NHTSA Recall 26V578000: Ford F-150 Fuel Tank May Leak or Detach

What the recall covers

Recall 26V578000 (Ford reference 26S69) covers 223,472 model-year 2023 through 2027 Ford F-150 pickups whose fuel tank may not be properly secured. A tank that is not held firmly can leak fuel or, in the worst case, come loose from the truck while it is being driven. NHTSA records the consequences as a road hazard and crash risk, with leaks that can lead to stalling or fire. NHTSA does not flag this campaign as a park-outside or do-not-drive recall, but a fuel leak is the kind of defect where waiting is a poor strategy.

The remedy

Ford dealers will inspect the fuel tank straps and replace them as needed, free of charge. Owner letters were scheduled to begin mailing September 21, 2026, and VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026, so owners do not need to wait for a letter. NHTSA does not list a park-outside or do-not-drive instruction for this campaign.

What owners should do now

• Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls now rather than waiting for the letter, and book the inspection as soon as your dealer can do it.
• Treat the smell of gasoline around the truck, fuel dripping or pooling under the rear half, or a damp tank area as a reason to stop driving and have it towed — not a reason to wait for the recall appointment.
• Avoid parking a truck with a fuel smell inside a garage or attached to a building until it has been inspected.
• Report any unusual noise or looseness underneath the truck — rattling, scraping, or a sagging tank — when you schedule the inspection, and say it in those words.
• Whatever the fix, insist on a written repair order that records the date, the mileage, and your specific complaint. A repair order is what turns a recall visit into evidence if the problem comes back.

How to check your VIN

Confirm coverage by entering the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or Ford's owner recall lookup. Eligibility depends on the build, so a matching model year alone does not prove a specific truck is included. VINs became searchable September 14, 2026.

Ford customer service: 866-436-7332 (Ford's number for this recall is 26S69). NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236.

When this recall can become a California lemon law claim

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it is the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free fix. Your Ford may qualify under California's Lemon Law if the recall repair is significantly delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your vehicle has other unrepaired warranty defects. In those cases you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees. For the full breakdown, see the guides below.