Recall 19V864 affects 231,664 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty trucks for unintended tailgate opening that can spill cargo. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 231,664 2017-2019 F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-450 Sd trucks because water can enter the tailgate latch release switch wiring, short the circuit, and release the tailgate latches. Unrestrained cargo can fall from the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk; the Ford dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The electric tailgate latch release switch on 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-450 Sd trucks is the button in the tailgate handle that tells the latches to release. When it works normally, the switch sends an electrical signal only after someone presses the handle, then the tailgate unlatches so it can be lowered. Trucks with a mechanical tailgate release handle are not part of this defect.
On affected trucks, water can enter the electrical wiring system around the switch. That moisture creates a short circuit, which can activate the release switch without anyone touching the handle. Once the switch activates, the tailgate latches release and the tailgate opens. Ford's repair uses an added wiring harness jumper to separate power and ground circuits, plus an updated tailgate handle release switch built to reduce water entry.
The warning sign is straightforward: the tailgate opens when you did not request it. If the release happens before you enter the truck, the open tailgate is the thing you can see.
Who's affected?
Covers F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-450 Sd trucks from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years, all tied to the tailgate latch.
| 2017 Ford F-350 Sd | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ford F-250 Sd | Latch |
| 2018 Ford F-350 Sd | Latch |
| 2018 Ford F-450 Sd | Latch |
| 2017 Ford F-250 Sd | Latch |
| 2017 Ford F-450 Sd | Latch |
| 2019 Ford F-450 Sd | Latch |
| 2019 Ford F-350 Sd | Latch |
| 2018 Ford F-250 Sd | Latch |
| Units affected | 231,664 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific pickup truck.
What's the safety risk?
An unintended tailgate opening can let unrestrained cargo fall from the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing crash risk. Check that the tailgate is closed before driving, and secure cargo until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Ford F-350 Sd, F-250 Sd, or F-450 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free tailgate wiring harness and release-switch repair that stops water intrusion from releasing the tailgate latches.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one, or reference recall number 19V864 and Ford recall 19S48 when you call.
- Secure all cargo in the truck bed and check that the tailgate is latched before driving until the repair is complete.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician modifies the tailgate and frame wiring harnesses by adding jumper pigtails that isolate the tailgate release control circuits. The technician also installs a new tailgate handle release switch. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. If you already paid for this remedy before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented owner-paid costs, with reimbursement eligibility ending April 30, 2019. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Ford customer service about the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 4, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 5, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 20, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 22, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V864?
Recall 19V864 covers 231,664 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, and F-450 Sd trucks with an electric tailgate release switch that can short after water enters the wiring. The tailgate can open unintentionally, letting cargo fall into the road.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Sd, F-350 Sd, or F-450 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V864. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 19S48. The dealer repair is free and replaces the affected tailgate switch while adding wiring harness jumper pigtails.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will add jumper pigtails, isolate the tailgate release control circuits, and install a new tailgate handle release switch free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is cargo leaving the truck bed after the tailgate opens without warning. Unrestrained cargo can become a road hazard and increase crash risk. Until the repair is complete, secure cargo carefully and confirm the tailgate is latched before driving.
What if I bought my Ford Super Duty used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 19V864 or Ford recall number 19S48 to schedule the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V864000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V864 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V864000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →