Ford Recalls 223,000 Trucks Over Fuel Tank Defect That Could Lead to Leaks, Fire or a Crash

Ford Motor Company is recalling 223,472 F-150 pickup trucks in the United States because their fuel tanks may not be properly secured. The recall involves certain 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 Ford F-150s, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall record. The affected trucks were produced between January 4, 2023, and August 27, 2026.

The problem involves the front fuel tank straps, which may have been improperly assembled and fail to adequately secure the tank to the truck. If that happens, gasoline could leak or the fuel tank could detach while the F-150 is being driven. A leak could cause the engine to stall or increase the risk of a fire, while a detached tank could become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall is identified as NHTSA Campaign 26V578000, while Ford’s internal recall number is 26S69. Ford says dealers will inspect the fuel tank straps and replace them when necessary at no cost to owners. Ford had not identified any crashes or injuries connected with the defect when the recall was announced.

Exactly Which Ford Trucks Are Included?

The recall applies specifically to certain Ford F-150 trucks from model years 2023 through 2027. It is not limited to one state or region; this is a U.S. vehicle safety recall covering potentially affected trucks distributed through Ford’s U.S. market. However, not every F-150 from those five model years is included, so owners need to check their individual vehicle identification number to know whether their truck is affected.

Recall details: Brand/Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company; Model: Ford F-150; Model Years: 2023-2027; Vehicles Potentially Affected: 223,472; Production Dates: January 4, 2023-August 27, 2026; Affected Component: Front Fuel Tank Strap; Component Part Number: ML34-9054-XX; NHTSA Recall Number: 26V578000; Ford Recall Number: 26S69.

Unlike a food or retail product recall, there isn’t a list of Walmart, Costco, dealership locations, or individual states where these trucks were sold that owners need to match against. Vehicle recalls are tied to individual VINs. NHTSA says consumers can search recalls using their VIN, and the VINs associated with this particular Ford campaign became searchable beginning September 14, 2026.

Why the Fuel Tank Problem Could Become Dangerous

The defect centers on the straps responsible for holding the fuel tank securely to the truck. Ford began investigating the problem after reports involving unsecured straps and ultimately identified 16 warranty claims worldwide associated with the condition by August 27, according to reporting based on Ford’s recall filing. The company estimated that approximately 1% of the recalled vehicles may actually contain the defect, but all trucks identified by the recall still need to be checked.

If a tank becomes loose enough to leak gasoline, the vehicle could lose fuel and potentially experience an engine stall. Escaping gasoline also increases the possibility of a fire. If the tank separates completely while the vehicle is moving, it could fall into the roadway and create an obstacle for surrounding traffic, which is why NHTSA says the condition can increase the risk of a crash.

There is currently no NHTSA “Do Not Drive” instruction and no “Park Outside” instruction associated with this recall. That means regulators have not directed all affected owners to immediately stop driving their trucks or keep them away from structures. Still, owners should arrange the free inspection once they confirm their VIN is included, particularly because the defect involves the vehicle’s gasoline storage system.

What F-150 Owners Should Do Now

Owners of 2023-2027 Ford F-150s should locate their 17-character VIN and check it through NHTSA’s official recall lookup. The VIN can typically be found through the lower driver’s side of the windshield, inside the driver’s door area, or on registration and insurance documents. Ford is expected to begin mailing recall notification letters to affected owners on September 21, 2026, but owners do not have to wait for a letter because affected VINs are already searchable.

If your truck is included, contact an authorized Ford dealer and schedule the recall service. The dealer will inspect the fuel tank straps and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Owners should reference Ford recall 26S69 when contacting the company or dealership. Ford customer service can be reached at 1-866-436-7332, while NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is available at 1-888-327-4236.

Owners should also pay attention to anything unusual involving the fuel system while waiting for service. If you notice an apparent gasoline leak, strong fuel odor, engine stalling, or a fuel tank that appears loose or out of position, avoid treating it as a minor maintenance issue and contact Ford or a dealer for guidance. NHTSA stresses that safety recall repairs are free and recommends having open recalls addressed promptly, making a VIN check particularly important for anyone driving an F-150 from the affected model years.