A recall of 30,123 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD trucks for tailgate cables that mail fail.
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.
Affected VINs should be searchable now at the NHTSA website.
Here is the relevant information from the NHTSA Recall notice:
NHTSA ID Number: 26V689
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30,123
Estimated percentage with defect: 2%
Descriptive Information
Ford’s team reviewed supplier process and maintenance records to determine the population of affected parts. Affected vehicles are equipped with suspect left-hand side tailgate cables.
These vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this action to specific vehicles can best be obtained by either calling Ford’s toll-free line (1-866-436-7332) or by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database.
Description of defect or noncompliance:
On affected vehicles, the left-hand side tailgate cable eyelet crimp may become loose and separate.
Description of the safety risk, including crash, fire, death, injury:
If a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) or equivalent load is applied to a tailgate with the affected left-hand cable, the conforming right-hand cable may not be able to support the load. As a result, the tailgate can drop onto the top surface of the rear bumper, no longer supporting the load, and may come into contact with the customer.
Description of the cause:
An incomplete crimp in the tailgate cable bolt end eyelet allows the cable to detach from the cable eyelet under heavy load. The incomplete crimping is due to a broken crimping die.
Identification of any warning that can occur:
There are no cluster messages, malfunction indicator lights or other electronic messaging to the customer.
Chronology
On June 13, 2026, during assembly operations at Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP), plant operators observed left-hand tailgate cables separating from the tailgate side eyelet under open tailgate test loading. Initial inspection determined that the eyelet crimp was malformed and not retaining the cable under load. The supplier determined that certain tailgate cables were manufactured on equipment with a broken crimping die during two shifts on May 26, 2026. The supplier confirmed that only left-side cables were affected. Audit records indicated that 600 units of these suspect left-hand tailgate cables were shipped to Ford.
On June 15, 2026, KTP issued a Stop Ship for 2026-27 model year Super Duty and F150 vehicles.
On June 18, 2026, this issue was brought into Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for review.
On October 13, 2026, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action.
As of October 19, 2026, Ford is aware of zero warranty claims and zero field reports related to this condition. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.
Remedy
Description of Remedy
Remedy Type: Replace
Description of remedy program:
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have left-hand side tailgate cable replaced. There will be no charge for this service.
How remedy component differs from recalled component:
The replacement tailgate cables will meet cable load rating specifications.
Description of recall schedule:
Notification to dealers is expected to occur on January 11, 2027. Mailing of interim owner notification letters is expected to begin December 14, 2026 and is expected to be completed by December 18, 2026. Mailing of remedy owner notification letters is expected to begin January 18, 2027 and is expected to be completed by January 22, 2027. The date VINs are planned to be searchable is December 7, 2026.
