Recall 15V251 affects 73 2015 Ford F-150 trucks for missing underbody heat shields that raise fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 73 2015 F-150 pickups because the underbody heat shields are loose or missing. A missing shield can let fuel or vapor lines degrade or melt, increasing the risk of a fire, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The underbody heat shields on the 2015 Ford F-150 are thin metal panels mounted below the truck. Their job is to sit between hot underbody parts and nearby body or frame areas, so heat stays away from places Ford designed to protect. The shields need their fasteners to stay tight and in the correct position.
On affected F-150 trucks, Ford found that the shields were installed without the appropriate number of fasteners. With too few fasteners, a shield is not held tightly against the underbody. It can loosen, shift, or be missing from the place where it was supposed to protect the truck.
The warning sign Ford identified is noise underneath the vehicle. A loose shield can rattle against nearby parts while the truck is moving, especially over bumps or during vibration.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Ford F-150 | body structure |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 73 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing underbody heat shield lets heat degrade or melt fuel or vapor lines, increasing the risk of a fire. Loose heat shields can make noise underneath the vehicle, so treat new underside noise as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free underbody heat-shield inspection and installation, which protects the fuel and vapor lines from heat damage.
- Bring any Ford recall notice you received, and reference recall number 15V251 when you call.
- Keep the truck away from unnecessary driving until the Ford dealer confirms the underbody heat shields and fasteners are in place.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the vehicle for missing underbody heat shields and fasteners. The technician installs any missing components required by the recall. Parts and labor are covered, so the dealer repair is free. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you already have repair paperwork for this issue, ask the Ford service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 28, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 28, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| April 28, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 11, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 11, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 13, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V251?
Recall 15V251 covers 73 2015 Ford F-150 trucks built from January 30, 2015, to January 31, 2015. The affected trucks can have loose or missing underbody heat shields. Ford dealers inspect the shields and fasteners, then install missing parts for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V251. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the underbody heat shield inspection and repair. Reference Ford recall number 15S12 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Ford says dealers will inspect the underbody heat shields and fasteners, then install missing components as required, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. A missing underbody heat shield can let nearby fuel or vapor lines degrade or melt, increasing the risk of a fire. Ford's repair path is to inspect the underbody shielding and install any missing shield or fastener for free.
What if I bought my Ford F-150 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 15V251 or Ford recall number 15S12.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V251000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V251 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V251000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →