The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 21V-983 (21V983000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 21S53 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch |
| Report date | December 16, 2021 |
| Owners notified | May 31, 2022 |
| Vehicles affected | 57,591 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the locks & latches
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 21V-983 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 57,591 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.