Tailgate may open unexpectedly
Defect Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
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.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Latches/locks/linkages.
FAQ: Recall 21V983000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 21V983000?
NHTSA recall 21V983000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on December 16, 2021. It addresses: Tailgate may open unexpectedly. The recall affects approximately 57,591 vehicles, with the defect involving the Latches/locks/linkages component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 21V983000 or the manufacturer campaign number 21S53. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.