Ford Motor Co. is recalling 223,472 F-150 pickup trucks because improperly secured fuel tank straps could cause the tanks to become unsecured or detach while the vehicles are being driven.
The recall covers certain 2023-2027 model-year F-150 trucks built between January 4, 2023, and August 27, 2026, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fuel Tank Straps May Not Be Properly Secured
In some vehicles, the T-slots on the front fuel tank straps may not have been properly inserted into the vehicle’s frame rail during assembly.
Ford said the affected trucks were built during periods when camera systems used to verify proper fuel tank strap assembly were not in continuous operation at F-150 assembly plants.
If the straps are not properly secured, the fuel tank could become detached while the truck is moving.
Ford estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles contain the defect.
Recall Carries Fire and Stalling Risks
An improperly secured fuel tank could result in fuel leaks, increasing the risk of a fire or causing the engine to stall because of fuel loss.
A fuel tank that detaches from the vehicle could also create a road hazard for other motorists.
Ford said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries associated with the issue.
The company has received 16 warranty claims globally related to unsecured fuel tanks as of August 27. Those claims were received between June 25, 2018, and August 5, 2026.
Owners Will Receive Recall Notices
Ford will notify affected owners by mail beginning September 21. Notification letters are expected to be mailed through September 28.
Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection. Dealers will inspect the fuel tank straps and replace them if necessary, at no cost to vehicle owners.
The recall remedy involves properly securing the existing type of fuel tank strap to the vehicle’s frame rail.
Vehicle identification numbers became searchable through Ford’s system beginning September 14. Owners can also contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or a local Ford or Lincoln dealer to determine whether a specific vehicle is included.
Ford Began Reviewing Issue in July
Ford brought the issue to its Critical Concern Review Group on July 23 after identifying concerns involving potentially unsecured fuel tanks.
The company reviewed global warranty information from July through August and identified unsecured fuel tanks among F-150 trucks built during periods when assembly verification systems were not continuously operating.
Provided by Dallas Express
