Today's trail report

Four Ford recalls cover F-150 Raptor axle, fuel tank, and suspension issues, plus a Bronco air bag defect

By The OffRoading.News Desk

Good morning. Ford has filed four separate recall campaigns with NHTSA. None are stop-ride — dealers handle the fix, and owners can keep driving to the appointment.

Campaign 26V-576 covers 2026 F-150 Raptor trucks built with incorrect rear axle tail bearings, which NHTSA says can cause rear wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation. Dealers will replace the bearing at no charge; owner notification letters are expected to go out September 21, 2026, under Ford's internal number 26S63.

Campaign 26V-578 addresses a fuel tank that may not be properly secured and can leak or detach while driving. NHTSA's summary text describes the range as 2023-2027 F-150 vehicles, while its own coverage listing narrows that to 2023–2026 Raptor models — owners should check their VIN once it's searchable on NHTSA.gov rather than go by model year alone. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the fuel tank straps free of charge. Letters are also expected September 21, 2026, under Ford number 26S69.

Campaign 26V-577 covers 2026 F-150 Raptor trucks where the rear stabilizer rod fasteners may not have been tightened properly at the factory, allowing the rod to shift out of position. Dealers will replace the fasteners free of charge. Notification letters were expected September 15, 2026, under Ford number 26S66.

Campaign 26V-580 covers 2026 Bronco (U725) models, where the mounting bracket for the right-hand-side curtain air bag may carry a metal burr that can tear the bag during deployment. Ford's remedy increases the clearance between bracket and air bag to remove the contact point; interim letters warning owners were expected to go out around September 15, 2026, with the actual fix not expected until October 2026, under Ford number 26S64. For all four, Ford directs owners to its customer service line, 1-866-436-7332, and VINs become searchable on NHTSA.gov starting the dates NHTSA specified for each campaign.

Separately, RideApart reported that Can-Am is recalling a range of late-model two- and three-wheelers, including the Pulse, Origin, Canyon, and Spyder trims back to 2024, over a faulty touchscreen. RideApart's report did not carry an NHTSA campaign number, so owners of those models should wait for an official notice before assuming their unit is affected.

On the racing side, Dirt Wheels and UTV Action both reported Wayne Matlock winning the SCORE Baja 400 in a Polaris RZR Pro R Factory after penalties were applied, collecting Polaris' $50,000 SCORE Challenge. UTV Action reported RZR Factory Racing's Ethan Groom finished second and Dallas Gonzalez Jr. took third, completing an all-RZR Pro R Factory podium sweep.

In product news, Dirt Bike Magazine covered Suzuki's 2027 DR-Z4S and DR-Z4S+ dual-sport announcement, noting the DR-Z4S carries a $1,000 price cut from last year, alongside updates to the V-Strom 1050 line. The outlet also tested the 2027 Beta X-Trainer 200, a two-stroke enduro bike with a claimed 215-pound dry weight. Powersports Business reported Bassani launching a signature exhaust for Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider and Low Rider ST models developed with skateboarder Greg Lutzka, and separately covered Polaris' new Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover snowmobile for its government and defense division, plus BRP's recognition of its top North American dealers at Club BRP 2027 in Orlando. Off Road Xtreme installed and tested GME's XRS Connect GMRS radio on a Land Cruiser. TFLtruck and Car and Driver both reported that Land Rover and Stellantis are exploring a US-built Defender pickup through their new partnership, and Carscoops reported Toyota's Land Cruiser 300 update for the Japanese market drops the gas engine in favor of an expanded hybrid option, alongside a new Modellista bodykit.