The Ford F-150 Lightning earned a place on Consumer Reports‘ list of least reliable vehicles in 2024, which evaluates performance in specific problem areas to determine a predicted reliability score.
In order to determine its predicted reliability rankings, CR takes a look at 20 potential problem areas, which range from minor inconveniences like squeaky brakes and broken interior trim pieces, to crippling problems like out-of-warranty engine, transmission, and battery problems in EVs. Vehicles included in the publication’s list must have at least two model years of data, which CR gathers from 300,000 members and then grants a predicted reliability score on a 100-point scale.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning earned a reliability score of 28. While that’s not stellar in the grand scheme of things, the electric pickup was at least ranked near the top of the list, meaning that it didn’t perform as poorly as other vehicles in the evaluation, including several of its Blue Oval brethren. The electric pickup slotted in third, trailing the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2025 Genesis G70, each with a score of 29 points. However, it did outperform its direct rival, the Rivian R1T, which landed near the bottom with just 20 points.
The publication commended the F-150 Lightning for being a “green choice,” and it earned high marks in its road test, but did not score well in predicted reliability and earned a neutral rating for predicted owner satisfaction. CR cautions that the F-150 Lightning tends to struggle with problems affecting its EV battery, EV charging, electrical accessories, and in-car electronics, which may require service sooner rather than later.
The 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning did outperform two other vehicles from FoMoCo’s fold. The 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid earned a mediocre 21 points in terms of reliability, while the Ford F-150 Hybrid was the least reliable vehicle on the list, scoring just seven points.
The Ford brand itself was ranked average among 21 rivals when it came to 2024 predicted reliability ratings, earning 44 points.
Comments
Reading carefully, it is one of the most reliable in the least reliable category.
I didn’t know the 2025 Lightning was tested already by CR. Looks like there are several 2025 models that have already been ranked. Didn’t know 2025s were even available.