NHTSA recall, Reported Oct 20, 2026

Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD and F-450 SD Vehicles

The left-side tailgate cable may fail under heavy load, allowing the tailgate to drop and increasing injury risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2026-2027 F-150, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The left-side tailgate cable may fail under certain heavy load conditions, allowing the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 30,123 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on October 20, 2026.

Dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.

More vehicle structure defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from December 7, 2026.
Dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable, free of charge.
You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Watch your mail. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.

What you get Free repair

Read the notice on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Full text from NHTSA

Dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S78. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 7, 2026.