Ford has identified a tailgate issue with certain full-size pickups, affecting every model from the best-selling F-150 through to the immensely capable F-450 Super Duty. Under certain conditions, a tailgate cable could fail when a load is applied to it. Since heavy equipment is often loaded into the back of these trucks, the issue could potentially result in an injury. While the fix is relatively simple, Ford’s planned remedy will only be available next year as the automaker struggles to get a number of recall-related problems fixed timeously.
What’s Wrong With Ford’s Tailgates?
Ford
Ford has traced the issue to a left-side tailgate cable that could fail. If a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) or equivalent load is applied to affected tailgates, the cable on the right may not be able to support the load. If this happens, the tailgate can drop onto the rear bumper. Either the falling tailgate or the load could potentially injure customers.
“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,” stated the recall report, which was published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The following models and model years are affected by this recall:
- 2026-2027 Ford F-150 (18,412 units)
- 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty (7,387 units)
- 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty (3,537 units)
- 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty (787 units)
In total, 30,123 pickups are involved in this recall.
As of October 19, 2026, there have been no warranty claims or field reports linked to this tailgate issue. Wisely, Ford has issued the recall before any customers are impacted.
What Ford Pickup Owners Must Do Now
Weeks ago, we highlighted that Ford is averaging over five months to fix recalled vehicles. This comes as the automaker has surpassed 80 recalls in 2026 alone. Unfortunately, it’s going to be another long wait for customers with defective tailgates.
Interim owner notification letters are only expected to be sent between December 14, 2026, and December 18, 2026. Between January 18 and 22, 2027, remedy owner notification letters will be sent out, which means that the tailgate issue is unlikely to be resolved for at least the next three months.
When a fix is eventually available, customers will have to take their trucks to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the tailgate cable on the left replaced. This will be completed at no charge. For now, owners of these trucks can contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. On December 7, 2026, the VINs of affected models will become searchable on the NHTSA’s website.
Anyone who owns a full-size Ford pickup should exercise caution when operating the tailgate or loading heavy items into the bed.
Ford’s 2026 Recall Count Hits 84
Ford
Ford has now issued 84 recalls over the course of 2026 to lead all automakers. Stellantis is a distant second with 39 recalls, followed by Toyota (28), General Motors (25), and Hyundai Motor America (22).
Not every recall is serious, widespread, or has even been noticed by owners. Many have been proactive measures to address quality issues on older models before they inconvenience customers. Some recalls have been more concerning, though, such as the 4,653 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles that were handed a Do Not Drive warning in May. In these vehicles, a detached control arm could cause a loss of vehicle control.
On a positive note, Ford is well short of the 153 recalls it issued in 2025. If there’s one record it won’t want to break, it’s that one.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog