NHTSA Complaint #11695507 — 2023 FORD F-150

NHTSA Safety Defect Report – 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Tailgate Light Bar Condensation My 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning has moisture and condensation building up inside the rear tailgate light bar. It looks exactly like the issue described in Ford recall 23S30, also known as NHTSA recall 23V-418. Even though my VIN is not included in that recall, my truck is showing the same symptoms. The condensation collects behind the lens, especially around the reverse light section, and becomes worse after it rains or after I wash the truck. Lately, I’ve noticed the reverse lights flicker at times, which makes me think the moisture is getting into the electrical components. If the reverse lights go out or stop working properly, it becomes a safety concern because other drivers and pedestrians may not see that I’m backing up. This could easily cause an accident, especially at night or in parking lots. I brought the truck to a Ford dealer and was told that my VIN isn’t part of the recall and that I’m just outside of the 36,000-mile warranty. The truck currently has around 37,000 miles. They said they couldn’t replace the light bar unless Ford adds my VIN to the recall. The issue clearly matches the same defect Ford already acknowledged, which involves moisture getting into the tailgate light bar due to cracks or poor sealing. I believe Ford’s recall should be expanded to include more 2023 model trucks like mine that are having the same problem. It’s not an isolated case, and I’ve seen other owners reporting identical issues online with newer builds. Since this involves lighting that affects safety when reversing, it should be handled even if the truck is just outside warranty coverage. I can provide photos and a short video showing the condensation inside the light bar and the flickering reverse lights if needed.