Quick Facts:
- Recall: F-150 seat recall, Ford 26S74 (NHTSA 26V655000).
- Trucks affected: 2,276 pickups.
- Model years: 2025, 2026 and 2027 Ford F-150.
- Build window: Aug. 25, 2025 to Sept. 23, 2026.
- Problem: Front seats possibly not secured to the body.
- Fix: Dealer inspects, then tightens or replaces the bolts, free.
- Recall letters: Expected Oct. 26, 2026.
 5 min read
In This Article
Overview
Ford is recalling 2,276 pickups in an F-150 seat recall over front seats possibly not secured to the body. The trucks are 2025, 2026 and 2027 F-150s, specifically those built between Aug. 25, 2025 and Sept. 23, 2026. Ford’s recall report lists the window.
NHTSA’s notice says an improperly secured seat might not restrain the occupant in a crash. As a result, the risk of injury rises. Still, Ford told regulators it knows of no deaths or injuries tied to the problem, per the Detroit News.
Dealers will inspect the seat bolts, then tighten or replace them as needed, free of charge. The recall carries Ford 26S74 as its internal number, while NHTSA files it as 26V655000. You do not need to wait for the mail. VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Oct. 9, 2026.
While you wait on the repair, a little preparation in the cab helps. First, the Amazon Basics Emergency Escape Tool pairs a seat belt cutter with a window breaker. Next, the RESQME The Original Compact Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool does the same on a key ring.
Cab safety gear
Key Facts for the F-150 Seat Recall
NHTSA’s campaign record and Ford’s Part 573 recall report also supply the numbers below.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall numbers | Ford 26S74, NHTSA 26V655000 |
| Vehicles | 2025 to 2027 Ford F-150 |
| Units | 2,276 |
| Build window | Aug. 25, 2025 to Sept. 23, 2026 |
| Component | Front seat bolts |
| Remedy | Inspect, then tighten or replace, free |
| Recall letters | Expected Oct. 26, 2026 |
| VIN lookup | Live on NHTSA.gov since Oct. 9, 2026 |
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
Notably, the Detroit News puts the group at less than 1% of models. Most owners will find a clear VIN, though the lookup takes a few minutes. The numbers show how many trucks, while the recall report shows why.
What Went Wrong on the Assembly Line
As the Detroit News summarized it, the recall report traces the problem to one assembly step. First, a warranty report on June 23 flagged a truck with a missing front seat-to-body bolt. In addition, the front passenger seat bolt on the same truck was not fully seated.
Next, investigators found an autoworker unable to secure the seat within the workstation cycle time. Consequently, plant protocol stopped the line. Then a team leader marked the repair complete in the tracking system, but the fix had not been done.
Investigators then looked for similar issues to size the recall population. Meanwhile, warranty and field reports produced 62 VINs with improperly secured seats, and the full recall covers 2,276 trucks.
For me, the tracking entry is the detail worth watching. One missed bolt is a slip. A repair logged as finished when it was not is a process question for Ford. Fastener problems also appeared in the Rivian R2 recall over a battery fastener torque problem. Your VIN will show whether your truck is in this group.
How to Check Your F-150 and Get the Fix
First, find your VIN, the 17-character number on the label inside the driver door jamb and at the lower left of the windshield. Next, enter it in the NHTSA recall lookup. Instead, call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and give recall number 26S74.
Ford expects to mail recall letters on Oct. 26. If your VIN shows an open recall, call a dealer to ask about booking the repair. The fix costs nothing, and dealers will inspect the seat bolts, then tighten or replace them if needed. Citing a Ford letter to retailers, the Detroit News says the repair is eligible for mobile service and dealer pickup and delivery.
Notably, the NHTSA record carries no park-it or park-outside instruction, so it gives no stop-driving order. Still, if a front seat feels loose, call a dealer right away instead of waiting for a letter.
The VIN lookup also lists other open campaigns, for example the July rollaway recall we covered earlier.
What the F-150 Seat Recall Means for You
If your VIN shows no open F-150 seat recall, nothing changes for your truck. Because the build window spans 13 months, older F-150s fall outside this campaign.
If your VIN shows an open recall, book the repair. The remedy is an inspection with the bolts tightened or replaced as necessary, at no cost to you.
Shopping for a new or used 2025 to 2027 F-150? Ask the seller for the VIN and run the same lookup before you sign. Federal law bars dealers from selling a new vehicle with an open recall. A used truck is your own check to make.
Ford’s recall count shows why a quick VIN check is a good habit. For example, the Detroit News reports this is Ford’s 80th recall of 2026 by NHTSA’s count. It is more than double any other automaker’s total, after a record 153 recalls last year. Meanwhile, Ford has made process changes. J.D. Power ranked it the top mass-market brand for initial quality earlier this year. Our look at Ford recall delays covers what owners do while they wait on a repair.
Meanwhile, a few basic supplies keep you ready while you wait on a recall repair. For example, the BAND-AID Brand All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit supplies bandages and gauze. Also, the EMERGENCY USA Roadside Car Emergency Kit adds jumper cables and a tow strap. Then, keep both in the cab for any drive.
Cab first aid and roadside gear
Final Thoughts
If you own a 2025 to 2027 F-150, this recall deserves a few minutes of your week. My advice: check your VIN first. Then, if it comes back open, book the free dealer visit.
The trade-off is small. A short dealer visit buys a seat ready to do its job in a crash. The repair is eligible for mobile service and pickup and delivery. Also, Ford knows of no deaths or injuries, and the remedy is simple.
I keep coming back to the tracking entry, a repair logged as done when it was not. The VIN lookup spares you from taking anyone’s word for it. I especially like seeing it go live before the letters. If your truck is clear, move on. Otherwise, make the call.
FAQ
Which trucks are in the F-150 seat recall?
The recall covers select 2025 to 2027 Ford F-150 pickups built from Aug. 25, 2025 to Sept. 23, 2026. Because NHTSA lists 2,276 vehicles, confirm your truck with its VIN.
Is it safe to drive my F-150 before the repair?
NHTSA has not told owners to park the truck. Specifically, its record has no park-it or park-outside instruction. Ford knows of no deaths or injuries. Still, an improperly secured seat might not restrain you in a crash, so book the repair soon.
How much does the recall repair cost?
Nothing, because dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the front seat bolts free of charge.
How do I check my F-150 seat recall status?
Enter your VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup. Instead, call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and give recall number 26S74.
When will Ford send recall letters?
Ford expects to begin mailing owner letters on Oct. 26, 2026.
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