2023 Ford F-150 Safety Report

2023 Ford F-150 faces numerous power train and electrical complaints, with 11 recalls addressing critical safety defects.

516Complaints
11Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
21Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
13Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (106)Electrical System (48)Unknown Or Other (47)Exterior Lighting (23)Service Brakes (18)Structure (12)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (12)Power Train,Electrical System (9)Visibility/Wiper (9)Forward Collision Avoidance (8)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Ford F-150

The 2023 Ford F-150 presents a mixed safety picture, with a significant number of owner complaints despite a lack of formal NHTSA crash test ratings. With 516 total complaints, including 21 crashes, 4 fires, and 13 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the POWER TRAIN (106 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (48 complaints), and UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints). These high complaint numbers, particularly for a relatively new model year, suggest potential systemic issues that owners are experiencing. The 11 recalls issued for this model further underscore these concerns, addressing critical components such as axle hubs, steering column, and airbag deployment. Several complaints directly reference recall issues, with owners reporting difficulties in getting parts for recall repairs, particularly for the rear axle hub bolt failure (NHTSA Recall 25V512). This indicates a potential gap between recall issuance and effective resolution for consumers. While formal crash test data is unavailable, the recalls related to airbag deployment and steering column welds are particularly concerning as they directly impact occupant protection in a crash.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Ford F-150 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Ford F-150

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Ford F-150:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rear Axle Hub Spline Damage/Failure
Multiple recalls (25V512000, 25V512) address rear axle hub spline damage leading to potential rollaway or loss of drive power. Owners report difficulties obtaining parts for repair.
High Common unknown miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Frequent complaints about various electrical issues, including parking brake wiring corrosion, 'system off to save battery' errors, and trailer lighting module faults.
Medium Common unknown miles
Power Train Issues (Loss Of Drive/Acceleration)
Owners report sudden loss of throttle response, sluggish acceleration, jerking, and complete loss of drive power, sometimes linked to axle or BISG failures.
High Common unknown miles
Moonroof Shattering/Wind Deflector Detachment
Complaints of panoramic moonroofs shattering spontaneously and a recall (25V001000) for inadequate wind deflector clips that can become a road hazard.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Brake System Failure (Electronic Brake Booster)
Reports of electronic brake booster system failure causing brakes to lock up or become inoperative, leading to increased crash risk.
High Occasional unknown miles
Steering Wheel Clock Spring/Airbag Issues
Recall (25V002000) for insufficient weld in steering wheel clock spring, potentially leading to loss of electrical connection and airbag deactivation.
High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Ford F-150:

Power Train 20% of complaints

The most common complaint category, with 106 reports, often related to axle issues, loss of drive power, and acceleration problems, including specific recall-related axle hub failures.

Electrical System 9% of complaints

With 48 complaints, issues range from parking brake wiring corrosion, battery drain warnings, and trailer lighting malfunctions, indicating widespread electrical vulnerabilities.

Unknown Or Other 9% of complaints

47 complaints fall into this category, suggesting a variety of less categorized but still significant issues, sometimes overlapping with other systems.

Exterior Lighting 4% of complaints

23 complaints, often related to trailer brake control module issues and rapid blinker problems, as highlighted by a recall (25V104000).

Service Brakes 3% of complaints

18 complaints, including reports of electronic brake booster failure causing brakes to lock up or become inoperative.

Visibility/Wiper 1% of complaints

9 complaints, including issues with moonroof shattering and rearview camera malfunctions, the latter being subject to a recall (25V003000).

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Ford F-150

Is the 2023 Ford F-150 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Ford F-150 has 516 total complaints, 21 crashes, 4 fires, and 13 injuries. While formal crash test ratings are N/A, there are 11 recalls addressing significant safety defects, particularly concerning the power train, electrical system, and airbag deployment. The high number of complaints for a new model year, especially regarding critical components, suggests potential safety concerns that buyers should be aware of.

What are common problems with the 2023 Ford F-150?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Ford F-150 are related to the POWER TRAIN (106 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (48 complaints), and UNKNOWN OR OTHER (47 complaints). Specific common problems include rear axle hub failures, various electrical malfunctions (e.g., parking brake wiring, battery issues), and sudden loss of drive power or acceleration.

Are there any recalls for the 2023 Ford F-150?

Yes, the 2023 Ford F-150 has 11 recalls. These include issues with the rear axle hub splines (25V512000), moonroof wind deflector clips (25V001000), rearview camera software (25V003000), steering wheel clock spring (25V002000), and potential airbag deployment issues due to the instrument panel cover (25V004000).

How does the 2023 Ford F-150 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not yet provided specific Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover crash test ratings for the 2023 Ford F-150. Therefore, its crash test performance is currently N/A.

What should I do if I own a 2023 Ford F-150 with recall issues?

If you own a 2023 Ford F-150 with open recalls, it is critical to contact your Ford dealership immediately to schedule the necessary repairs. Several complaints indicate difficulties in obtaining parts for recall repairs, so persistence may be required. Ensure all recall-related repairs are completed to address potential safety hazards.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of complaints and 11 recalls for critical components, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly investigate the service history of any specific 2023 F-150, ensuring all recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Ford F-150

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Ford F-150. The data includes 516 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 21 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 13 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.