Ford recall 15V605 covers 203 2015-2016 Taurus, Mks, and Explorer vehicles for loose fuel tank attachment bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 203 2015-2016 Taurus, Mks, and Explorer vehicles because fuel tank attachment bolts were not properly tightened during production. If the tank separates, fuel can leak and raise the risk of fire; Ford dealers will repair the attachment free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fuel tank mounting hardware on the 2015-2016 Ford Taurus, Mks, and Explorer holds the gasoline tank tight against the underside of the vehicle. The tank is supported by straps, and the attachment bolts clamp those straps in place so the tank stays secure during braking, cornering, and road vibration.
On affected vehicles built on July 24, 2015, the fuel tank attachment bolts were left only partly tightened during production. Ford traced the issue to a manufacturing trial that used two torque operations, one automated and one manual, and a later shift did not complete both operations. With the bolts not fully tightened, the strap joints lose durability over time. The straps can fracture, and the fuel tank can separate from the vehicle.
The warning sign is noise from loose or fractured fuel tank straps. If you hear a new clunk, rattle, or scraping sound from the tank area, treat it as a reason to have the vehicle checked by a Ford dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers three nameplates from the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the fuel tank mounting system.
| 2015 Ford Taurus | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Lincoln Mks | fuel system |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | fuel system |
| Units affected | 203 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated fuel tank can leak fuel and increase the risk of a fire. Loose or fractured fuel tank straps can make noise, so treat new fuel tank noise as a reason to schedule service soon and avoid ignoring it. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Ford Taurus, Mks, or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free fuel-tank attachment-bolt tightening that secures the tank straps.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V605 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you smell fuel or see a leak. Call the dealer before moving the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician checks the fuel tank attachment bolts and tightens them if needed so the tank straps stay secured. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says the warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 28, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| September 28, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 19, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 19, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V605?
Recall 15V605 covers 203 2015 Ford Taurus, 2015 Lincoln Mks, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles with fuel tank attachment bolts that were not tightened correctly during production. The fuel tank straps can fracture, letting the tank separate from the vehicle and increasing fire risk. Ford dealers will tighten the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Ford Taurus, Mks, or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V605. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 15S26. The dealer will inspect and tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts as needed, and the recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts as needed for free under recall 15V605.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a fuel leak and fire if the fuel tank separates from the vehicle. The issue starts with fuel tank attachment bolts that were not tightened correctly, which can let the straps fracture. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Ford dealer repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Taurus, Mks, or Explorer is included, then reference recall 15V605 or Ford recall 15S26 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V605000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V605 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V605000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →