Ford recalls 2026–2027 F-150 and 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD and F-450 SD vehicles over tailgate cable that may fail
The left-side tailgate cable may fail under certain heavy load conditions, which may allow the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper and increase the risk of injury.
What to do
Dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable free of charge, and owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S78, and VINs will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 7, 2026.
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Recall details
- Product
- Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, F-450 Sd and 1 more 2026–2027
- Company
- Ford Motor Company
- Hazard
- Tailgate cable failure may allow the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury.
- Units
- 30,123 vehicles
- Reported to NHTSA
- October 20, 2026
- Identifiers
- NHTSA campaign number: 26V689000
- Manufacturer campaign number: 26S78
- Model years: 2026–2027
The headline, summary and steps above are written in plain English from the official notice below. Identifiers are copied exactly as the agency published them. Always check the official notice before you act.
Official notice
The notice's own wording from NHTSA.
- Component
- STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Defect
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) 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.
- Consequence
- Tailgate cable failure may allow the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective action
- 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.
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