2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Bev

While driving at speed on public roads on [XXX], the primary 12-inch digital instrument cluster suffered a total blackout while the vehicle was powered and moving. The failure eliminated all speedometer readings, battery state-of-charge indicators, gear selections, and safety telltales/warning lights in violation of FMVSS 101. When previously reporting intermittent digital screen and electrical dropouts, Ford and dealership service personnel claimed this behavior is 'normal operation' and have failed to correct the underlying electrical/gateway defect across multiple service visits. The vehicle cannot be operated safely without an operational speedometer and warning cluster. Video link: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving on a surface road in Columbia, MD at approximately 40 mph, the dash display of the 2024 Ford Lightning Flash went completely blank, leaving no indication of vehicle speed, battery percentage, battery temp, motor temp, cruise control status etc. Zero information was displayed, and the dash was completely cold and dark. This failure, while traveling at speed, represents a gross safety hazard, especially because the same LCD displays automatic emergency braking informaion etc. Immediately, I was able to pull over, and establish an OBD-2 connection to the ECM, and pull error logs. I also took screenshots of critical components and voltages. I cleared the codes, re-checked for codes and saved another error log showing a couple of codes. I then cycled power to the truck several times, hoping for a reboot to clear the error. I also performed a manual reset of the Ford SYNC system. Using the OBD-2 virtual dash on my reader, I was able to safely display speed and battery data, and drive immediately to the nearest Ford Dealer (Koons Ford). On the way, I phoned Crossroads Ford (Apex, NC) who did a remote error check using the vehicle's modem. The dealer may have saved this data. Upon arrival to Koons, service writers and technicians were able to witness and verify inoperability of the dash unit, and cycle the vehicle power, whereafter the problem persisted. They then took it back for service and evaluation. After approximately 4 hours, I was told that the "dash reset itself after a couple hours" and they could not get it to repeat the error after it came back. Before this, there were no warning signs of dash failure, nor since.

The contact owned a 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning BEV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, it caught on fire. The contact stated that the Police knocked on the door and informed the contact that fire was shooting out of the vehicle. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. In addition, the vehicle was parked in a secluded area of the tow yard. The contact stated that the Fire Department, Police, and Insurance Agent unofficially referred to the failure as electrical or battery-related. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Gear Shifter stuck in D with amber light blinking constantly. At the same time, the Amber Wrench symbol appeared on the dash, with "Service vehicle soon" warning message. This indicates a Powertrain malfunction/Reduced Power issue. Vehicle towed to nearest Ford dealer (Scenic Ford, Mount Airy, NC) with about 225 miles on odometer. I purchased this new '24 Lightning Lariat [XXX] online, and picked it up at Sheehy Ford in Gaithersburg, MD [XXX], with 47 miles on odometer. The above issues occurred [XXX] as I was driving the vehicle home from Maryland to my home in Georgia. These problems occurred the same day I drove the new vehicle off the dealer lot. Additionally, the Gear Shifter has never folded down as its meant to fold down, enabling a flat work surface between the two front seats. This situation was present at Sheehy Ford when I picked it up brand new on [XXX]. I have an appointment at my local dealer, Akins Ford, Winder, GA, May 14, 2025 at 10am to have these issues assessed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)