Ford tailgate recall

[dhn]

DETROIT (AP) 12/6/19 — Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 262,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks in the U.S. and Canada because the tailgates can open unexpectedly. The recall covers F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks from the 2017 through 2019 model years. All the trucks have electric tailgate latch release switches in the tailgate handle. Ford says water can get into the electrical wiring and cause a short circuit, activating the switches and releasing the latches. That could allow loose cargo to fall onto the road. The company says it has no reports of crashes or injuries. Trucks with mechanical tailgate latches are not affected. Dealers will fix the tailgate frame wiring harnesses and install a new tailgate handle release switch. Owners will be notified by mail during the week of Jan. 20.

[rhagfo]

Never saw this with the old chain and hook system!

[bearcat77]

Got the notice today. I can’t wait to call customer service and the dealer and remind them that I called them in July to report this very issue and they completely blew me off. Not only will they fix the tailgate, they can reimburse me for the tailgate trim pieces I had to spend $170 on. They are lucky I’ve already traded in the fifth wheel, or they could replace the $300 cargo door the tailgate punctured as well.