What is the Ford tailgate recall?
Ford tailgate recalls are safety campaigns that address defects in the tailgate system on certain Ford vehicles. If your vehicle is affected, Ford will repair or replace faulty components at no cost after verifying your vehicle’s VIN with Ford and/or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This article explains what tailgate recalls cover, how to check if your Ford is affected, what typically happens during a recall repair, and steps you can take to stay safe and get the issue fixed promptly.
What the recall covers
Recalls involving tailgates usually focus on flaws in the latch mechanism, hinges, cables or supports, and electrical components or sensors that control the tailgate’s closing and signaling. These defects can lead to the tailgate opening unexpectedly, not latching securely, or failing to recognize that it is closed, which poses safety risks.
- Defective tailgate latch assemblies that may fail to latch or release reliably.
- Wiring harnesses or tailgate sensors that provide incorrect status signals or interfere with operation.
- Power liftgate or related electronic components that may malfunction, affecting operation or safety.
Note: The exact models, years, and scope of a tailgate recall vary by campaign. Ford and the NHTSA publish VIN-specific notices, and not all vehicles within a model year will be affected.
Examples of commonly affected models and scenarios
While not exhaustive or model-year specific, tailgate recalls have historically involved popular Ford trucks, SUVs, and some passenger vehicles equipped with power tailgates or liftgates. Always check your VIN to confirm applicability.
How to check if your Ford is affected
To determine whether your vehicle is included in a tailgate recall, use official VIN lookup tools and consult your local Ford dealer.
- Locate your vehicle’s VIN. It is usually found on the driver's side dashboard, the driver’s door jamb, or your registration documents.
- Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your VIN to see open recalls. You can also use Ford’s Owner Portal for recall status.
- Contact your local Ford dealer with the VIN to confirm whether a recall applies and to schedule a free repair if needed.
- If you’ve recently purchased a used Ford or if you don’t have access to online tools, call Ford Customer Service or your dealership for assistance.
Keeping contact information up to date with Ford and enrolling in recall notifications helps ensure you receive timely notices about new campaigns.
What happens during a recall repair
When a tailgate recall applies, the typical process is designed to be free of charge for the owner and coordinated through authorized Ford service centers.
- Technicians inspect the tailgate system and identify the defective component(s).
- The faulty part (such as a latch, hinge, cable, sensor, or related wiring) is replaced or repaired, and any related components are upgraded if required.
- Software updates may be installed to correct tailgate control or sensor behavior.
- After repair, the tailgate’s operation is tested to ensure secure closure and proper signaling.
Repair duration can vary from a single service visit to a short follow-up appointment, depending on the campaign and parts availability. If you have already incurred expenses related to the issue, talk to the dealer about potential reimbursement under the recall terms.
Staying safe and taking action
While awaiting repair or after receiving a recall notice, observe basic safety precautions to prevent injury or damage. Do not drive with a tailgate that does not appear securely closed or that shows signs of misalignment or intermittent operation. Schedule repairs promptly through an authorized Ford dealer.
Summary
Ford tailgate recalls are safety campaigns aimed at fixing defects in tailgate components that could cause the tailgate to open unexpectedly or fail to latch. To know if your vehicle is affected, check the VIN against official recall databases (NHTSA or Ford), and contact a Ford dealer to arrange a free repair if needed. Staying informed and acting quickly helps ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with recall requirements.
What is the Ford tailgate opening recall?
The recall covers 2020 through 2024 model year trucks with power unlatching tailgates because water could leak into the exterior tailgate switch and cause a short circuit while parked. GM said it is aware of one reported incident of a minor injury and three minor property damage complaints related to the recall issue.
What is the tailgate actuator recall on the Ford F150?
Ford Recall Tailgate Latch
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate/frame wiring harnesses by adding jumper pigtails to isolate the tailgate release control circuits and will install a new tailgate handle release switch, free of charge.
What Ford models are currently recalled?
Recent Recalls
- Takata Airbag Recall.
- 25S76: 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport® / 2020-2022 Ford Escape®
- 24S55: 2021-2022 Ford Bronco® / Edge® / Explorer® / F-150®
- 24S44: 2022-2023 Ford Mustang®
- 23S37: 2014 Ford F-150®
How does the 2025 Ford tailgate work?
You see the action on that super. Easy super light and we also have hydraulic opening and closing on our tailgate. So at the touch of that same button also from my key I can drop down that tailgate.
