Ford F-150 Recall 18S27: Everything You Need to Know

BREAKING NEWS: Ford has recalled nearly 2 million (1,995,776) North American F-150 trucks due to seatbelt safety issues.

Here’s what we know: Ford inspectors investigated issues raised by more than 20 F-150 owners of post-collision smoke or fire, which was deemed to have been caused by faulty seatbelt pretensioners. In select 2015-2018 Ford F-150 models—only Regular Cab and SuperCrew trims built in Michigan and Kansas City are affected—these pretensioners can spark and subsequently ignite the interior insulation and carpets.

A scary situation, indeed. Thankfully, however, no injuries or crashes have been associated with this faulty-seatbelt issue. Even more thankfully, the problems are easily solved with recall repairs, which means a visit to Northside Ford for recall service may be in your future.

The Ford Recall Process

If you’ve purchased a Ford F-150 within the last 3 years, whether at our San Antonio Ford dealership or from another dealer, here’s how you should proceed:

Don’t wait for your “recall letter” in the mail. Check your 17-digit F-150 VIN—your VIN can be found on the windshield or driver’s door post—and enter it on the official Ford Recall site or NHTSA site. If you’re affected by the recall, continue to step 2. (If not, continue on your merry way.)
Set up an appointment with your Ford dealer for a 100% free inspection and recall service. The earlier, the better, as every other F-150 owner will be filling up the queue. (If you need F-150 recall service in San Antonio, contact us at 210-525-9800.)
Once you’ve made an appointment, the technicians within your Ford service center will remove the insulation material from the B-pillar, as well as the wiring harnesses and stock tape. A thick application of new heat-resistant aluminum tape will be placed on the carpet, insulation, and any other affected parts. A modification of the rear interior panels of F-150 Regular Cabs will also be made.
F-150 recall service should be relatively simple, and you likely won’t have to wait long for repairs to be made. However, this Ford recall is quite large, so some delays may be expected as dealers receive the necessary replacement parts and training.
If you experience any issues related to this Ford recall work, contact your dealer immediately for further instructions. Your recall repairs should improve the safety of your vehicle, not make you question it.
As always, our San Antonio Ford Service department is here to help. Give Northside Ford a call at (210) 525-9800 to schedule your F-150 recall repairs.