Ford announced that they’ve initiated a recall on nearly 262,000 heavy-duty pickups in the US and Canada because the tailgates can open unexpectedly.
The recall covers 2017 – 2019 model F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks, which all feature an electric tailgate latch release switch in the tailgate handle. Ford has recognized that water can get into the electrical wiring, causing a short circuit and activating the switch that releases the handle. This could cause loose cargo to fall out onto the road.
To date, there are no reported injuries or accidents because of the faulty tailgates, and trucks with traditional mechanical latches aren’t affected.
Truck owners affected can take their truck to their local Ford dealership. Ford will fix the tailgate frame wiring harness and install a new handle release switch. Owners will be notified by mail the week of January 20, 2020.
To see if your truck is on the list, have your VIN number ready and head over to Ford’s safety recall website.
