Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD recalled for tailgate cable failure risk
What this means
The left-side tailgate cable on certain 2026–2027 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles may fail under heavy load. If the cable fails, the tailgate could drop onto the rear bumper, creating an injury risk.
- Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov starting December 7, 2026, to see if your truck is affected.
- Expect an interim notification letter by December 14, 2026.
- Once parts are available (expected January 2027), Ford will send a second letter with instructions to schedule a free repair at your dealer.
- Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions. Ford recall number: 26S78.
The agency's original wording
Tailgate cable failure may allow the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Official notice
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V689000More Ford Motor Company recalls
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