FORD F-150 recall: Tailgate cable failure under heavy loads

Ford has outlined a repair for a tailgate cable problem that may increase injury risk under certain heavy load conditions. Owners of affected pickups should note that the record describes a planned remedy, not confirmation that repairs are available.

What the official recall record says

FORD: F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD and other models

The left-side cable supports the tailgate but may fail under certain heavy load conditions. If it fails, the tailgate may drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury. The specified repair is replacement of the left-side tailgate cable by a dealer at no charge.

Owner information from the official record

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

Official record

• NHTSA recall ID: 26V689000
• Vehicles listed: FORD F-150 (2027, 2026); FORD F-250 SD (2026); FORD F-350 SD (2026); FORD F-450 SD (2026)
• Potentially affected: 30,123
• Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
• Report received: October 20, 2026
• Owner notification: 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.
• 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.
• Safety consequence: Tailgate cable failure may allow the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury.
• Remedy: 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.

What owners should do next

Owners can contact Ford customer service about the campaign and its planned repair.

A headline cannot confirm whether a particular vehicle is affected. Use the official NHTSA recall lookup with the vehicle identification number and contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for vehicle-specific guidance.

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