Ford Motor Company is recalling 223,472 F-150 pickup trucks from model years 2023 through 2027 because the front fuel-tank straps may not have been installed correctly. An unsecured tank can leak fuel, cause the engine to stall or detach while the truck is moving, creating fire and road-hazard risks.
The recall was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on September 9, 2026. It carries NHTSA campaign number 26V578 and Ford recall number 26S69.
Quick Facts
- Affected vehicle: Certain 2023–2027 Ford F-150 trucks
- Potentially affected: 223,472 vehicles
- Production period: January 4, 2023, through August 27, 2026
- NHTSA recall number: 26V578
- Ford recall number: 26S69
- Safety risks: Fuel leak, fire, engine stall or detached tank becoming a road hazard
- Warning signs: Ford listed no advance warning
- Repair: Free inspection and fuel-tank strap replacement when needed
- VIN lookup availability: September 14, 2026
- Owner letters: Scheduled for September 21 through September 28, 2026
Which Ford F-150 trucks are affected?
The recall covers certain model-year 2023 through 2027 Ford F-150 trucks, but it does not include every F-150 produced during those model years.
According to the NHTSA Part 573 recall report, the potentially affected trucks were built between January 4, 2023, and August 27, 2026. Ford identified the population by reviewing assembly records from periods when camera systems used to confirm correct fuel-tank strap installation were not continuously operating.
Ford included vehicles from this production period that were either unsold or had been in service for less than three months as of August 27, 2026. The company said its field data indicates that an incorrectly installed strap is likely to become apparent early in a truck’s service life.
The affected vehicles were not produced in consecutive VIN order. Model year alone, therefore, cannot confirm whether a particular truck is included.
Ford’s filing does not identify specific engines, trims, cab configurations or fuel-tank sizes. Owners must check the individual vehicle identification number.
Why can the fuel tank detach?
The F-150 uses straps to hold its fuel tank against the truck’s frame. Ford found that, in some affected vehicles, the T-slots on the front fuel-tank straps were not properly inserted into the frame rail during assembly.
If a strap is not correctly secured, the fuel tank may loosen and eventually detach while the truck is being driven.
An unsecured tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire. Fuel loss could also cause the engine to stall. If the tank separates completely, it could fall onto the road and become a hazard for surrounding traffic.
Ford’s safety filing states that drivers may receive no warning before the failure occurs. No specific dashboard light, sound or other advance indicator was identified.
How many F-150 trucks are expected to have the defect?
Ford estimates that approximately 1% of the 223,472 recalled trucks contain the installation defect. That estimate does not mean owners should ignore the recall.
All owners whose VINs appear in the recall database should have their trucks inspected because Ford cannot determine eligibility from model year or trim alone. A dealer inspection is required to confirm whether the straps were installed correctly.
As of August 27, 2026, Ford had identified 16 global warranty claims related to unsecured fuel tanks. Those claims were received between June 25, 2018, and August 5, 2026.
Ford reported no known crashes or injuries connected to the condition when it submitted the recall report.
How to check whether your F-150 is recalled
Owners can check their trucks through either of these official tools:
- Visit the NHTSA recall lookup and enter the 17-character VIN.
- Use Ford’s recall lookup to search the VIN.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 26S69.
- Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer, which can search Ford’s service database.
The VIN is normally visible through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. It can also be found on the driver-side door label, registration papers or insurance documents.
NHTSA’s filing scheduled affected VINs to become searchable on September 14, 2026. Owners do not need to wait for a mailed notice before checking.
What repair will Ford provide?
A Ford or Lincoln dealer will inspect the fuel-tank straps. If the inspection finds an installation problem, the dealer will replace the straps and correctly secure them to the frame rail.
Ford will provide the inspection and any necessary replacement at no charge.
Dealers were scheduled to receive notification on September 14. Ford plans to mail owner letters in phases between September 21 and September 28, 2026.
Owners should call the dealer before visiting to confirm VIN eligibility, appointment availability and whether any needed parts are in stock.
Can owners continue driving before the repair?
The recall filing does not include a general “do not drive” or “park outside” instruction. However, the absence of such an instruction does not remove the risks identified by Ford.
Owners with an included VIN should contact a Ford dealer and arrange the inspection promptly. They should also follow any vehicle-specific instructions provided by Ford or the dealer.
If the truck develops a fuel smell, shows visible fuel leakage, stalls unexpectedly or appears to have a loose component underneath it, the driver should stop in a safe place away from traffic and ignition sources. The truck should not be driven again until Ford or a qualified service provider advises that it is safe. Do not crawl underneath a vehicle on a public road to inspect the tank.
Drivers facing an immediate fuel leak or fire risk should move away from the vehicle and contact emergency services.
What should used F-150 shoppers do?
Anyone considering a used 2023–2027 F-150 should run the VIN through the NHTSA and Ford recall databases before completing the purchase.
A recalled truck is not automatically defective, and Ford estimates that only a small portion of the recalled population contains the assembly problem. Buyers should still ask for documentation showing whether the vehicle was inspected and whether any necessary repair was completed.
The VIN lookup is more reliable than relying on the model year, trim or seller’s description.
What happens next?
Ford is expected to finish mailing owner notifications by September 28, 2026. Owners whose trucks are included can schedule the free inspection through an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer.
The recall population or instructions could change if Ford receives additional field data. Owners should continue checking their VIN and follow any updated guidance from Ford or NHTSA.
