Ford Recalling Nearly a Quarter-Million F-150s Because Their Fuel Tanks Could Fall Off While DrivingRoad & TrackStephen RiversMon, September 14, 2026 at 3:32 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleFord Recalls 223K F-150s Over Gas Tank DetachmentFordTrucks are supposed to be the toughest vehicles around. Plenty of drivers buy them because they like feeling like the biggest, baddest character on the highway. That said, a fuel tank that can fall out while they're driving kind of undermines that image—but concern over detaching gas tanks is exactly what Ford is worried about with its latest recall of nearly a quarter-million F-150s.The campaign covers a span of 223,472 trucks from model years 2023–2027 that were built between January 4, 2023, and August 27, 2026. According to Ford's report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some trucks left the factory with front fuel tank straps that weren't properly inserted into the frame rail. An improperly secured tank can leak fuel, increasing the risk of fire or causing the engine to stall as it loses its supply; plus, if the tank detaches entirely, it also becomes a road hazard for anyone following behind. The automaker lists no warning that would alert owners before the problem occurs.There's an unusual wrinkle in the recall's scope, too: within that production window, Ford is including trucks that were either unsold or had fewer than three months in service as of August 27. Its explanation is that the problem manifests very early in a vehicle's life, based on the cases it has observed. Ford traced the concern to periods when the cameras used to verify correct fuel tank strap installation weren't in continuous use at its F-150 assembly plants; the automaker estimates that one percent of the recalled population actually has the defect.FordThe issue reached Ford's Critical Concern Review Group on July 23, and by August 27, the automaker had identified 16 related warranty claims worldwide. Thankfully, it says it isn't aware of any associated accidents or injuries. Owners will need to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer for a free inspection and strap replacement if necessary. The replacement straps use the same design; the difference is that they'll be properly secured to the frame.AdvertisementAdvertisementFord plans to mail owner notices between September 21 and 28, with affected VINs searchable from September 14. Owners can ask their dealer about campaign 26S69, also listed as NHTSA recall 26V578.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
