Ford is recalling 30,123 pickups because a cable that holds up the tailgate can break. The F-150 and Super Duty tailgate cable recall covers certain 2026–2027 F-150 trucks and 2026 F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty models. According to the federal safety filing, the left-side cable may fail under certain heavy loads.
That matters for anyone who uses the open tailgate as a work surface. If the cable lets go, the tailgate could drop onto the rear bumper. Federal regulators say that raises the risk of injury to anyone nearby.
The fix is a new cable, and dealers will fit it free of charge. However, the parts aren’t ready yet, so owners face a short wait. Here’s what the recall covers, what to watch for and when the letters arrive.
Which trucks are in the tailgate cable recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists the action as campaign 26V689000. According to the NHTSA recall record, NHTSA received Ford’s report on October 20, 2026. Ford’s own number for the same recall is 26S78.
The filing names five model lines. First come the 2026 and 2027 Ford F-150. Then come the 2026 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 Super Duty.
In total, NHTSA puts the potential population at 30,123 vehicles. However, the filing says only “certain” trucks in each line are affected. As a result, the model year alone won’t tell you whether your truck needs the fix.
What goes wrong with the left-side tailgate cable
NHTSA files the defect under the tailgate’s hinge and attachments. Specifically, the problem is the tailgate cable on the left side of the truck. Under certain heavy load conditions, that cable may fail.
The filing doesn’t define exactly what counts as a heavy load. Still, the consequence is clear in the record. A failed cable could let the tailgate drop onto the rear bumper, and that increases the risk of injury.
Notably, the trouble may come with no warning. WDBO, which reported on the recall, notes that affected trucks show no warning lights or messages. In other words, a worn cable can look normal right up until it breaks.
How Ford will fix the trucks
The remedy is simple. According to NHTSA, dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable at no charge to the owner. That means a dealer visit, because NHTSA’s record says this is not an over-the-air update.
There is no urgent warning attached, either. NHTSA’s record shows no “Park It” advisory for these trucks. It also shows no “Park Outside” advisory.
Until the fix arrives, our advice is common sense. Keep heavy loads off the open tailgate when you can, and stay clear of it when it’s carrying weight. A quick look at both cables before you load up costs nothing.
When F-150 and Super Duty owners will hear from Ford
Ford plans to mail interim owner notices starting December 14, 2026, NHTSA says. Those letters explain the problem before the parts are ready. Then a second letter will follow once the remedy is available, which Ford expects in January 2027.
Before that, owners can check for themselves. NHTSA says vehicle identification numbers for this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov starting December 7, 2026. Once the lookup opens, entering your truck’s VIN there will show whether this recall applies to it.
Owners can also call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. When you call, mention Ford recall number 26S78 so the agent can find the right campaign quickly.
What to do if you own an affected pickup
If you own a 2026 or 2027 F-150, or a 2026 Super Duty, check your VIN after December 7. If your truck is on the list, book the dealer visit when your second letter arrives. Because the fix is a single cable on one side, we’d expect it to be a short visit.
Meanwhile, keep your contact details current with Ford and your dealer. That way, the interim letter and the follow-up reach you without delay. If you’re shopping for a used 2026 or 2027 truck, run its VIN as well before you buy.
For the record, NHTSA lists the campaign as 26V689000, received October 20, 2026, covering 30,123 Ford pickups, with VIN lookups opening on December 7.
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