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Ford Recalls More Than 223,000 F-150 Trucks Over Fuel Tank That Could Leak or Detach

Ford is recalling more than 223,000 F-150 pickup trucks because a problem securing the fuel tank could potentially cause it to leak or separate from the vehicle.

The safety recall covers certain 2023 through 2027 Ford F-150 trucks and is listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as recall 26V578000.

Ford’s internal campaign number is 26S69.

Owners won’t have to pay for the repair, but F-150 drivers should check their Vehicle Identification Number rather than assuming every truck from the listed model years is included.

Why Ford Is Recalling the F-150 Trucks

The problem involves the straps used to secure the truck’s fuel tank.

According to recall information submitted to NHTSA, the fuel tank on affected vehicles may not be properly secured. If the problem occurs, the tank could potentially leak fuel or separate from the vehicle.

Both scenarios create safety concerns.

A detached fuel tank can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for the affected driver or other motorists.

A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire. The defect can also potentially cause the engine to stall, which creates another safety risk if it happens while the truck is being driven.

More Than 223,000 Trucks Are Included

The recall affects more than 223,000 F-150 pickup trucks from model years 2023 through 2027.

That doesn’t mean every F-150 built during those five model years has the defect.

Vehicle recalls are generally tied to particular production populations, components or other identifying criteria. Two trucks with the same model year and trim can therefore have different recall status.

The easiest way for an owner to determine whether a particular truck is included is to check its 17-character VIN.

NHTSA maintains a recall lookup tool that allows vehicle owners to enter a VIN and see whether the vehicle has an unrepaired safety recall.

Ford Dealers Will Inspect the Fuel Tank Straps for Free

Owners of affected trucks won’t be responsible for paying for the recall repair.

Ford dealers will inspect the fuel tank straps and replace them if necessary, free of charge.

That distinction is important: the remedy doesn’t necessarily mean every recalled truck automatically receives new straps. Dealers first inspect the vehicle and then replace the straps when required.

Ford expects owner notification letters to be mailed beginning September 21, 2026.

Owners don’t necessarily have to wait for a letter before investigating. VINs associated with the recall are expected to become searchable through NHTSA beginning September 14.

How to Check an F-150 Before the Recall Letter Arrives

If you own a 2023–2027 F-150, locate the VIN on the vehicle or your registration and enter it into the NHTSA recall lookup.

You can also check through Ford’s recall system or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 26S69.

Once the VIN shows that the truck is included, contact an authorized Ford dealer about scheduling the free inspection and any necessary repair.

NHTSA generally advises vehicle owners with open recalls to contact their manufacturer’s dealership and complete recall repairs promptly.

The agency also offers its free SaferCar app, which lets drivers save vehicles by VIN and receive notifications when new recalls are announced.

Don’t Ignore Signs of a Possible Fuel Problem

Owners should follow any specific safety instructions Ford provides with the recall notification.

In general, a strong gasoline odor, visible fuel beneath a vehicle or an unexpected engine stall shouldn’t simply be ignored while waiting for a scheduled recall appointment.

If you suspect your truck is leaking fuel or isn’t safe to drive, contact the dealer or Ford for guidance before continuing to operate it.

NHTSA also accepts reports from drivers who believe a vehicle has a safety defect.

A recall repair may be inconvenient, but having the fuel-tank attachment inspected is particularly important when the potential consequences include a fuel leak, vehicle stall or a tank separating from the truck.

Check the VIN Even If Your F-150 Seems Fine

A truck doesn’t need to be showing obvious symptoms to be included in a safety recall.

Owners of 2023 through 2027 F-150s should check their VIN once the new campaign appears in NHTSA’s database and look again if the recall hasn’t populated yet.

Ford’s recall number is 26S69, while the federal NHTSA campaign number is 26V578000.

If the truck is affected, the inspection and necessary fuel-tank strap replacement will be performed at no charge.

Checking takes only a few minutes, and in this case the potential problem involves one of the most safety-critical components underneath the vehicle: the tank holding its fuel.

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