Ford Motor Company is recalling 223,472 F-150 pickups because the fuel tank may not be properly secured and could leak fuel or detach from the truck while it is being driven. Ford reported the defect to NHTSA on September 9, 2026. The campaign is NHTSA recall 26V-578, and Ford's number for it is 26S69.
According to Ford's Part 573 report, some front fuel tank strap T-slots were not properly inserted into the truck's frame rail during assembly. Ford traced the problem to stretches of production when the camera systems that verify the strap installation were not in continuous use at F-150 assembly plants.
Which trucks are included
NHTSA lists 2023 through 2027 model-year F-150s built from January 4, 2023, through August 27, 2026. Ford narrowed that population, though. Only trucks from the period that were unsold, or had been in service for less than three months as of August 27, 2026, are included, because Ford says field data show the condition appears very early in a truck's life. The trucks were not built in VIN order, so Ford points owners to its recall line or a dealer for vehicle-specific answers. VINs have been searchable on NHTSA.gov since September 14, 2026.
Ford estimates that 1% of the recalled trucks have the defect. As of August 27, 2026, it knew of 16 related warranty claims worldwide, received between June 25, 2018, and August 5, 2026, and no reports of accidents or injuries. The issue went to Ford's Critical Concern Review Group on July 23, 2026, and the company's Field Review Committee approved the recall on September 1.
Why it matters
A fuel tank that works loose can leak, which raises the risk of a fire or can stall the engine as fuel is lost. A tank that falls off becomes a road hazard for other drivers. Ford told NHTSA there is no warning before the failure.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the front fuel tank straps and replace them as needed, at no charge. The replacement straps are the same part, properly secured to the frame rail. Ford's owner letter says the work takes less than half a day and that participating dealers may offer complimentary pickup and delivery. Ford mailed owner letters on September 21, 2026, and the letter says Ford has not told owners to stop driving their trucks. Ford's recall assistance line is 1-866-436-7332.
Owners who already paid for a fuel tank strap repair still need the recall performed, Ford's letter says, and may be eligible for a refund; the dealer needs the original receipt. The letter also warns that Ford can deny coverage for vehicle damage that results from not having the recall done in a timely way, so it is worth booking the inspection soon after the letter arrives.