Early this month, Ford stopped shipping the 2024 F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to a reported backlog of hundreds or maybe thousands of Ford vehicles accumulating in holding lots in Detroit.

Ford Ceases Shipping F-150 Lightning in 2024

Due to an unidentified quality problem, production of all 2024 Lightning variants has been suspended. While hundreds, if not thousands, of trucks lined up in Detroit yards, delivery of the gas-powered 2024 F-150 resumed last week.

A Ford representative stated that on February 9, the manufacturer ceased shipping Lightning vehicles. When the stop-ship will be cleared is not stated.

Update: Ford Spokesperson Emma Bergg told Electrek, “MY24 Lightnings started shipping last month.” Bergg added, “We expect to ramp up shipments in the coming weeks as we complete thorough launch quality checks to ensure these new F-150s meet our high standards and delight customers.”

Berg did verify to Electrek that Ford will “ramp shipments once quality checks are completed” and that the Lightning stop-ship began on February 9. The spokesman pointed out that stop ships are used in the production process to guarantee quality.

Despite the fact that deliveries are still anticipated in Ford’s “early 2024” window, several trucks have been accumulating on lots since December. According to a business customer, their order for roughly 100 trucks alone has already been delayed by eight weeks.

According to a different Ford representative, F-150s are piling up in lots all across Detroit and will start to empty when they are transported to dealers.

The problem did not impact F-150 Lightning vehicles prior to or following the temporary closure that occurred last month, according to the carmaker.

During the Q4 results call, CEO Jim Farley stated that quality was the company’s primary goal. “Quality now factors into 70% of the short-term incentives” for Ford’s management, according to Farley.

The announcement follows Ford’s last-week introduction of substantial additional incentives for the 2023 F-150 Lightning. The XLT, Pro, and 2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat trims from Ford are qualified for a $7,500 retail credit.

Bonus cash of $7,500 is available for the Lightning XLT Extended Range, among other benefits. For both the Lariant Standard and ER versions, a $5,000 retail cash bonus. And for the Platinum trim, a whopping $12,500 in retail bonus cash.

Now is the ideal time to start looking if you’ve been eyeing Ford’s all-electric truck. The manufacturer is getting rid of its 2023 models.