightning battery standard

Ford Intelligent Backup Power (IBS)

Low Risk
IBS (bidirectional home charging) requires compatible home inverter. Test if seller has it.
Confirm IBS system was not involved in any electrical issues.
Est. cost: n/a Source: Ford Lightning standard

Suspension

Rear suspension recall completed?

High Risk — Verify Closed
Rear suspension failure recall on some early builds. Must be confirmed closed.
Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls and test rear suspension over rough pavement.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair Source: NHTSA Ford Lightning suspension recall

Documentation

All recalls + charging history

High Risk without
Multiple early recalls require full documentation.
Request all Ford service and recall paperwork.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple 2022
Severity: Critical
Suspension failure, battery fire, software, and charging issues on early Lightning. Remedy: Free dealer repairs; verify at nhtsa.gov.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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