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Ford F-150: tailgate can open on its own while driving

NHTSA campaign 21V983000 · Reported 2021-12-16 · Ford Motor Company

medium How serious is it? About this label

This is a moderate but real hazard — cargo falling onto the road can cause a crash, and the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, though you should avoid carrying loose items in the bed until it is fixed.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain 2018 Ford F-150 trucks with either manual or power release tailgates have latches that can let go by themselves while you are driving. If the tailgate drops open unexpectedly, anything in the bed that is not tied down can fall out onto the road and become a hazard for you and for drivers behind you. Ford dealers will replace both the left-hand and right-hand tailgate latches.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your truck is included. 2. Contact your Ford dealer, or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (recall 21S53), to schedule the latch replacement. 3. Have both tailgate latches replaced — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Ford F-150

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why do Ford doors and tailgates open on their own? · all 6 Ford recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates. The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving.
Safety risk: Unexpected tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand tailgate latches, free of charge. An interim notification letter was mailed January 31, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S53.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.