Ford F-150 Tailgate Latch Recall Affects 350K Trucks

Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall for approximately 350,000 F-150 pickup trucks from model years 2021 through 2023 due to a defective tailgate latch mechanism that can release unexpectedly while driving. NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-087 was initiated after 312 complaints and 8 confirmed incidents where cargo ejected from an open tailgate, striking following vehicles.

The defect involves a plastic retaining clip inside the tailgate latch assembly that can fracture over time due to thermal cycling — repeated heating and cooling as the truck sits in the sun and cools overnight. When the clip fails, the latch loses its ability to maintain a secure closed position, and the tailgate can pop open under load or when hitting a bump.

Ford will notify affected owners by mail beginning in April 2026. The repair involves replacing the entire tailgate latch assembly with an updated design that uses a metal retaining clip instead of the original plastic component. The repair is free and takes approximately 30 minutes at any authorized Ford dealer.

In the interim, Ford recommends that affected F-150 owners visually confirm their tailgate is latched before driving and avoid carrying unsecured cargo that could eject if the tailgate opens. Owners who use aftermarket tailgate locks or tonneau covers may have additional protection, but Ford stresses that the underlying latch defect still needs to be addressed.

This recall is the third latch-related recall Ford has issued for the F-150 in the past five years. While each incident involved a different component, the pattern raises questions about the quality control processes at Ford's Dearborn and Kansas City assembly plants where the F-150 is manufactured. If you own a 2021 to 2023 F-150, check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or use Ford's recall lookup at owner.ford.com.