Car · Ford recalls
2026 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Explorer, filed between October 10, 2025 and September 9, 2026. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
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| Part | Filed | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags: frontal | September 9, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical | August 25, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical | August 13, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Seats: power adjust | July 21, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Seats: mid/rear assembly | July 15, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical | May 27, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Visibility: fan/motor | March 31, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical | March 31, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Seat belts | March 17, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Exterior lighting: headlights | March 3, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Visibility: windshield | January 21, 2026 | Dealer fix |
| Engine | December 2, 2025 | Dealer fix |
| Visibility: windshield | October 24, 2025 | Dealer fix |
| Trailer hitches | October 10, 2025 | Dealer fix |
Air bags: frontal
Campaign 26V581000 · Filed September 9, 2026
What is wrong. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
What could happen. An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 26V548000 · Filed August 25, 2026
What is wrong. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
What could happen. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 26V532000 · Filed August 13, 2026
What is wrong. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
What could happen. Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix. Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S58. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 18, 2026.
Seats: power adjust
Campaign 26V470000 · Filed July 21, 2026
What is wrong. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
What could happen. Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix. Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Campaign 26V451000 · Filed July 15, 2026
What is wrong. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
What could happen. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 26V343000 · Filed May 27, 2026
What is wrong. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
What could happen. A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Visibility: fan/motor
Campaign 26V202000 · Filed March 31, 2026
What is wrong. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
What could happen. An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 26V205000 · Filed March 31, 2026
What is wrong. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
What could happen. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S23. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Seat belts
Campaign 26V159000 · Filed March 17, 2026
What is wrong. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
What could happen. A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix. Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Exterior lighting: headlights
Campaign 26V121000 · Filed March 3, 2026
What is wrong. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What could happen. A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Visibility: windshield
Campaign 26V024000 · Filed January 21, 2026
What is wrong. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
What could happen. In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
The fix. Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C02. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 22, 2026.
Engine
Campaign 25V828000 · Filed December 2, 2025
What is wrong. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
What could happen. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
Visibility: windshield
Campaign 25V730000 · Filed October 24, 2025
What is wrong. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
What could happen. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
Trailer hitches
Campaign 25V687000 · Filed October 10, 2025
What is wrong. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
What could happen. While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2026 Ford Explorer may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN at NHTSA to see whether a campaign is open for your exact car.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Ford dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Ford may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Ford customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Explorer
- 2025 (20)
- 2024 (10)
- 2023 (15)
- 2022 (24)
- 2021 (26)
- 2020 (33)
- 2019 (6)
- 2018 (7)
- 2017 (13)
- 2016 (14)
- 2015 (8)
- 2014 (6)
- 2013 (11)
- 2012 (5)
- 2011 (6)
- 2010 (1)
- All years
More: all Ford recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2026 Ford Explorer recall questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Explorer. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2026 Ford Explorer free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Ford dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2026 Ford Explorer was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows whether a campaign is open for that exact car. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-29. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.