2018 Ford F-150 Recall: Tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving
NHTSA campaign 21V983000 · Latches/locks/linkages · filed Dec 16, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Ford F-150 recalls
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- 2018–2020 Ford F-150 — When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to…
- 2018 Ford F-150 — Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause…
- 2014 Ford F-150 — A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft…
Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V983000 (manufacturer number 21S53). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.