2017 FORD F-250 Structurebodytailgate Problems

The tailgate opens intermittently even after the original recall was done twice and the cab button was replaced and the tailgate actuator was replaced. It happens months apart but does happen. May 15, 2022; Feb 27, 2022; Repairs; Aug 21, 2021; May 22, 2021; Apr 25, 2021; Recall 2nd time; Recall; Opened 4 other times before I started paying attention.

The tailgate continues to open/fall down at random times. The original recall was done 2/11/2020, invoice # 727930, Gosch Auto Group, Escondido, Ca. A second repair was performed 4/22/2021, invoice # 748913, Gosch Auto Group, Escondido, Ca. Since then the tailgate randomly opens. It will open as I pull out of my driveway. On 2/5/2022 the tailgate opened and a container of liquid fertilizer fell out. A gentleman was following behind the vehicle and saw it happen.

I have experienced multiple occasions of issues with the power tailgate release on my 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck. In most cases, the problem exhibits as a failure to open when the button is pushed, but what I believe makes it a safety issue is that on two separate occasions, the tailgate has opened while driving down the highway, without the open button being pressed. This could result in items being carried in the vehicle falling into the roadway at highway speeds, which could result in serious injuries or death to other drivers on the roadway.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TAILGATE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND CLOSED THE TAILGATE. WHEN THE CONTACT RE-ENTERED THE VEHICLE, THE TAILGATE ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GJOVIK FORD INC (LOCATED AT 2600 US-34, SANDWICH, IL 60548, (630) 552-8058) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT WATER MADE CONTACT WITH THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONTROLLED THE TAILGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-250. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING AND TOWING A 26 FOOT TRAILER, THE TAILGATE DROPPED DOWN AND CRASHED ONTO A TOOL BOX. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIVE STAR FORD (3800 HIGHWAY 78, SNELLVILLE, GA 30039, (678) 384-4242) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. A DECISION ON REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WAS PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

I CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE TAILGATE OPENING ON ITS OWN. TODAY IT CAME DOWN SOMETIME WHILE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE TO WORK. I WILL EVENTUALLY LOOSE SOMETHING OUT OF THE BACK, AND I HAVE A COVER ON THE BED, SO I CANNOT SEE WHEN THE TAILGATE IS DOWN. MY TRUCK DOES NOT FALL IN THE TIME FRAME FORD HAS ON THEIR TSB SO I THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. MAY TRUCK WAS AN AUGUST BUILD AND THE TSB FOR THE PROBLEM ONLY COVERS TRUCKS BUILT UP TO JULY