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Ford recalls 30,123 pickups over tailgate cable defect
The faulty cables came from a supplier whose broken crimping die left an incomplete crimp on the eyelet.
2 Nov 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
Ford has recalled 30,123 full-size pickup trucks, covering the F-150, F-250, F-350 and F-450.
The fault was found during a load test at Ford's Kentucky truck plant on June 13, 2026. Workers saw left-hand tailgate cables separating from the eyelet. The supplier, Ohio-based Cable Manufacturing & Assembly Co., confirmed a broken crimping die was the cause. The affected cables were made during two shifts on May 26, 2026, and only left-side cables may be compromised.
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Problem identified during testing
When a heavy load, such as a utility terrain vehicle, is placed on the tailgate, the right-side cable may not hold the weight if the left cable fails. The tailgate could then drop onto the rear bumper, creating a risk of injury. Ford issued a stop-ship order for the affected trucks and has not received any warranty claims related to the defect.
Ford expects to send owner notification letters between December 14 and 18, 2026. The recall repair is expected to start in January 2027, once replacement cables are available. VINs of affected trucks will be searchable on the NHTSA website from December 7, 2026. Dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable at no charge, using properly calibrated tooling.
The replacement cable carries part number FL34-9944411-AD. Ford's recall campaign number is 26S78.